Joint statement on Gaza from Greece and four members of the Security Council

The last quarterly report by the UN Secretary-General on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2334 was presented to the member states of the Council by Deputy Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov during the session on the situation in the Middle East.

It is reminded that Resolution 2334 calls for the cessation of Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Territories and the prevention of violence against civilians.

According to the report, Israeli authorities “promoted or approved more than 6,310 homes” in the West Bank, while “settlement promotion indicators” reached their highest levels since 2017.

Despite the ceasefire, the report records 1,938 Palestinian deaths from operations by the Israeli military (IDF) during the period covered by the report, bringing the total toll from October 7, 2023, to over 70,000. The Secretary-General calls on the parties to “fully implement the terms of the ceasefire, exercise the utmost restraint, and comply with international law.”

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. The report describes the situation as “devastating,” with massive infrastructure destruction, displacement, and collapse of services. OCHA reports that 100,000 tons of aid were collected in two months, a 67% increase, but access to several areas remains restricted. Due to “significant restrictions,” fewer than 50,000 tents were imported, while 1.28 million people need shelter.

Mr. Alakbarov called on Israel and Hamas to fully implement the ceasefire, exercise the greatest restraint, and comply with international law, including relevant UN resolutions. He emphasized that the ceasefire must be consolidated to allow for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. The United Nations, he stated, is ready to support these efforts. He also condemned the increased settler violence throughout the West Bank, which escalated during the olive harvest.

Greece’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Ag. Balta, during her statement, condemned the “attacks on Jewish communities around the world,” emphasizing that Greece “categorically condemns all forms of anti-Semitism,” as well as “hatred, intolerance, racism, and xenophobia, including hatred against Muslims.”

Referring to Resolution 2803, she noted that it is a “crucial step towards promoting peace and stability,” as it “provides new momentum for efforts to achieve the final disarmament of Hamas.” She also emphasized that the 20-point plan “sets the framework for restoring the self-determination of the Palestinians” and called on all parties to “fully and in good faith comply with its provisions.”

Regarding Resolution 2334, the Greek Permanent Representative pointed out that policies violating it “lead to increased tensions and destabilization in the West Bank” and constitute “a serious obstacle to the creation of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state.”

She expressed deep concern over the “sharp increase in settler violence,” including attacks on Christian communities, emphasizing the need for “protection of the Palestinian population and Christian communities” and “preserving the Status Quo in the Holy Places.”

Ms. Balta emphasized that “the economic viability of the West Bank is a necessary condition” for the peace process. Regarding the role of UNRWA, she stated that it remains “central” and reiterated Greece’s “full support” for its work, especially with the winter approaching.

Greece, she added, remains “unwavering in its belief that the two-state solution is the only viable path” and called on all parties to “demonstrate the necessary political courage” for the progress of the 20-Point Plan.