I thank the Special Coordinator for his update on the situation on the ground.
We meet every month to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the state of play of the peace process. The key message we highlight, over and over again, is the absolute need to do everything in our power to break the cycle of violence and prevent the further deterioration of the conflict.
We firmly believe that full implementation of resolution 2334 is a vital means to that end. We reiterate it today, with a sense of urgency, at a situation when the peace process remains stalled.
Colleagues,
Back in 2016, the resolution 2334 established that settlements in Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem constitute a violation under international law and a major obstacle to the vision of two States living side-by-side in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders.
We regret to observe that this landmark resolution is not been implemented, that settlements have continued and continue to expand, diming hopes for a meaningful peaceful resolution, which is a precondition for the peaceful co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians, living in two states, a viable Palestine state, that lives in peace with a democratic Israel, with Jerusalem as shared capital.
We have and will continue to say it loud and clear: the security of Israel will never be in question. But settlements do not contribute to the security of Israel. Settlements lead to violence and to loss of lives, on both sides.
Israel is a democracy. The backbone of every democracy is the rule of law. Albania remains fully committed to the rule of law domestically and internationally.
Colleagues,
We remain deeply concerned about the threats to the preservation of the status quo of the Holy sites in Jerusalem, and incendiary and hate speech that further exacerbates tensions. Hate speech and incitement to violence should not be tolerated anywhere. They have even less place in the holy sites and should be condemned universally and unequivocally.
We are also deeply troubled by the increase in everyday violence. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and incitement to commit such heinous acts. We therefore support the legitimate right of Israel to defend itself against such acts, with due regard to proportionality and protection of civilians.
Demolitions and evictions, including in Masafer Yatta, can and should be prevented, as they turn the lives of these people upside down, and only exacerbate the animosity and distrust between both peoples.
The killing of Shireen Abu Aqleh and the storming of her funeral procession by the Israeli police require an independent and impartial investigation to establish the truth. Truth brings trust. We urge both the Palestinian an Israeli authorities to cooperate to carry out a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation, so as to ensure accountability, as called for by the Council.
Colleagues,
The troubled history of the Middle East tells us that the extreme sensitivity and fragility has always been easily exploited by those who do not want peace and do not work for peace. Regretfully, as time goes, their grip has strengthened. We should not contemplate this dangerous predicament which would make the prospect for a peaceful solution transform from a wish into a souvenir.
This bleak outlook is a cry for the resumptions of peaceful negotiations on the bases of the legal framework created by the UN and relevant regional initiatives. In this respect, we look forward to the visit of President Biden in the region.
This is why we welcome all initiatives to unlock the status quo, including by the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which met in Brussels last month, and the measures taken but the Israeli government to expand the issuance of work permits to Palestinians. We also commend the vital support that the EU is giving to the Palestinian people, including to UNWRA.
Such measures will never be enough, nor are they game changers. Yet they are important since they help reverse the negative trends, and keep the hope alive for the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The Palestinians and Israelis have suffered enough from this tragic conflict – they need peace! We must do whatever we can to help them.
I thank you.
