Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General
Assembly debate on Gaza.
The United Kingdom reiterates its commitment to making progress
towards a two-state solution, in which a safe and secure Israel
lives alongside a sovereign, viable Palestinian state.
The people of the West Bank and Gaza must be given the political
horizon of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new
future, and it needs to be irreversible. This is not entirely in
our gift. But recognition of a Palestinian state should be part
of it. We believe that such recognition of Palestinian statehood
should not come at the start of a new process, but it doesn't
have to come at the very end of the process.
We must start with fixing the immediate crisis in Gaza. Gaza is
Occupied Palestinian Territory and must be part of a future
Palestinian state. However, Hamas is still in control of Gaza,
and Israeli hostages remain in captivity. This shows that we are
still at the start of the process.
Ensuring Hamas is no longer in charge of Gaza and removing
Hamas's capacity to launch attacks against Israel are essential
and unavoidable steps on the road to lasting peace.
As is working together to support the new Palestinian government
as it takes much-needed steps on reform and resumes governance in
Gaza as well as the West Bank.
This is why the United Kingdom abstained on the Security Council
resolution on the 18th of April. We must keep our focus on the
immediate challenge facing innocent civilians right now. This
means continuing to support a deal which would secure a pause in
fighting, then making progress towards a sustainable ceasefire
without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.
President, my Foreign Secretary has spoken with the new Prime
Minister of the Palestinian authority, Mohammad Mustafa, and
offered the UK's support as his government implements much needed
reforms. An effective Palestinian authority is vital for lasting
peace and progress towards a two-state solution. And we are
working urgently to scale up aid into Gaza, including having
trebled our support to Occupied Palestinian Territories last
financial year to over $120 million.
We will continue to work urgently to help to bring peace and
galvanise a political process towards a two-state solution which
provides justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
