75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council meeting on Middle-East
Statement by DPR Andre Lipand
August 30, New York
I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing.
Estonia remains committed to supporting efforts to find a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As stated many times before, the only viable path towards this is through direct negotiations aiming for a two-state solution based on international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Until the conditions for such negotiations are established, we urge the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take practical steps to rebuild confidence. For instance, further coordinated efforts to enhance economic cooperation would be vital and would benefit the citizens of both sides.
Meanwhile, it is essential that all refrain from any unilateral steps that undermine the viability of the two-state solution.
We are concerned about the continued tensions around Gaza, and reiterate our call to the parties to continue to respect the ceasefire and do their utmost to avoid further violence. The continued launching of incendiary balloons as well the recent launching of another rocket towards Israel is unacceptable. Israel has a right to defend itself, while ensuring the safety and protection of the civilian population.
Estonia fully supports the international and regional efforts for reconstruction in Gaza and for improving the dire and unsustainable humanitarian and socio-economic situation on the Strip. The agreement reached by the United Nations and Qatar on distributing aid to Gaza was a positive step in this regard. We call upon all parties to also facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access.
Turning to West Bank, we are worried about continued incidents of violence, including recent clashes between the Palestinians and the Israeli security forces. We call on all parties to refrain from violence, incitement and acts of provocation.
We are concerned about the recent arrests of Palestinan activists calling for transparency in the investigation related to the killing of the political activist Nizar Banat. We call the Palestinian Authority to ensure freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and to conclude a transparent investigation of the death of Nizar Banat.
We are also concerned about Israel’s settlement activity, as well as evictions and demolitions of Palestinian property in the West Bank. We call upon the Government of Israel to refrain from advancing these activities, as they are contrary to international law.
In conclusion, considering the tensions on the ground threatening the stability of Israelis and Palestinians as well, I would like to reiterate the importance of international and regional efforts supporting the parties to take practical steps to restore confidence, to help reconstruction and stabilization in Gaza and to create a horizon for meaningful negotiations. It is also essential to resume the intra-Palesinian reconciliation process.