I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing.
Estonia remains committed to supporting a two-State solution, based on international law, relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.
We call for and support the active engagement of the members of the Middle East Quartet as well as the countries in the region to help create favourable conditions for the resumption of direct meaningful negotiations on all final status issues. Finding a long lasting solution to this conflict is in the interest of the whole region and beyond.
We also call for continued practical steps by the parties to strengthen bilateral cooperation and rebuild mutual trust and confidence. We welcome the cooperation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and urge the parties for further coordinated efforts, ensuring access and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to all Palestinians. There is also room for increased cooperation to overcome the economic crisis. Such steps would be to the benefit of both parties. We hope that this week’s Israeli elections increase political stability and improve dialogue.
Unfortunately the situation on the ground continues to be worrying, as we heard also from the Special Coordinator’s briefing. Estonia condemns Hamas’ recent rocket attack in Beer Sheva. We reiterate our call to all parties to implement Council’s resolution 2334 and to refrain from any unilateral steps which increase tensions or undermine the viability of the two-state solution.
We regret the continued settlement activity by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in East Jerusalem. It is also worrying that demolishing and confiscation of Palestinian structures and properties is continuing at a growing pace. We urge Israel to halt these activities as they are contrary to the International Law.
Another matter of concern is the persistent acts of sporadic violence. We call upon all parties to refrain from fuelling incitement to violence and hate speech and to make further efforts to break the cycle of violence.
We welcome the continued engagement of the Palestinian factions to prepare for the upcoming legislative, presidential and National Council elections. We call upon all Palestinian factions to commit to democratic principles and urge the Israeli authorities to facilitate the holding of elections across all the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.