Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned with the deteriorating human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and is following closely the increasing tensions between Israel and Palestine.
We are alarmed by the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Of particular concern is the fact that 2022 was the deadliest year on record for Palestinians in the West Bank since UN records began in 2005. This year we continue to see Palestinian civilians killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank, as well as outbreaks of significant settler-instigated violence. We have also been appalled by attacks on Israelis, including the terrorist attack outside a Jerusalem synagogue. We call for immediate de-escalation to ensure that such worrying trends of violence do not continue.
Moreover, we are alarmed at what appears to be a rise in political rhetoric in both Israel and Palestine that incites violence and exacerbates animosity between Israelis and Palestinians, further undermining any political will for resuming the Middle East Peace Process.
Mr President, this pattern of conflict has dragged on for too long. It undermines the basic human rights of Palestinians and Israelis to live in safety and security. We urge the parties to relaunch a genuine political process towards a negotiated two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is the best path for a durable peace in the region.
Aotearoa New Zealand stands ready to assist in any constructive way we can to support these efforts.
I thank you.