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Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel

Jerusalem, 12 March 2024

“As the Holy Month of Ramadan has begun, we have now entered the sixth month of a devastating war in Gaza that will impact the Middle East for years to come. I call for the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to be upheld and respected.

I take note of the guarantee by the Israeli authorities to allow the Muslim population of the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, access to the Holy Sites. I call upon all sides to refrain from provocations and demonstrate maximum restraint.

The war in Gaza has significantly imperiled the fragile stability in the region. This year’s Ramadan is marked by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis and a breakdown of law and order in Gaza, the increasing number of civilian casualties and mounting instability across the West Bank.

There is a growing risk of a wider political and security calamity. This must be avoided at all costs. Any attempt by extremists to turn the conflict into a religious one must be staunchly rejected. Failure to do so will only sow discord and reap more violence and extremism.

I reject calls by Hamas and other Palestinian factions to escalate the situation during this Holy month. The sanctity of Ramadan cannot and should not be used for political gains and calculations.

After over 150 days of war, the population of Gaza must see an end to the horrors they continue to endure. The hostages still held in captivity must be reunited with their loved ones who are also experiencing tremendous pain. The fate of the victims cannot be used as a leverage. Civilians on both sides should no longer pay the price for this terrible conflict.”

[ENDS]

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS AT PRESS STAKEOUT

New York, 11 March 2024

Good morning.

Today marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan – a period when Muslims around the world celebrate and spread the values of peace, reconciliation and solidarity.

Yet even though Ramadan has begun – the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza.

We recently entered the sixth month since the Hamas terror attacks in Israel and the catastrophic Israeli onslaught on Gaza begun.

My strongest appeal today is to honour the spirit of Ramadan by silencing the guns – and removing all obstacles to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid at the speed and massive scale required.

At the same time – and in the Ramadan spirit of compassion -- I call for the immediate release of all hostages.

The eyes of the world are watching. The eyes of history are watching. We cannot look away.

We must act to avoid more preventable deaths.

We have witnessed month after month of civilian killing and destruction at a level that is unprecedented in all my years as Secretary-General.

Meanwhile, life-saving relief for Palestinians in Gaza is coming in trickles – if it comes at all.

International humanitarian law lies in tatters.

And a threatened Israeli assault on Rafah could plummet the people of Gaza into an even deeper circle of hell.

For months, leaders have appealed for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages.

But the most compelling calls have come from the families of the victims of this war.

I will never forget my meetings with them -- and they have stood at this very podium and addressed you -- united in remarkable courage and unfathomable pain.

Israeli hostage families who shared their torment and anguish – and pleaded for the immediate release of their loved ones.

And Palestinian families who shared heart-wrenching testimonies of family members killed in Israeli bombardments – and pleaded for an immediate ceasefire.

As one of those family members said, “We are not here for condolences. We are not here for apologies. We are here for immediate action.”

Is that too much to ask?

We must hear and heed those voices.

Desperate civilians need action – immediate action.

Today, I also renew my appeal for a Ramadan cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

The fighting there must end for the sake of the Sudanese people who face hunger, horrors and untold hardships.

In Gaza, in Sudan, and beyond, it is time for peace.

I call on political, religious and community leaders everywhere to do everything in their power to make this holy period a time for empathy, action and peace.

Let’s not forget that beyond Ramadan, Christians will soon celebrate Easter and Jews will celebrate Passover in April.

It is time to end the terrible suffering. Now is the time to do it.

Thank you.

[END]

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the Situation in Gaza and Israel

Jerusalem, 08 March 2024

“Five months have passed since the acts of terror by Hamas in Israel, including the kidnapping of over 250 people, and the onset of hostilities in Gaza.

These have been five months of suffering and pain. Too many lives have been lost, too many families have been left in agony.

We need an end to this misery now - one that will lead to the immediate release of all remaining Israeli hostages and a ceasefire that will enable a scale-up of critical humanitarian assistance to reach all Palestinians in desperate need in Gaza.”

[ENDS]

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on Reported Advancement of Israeli Settlement Plans

Jerusalem, 7 March 2024

“I condemn yesterday’s reported advancement by the Israeli authorities of plans for over 3,400 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Israel’s settlement expansion continues to be a driver of conflict in the occupied West Bank, further entrenching the occupation and undermining the right of Palestinians to self-determination and independent statehood.

I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law, and I urge Israeli authorities to cease all settlement activity and refrain from provocative actions.”