President, I would like to start by offering the UK’s sincere
condolences for the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall near
Moscow. Our deepest sympathy goes to the families of the many
victims.
President, the United Kingdom has long been calling for an
immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire
without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life, as
the fastest way to get hostages out and aid in.
That is what this resolution calls for and why the United Kingdom
voted yes on this text.
President, Israel continues to reckon with the brutal horror of
the October 7 attacks, and innocent hostages continue to be held
by Hamas in Gaza. Israel has a right to defend itself and ensure
such an attack can never happen again.
We regret that this resolution has not condemned the terrorist
attacks perpetrated by Hamas on the 7th of October. The UK
condemns these attacks unequivocally.
This resolution sets out the urgent demand for the unconditional
release of all hostages. And we welcome the ongoing diplomatic
efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to this end.
The intense suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza
shows no sign of abating and a humanitarian catastrophe is
unfolding before our eyes.
The resolution sends a clear and united message on the need for
International Humanitarian Law to be upheld, and for aid to be
scaled up urgently including the lifting of all barriers impeding
its delivery.
President, the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have
reiterated these messages in our contacts with Prime Minister
Netanyahu and other senior Israeli political leaders in recent
weeks. We call for this resolution to be implemented immediately.
President, we need to focus on how we chart the way from an
immediate humanitarian pause to a lasting, sustainable peace
without a return to fighting.
That means the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the
West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support
package; removing Hamas’ capacity to launch attacks against
Israel; Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza; and a political
horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway
towards a two-state solution of Israel and Palestine, living
side-by-side, in security and peace.
I thank you.
