Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, on the situation in the Middle-East, including the Palestinian Question - September 27th, 2023
Mister President,
I thank Mr. Wennesland for his comprehensive briefing on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016).
Mister President,
In his address to the General Assembly last week, President Lula da Silva highlighted the overdue establishment of a Palestinian State as an example of long-standing unresolved disputes lingering on while new threats to international peace and security emerge.
Brazil has recognized the State of Palestine since 2010. However, we are fully aware of the serious obstacles that the Palestinian people face to enjoy their legitimate rights. The international community in general and the Security Council in particular have become unresponsive to the plight of the Palestinians. This must change.
Brazil reiterates its unwavering support to the achievement of a comprehensive, just and enduring peace in the Middle East and to the two-State solution, so that Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace and security within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders. Our collective support is needed even more now that a two-State solution is gravely endangered by violence and acts that represent a flagrant violation of international law in general and of decisions of long-standing by tthis very Council.
Revitalizing the political process is the cornerstone to containing the current cycle of violence. The data from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is alarming. This year has seen the highest number of casualties in the occupied Palestinian territories of both Palestinians and Israelis since 2005. Managing the conflict is not an acceptable alternative to effective negotiations.
The Council should also seriously reflect on its role in paving the way for new direct negotiations. Sitting on our hands while the situation unravels is shortsighted and dangerous. It is not what we are here for. Meanwhile, we must address the core issues driving current tensions. The main one is the expansion of the Israeli settlements. Resolution 2334 (2016) states clearly that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, are unlawful and must be immediately halted. Brazil continues to call upon the Israeli Government to cease policies promoting these illegal practices and to curb settler violence.
Mister President,
Brazil strongly condemns yet again all violence against civilians, be they Palestinians or Israelis. We firmly oppose terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We call on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and actively avoid further escalation. The recent distressing events at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque are deeply disturbing. We condemn any action that aims to alter the historical status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites. We recognize and appreciate the pivotal role the Kingdom of Jordan has played as a custodian over the years.
Peace is intertwined with the universal promotion and respect for human rights. We emphasize the urgency of improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people. That involves fostering the growth of the Palestinian economy, addressing governance challenges and respecting their fundamental rights. Brazil intends to enhance its contribution to projects in that area. The situation in Gaza, with its continued blockade, remains a significant impediment to development endeavours with all its social implications.
Lastly, Brazil remains deeply concerned with persistent financial limitations faced by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees offered by the Agency remains indispensable. We call on all States to redouble efforts to further support it.
Thank you.