UN Security Council : The United States, Russia and China clashed sharply at the United Nations Security Council over Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, humanitarian access to Gaza and the future of the Palestinian territory.
Russia and China accused Israel of illegal settlement expansion and violations of international law, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which calls on Israel to halt settlement activity. Both countries warned that continued expansion undermines the prospects for peace and fuels instability across the region.
#UN #UNSecurityCouncil #Gaza #WestBank #Israel #Palestine #US #Russia #China #Diplomacy #Geopolitics
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLEtz3H0jSfEneSdf1YKnw/join
Russia and China accused Israel of illegal settlement expansion and violations of international law, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which calls on Israel to halt settlement activity. Both countries warned that continued expansion undermines the prospects for peace and fuels instability across the region.
#UN #UNSecurityCouncil #Gaza #WestBank #Israel #Palestine #US #Russia #China #Diplomacy #Geopolitics
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLEtz3H0jSfEneSdf1YKnw/join
Category
đ
NewsTranscript
00:00and the free and dependent state of Palestine is established. I thank you.
00:10I thank the representative of Algeria for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.
00:18Thank you, Mr. President.
00:22We are grateful to the Deputy Special Coordinator of the United Nations for the Middle East Peace Process, Rameez Alokbarov,
00:29for the detailed briefing on the situation on the occupied Palestinian territory in the context of the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334.
00:39It is with deep regret that we are compelled, following the briefer, to observe the fact that the long-anticipated ceasefire in Gaza did not usher in alleviation of the plight of the residents of the West Bank,
00:52where, in addition to frequent military raids, the Israelis have launched a military operation in Tubas and Jenin.
00:59Since late September, in the West Bank of Jordan River, including East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces and armed settlers have killed more than 40 Palestinians.
01:12More than 800 were wounded.
01:15And in October, the settlers carried out more than 260 attacks, which broke the record since 2006.
01:24These attacks became a part of a systematic campaign, not just to intimidate local residents, but also to strip them of means of existence.
01:33The settler raids targeting olive harvests, together with the drought and unlimited access of farmers and agricultural workers to their lands have already resulted in the lowest harvests since 2025.
01:48And this is the main source of revenue for the residents of the West Bank.
01:52The plans for the construction of new Israeli settlements on the West Bank are moving apace at a record tempo.
01:59In 2024, there were 26,170 housing units approved for erection.
02:06And in 2025, that number nearly doubled, reaching 47,390 units.
02:14In parallel, an illusion is being established of legal justification for this illegal expansion.
02:20On the 12th of December, the Israeli ministerial cabinet decided to legalize the 19 settlements on the West Bank to give them a legal status.
02:30The Israeli leadership also clings to the idea of the de facto annexation of the West Bank of the Jordan River.
02:36In the Knesset, a bill is under consideration to repeal the prohibition on Jews gaining access to land in this part of the OPT.
02:46Against this backdrop, there is an ongoing practice of demolition of Palestinian units under the pretext of an absence of Israeli authorities granting permission, which is virtually impossible to secure.
02:56Since late September, 152 Palestinian housing units were demolished, and 24 of them, incidentally, had to be destroyed by the Palestinians themselves in order to avoid very high fines.
03:11This grotesque state of affairs reflects the true approach to the Palestinian people on the part of, according to what the U.S. colleagues assert, is the only democracy in the Middle East.
03:21I also wish to draw attention to the reprehensible raid of Israel targeting the UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem on the 8th of October.
03:30Such acts fly in the face of the United Nations Convention on Privileges and Immunities.
03:35We also wish to recall the advisory opinion of the ICJ, dating 22 October 2025, relating to Israel's obligation regarding the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states on the OPT.
03:51A General Assembly resolution was adopted on 12 December in support of that.
03:58We support the ongoing interrupted work of the UNRWA, which is the only source to which there is no alternative for comprehensive assistance to the Palestinians, both on the OPT and neighboring Arab lands.
04:12The President, as a large-scale deliberate destruction of UNRWA facilities and the death of its staff, must not remain unpunished.
04:19Mr. President, speaking of Gaza, there's a need to recognize that as part of the implementation of Donald Trump's plan, it has been possible to stem the large-scale bloodletting and hunger in the Strip.
04:34However, a lasting ceasefire has not been achieved.
04:37And since the 10th of October, Israel rained approximately 800 strikes down on Gaza, as a result of which at least 386 people died.
04:46The Israeli side continues to position significant obstacles to delivery of humanitarian assistance.
04:51The flow of cargo cleared for import only covers 35 percent of the needs, and entire categories of objects are arbitrarily being prohibited under the pretext of there being dual use in nature.
05:04Under these circumstances, the responsibility for the implementation of the provisions of the comprehensive peace plan on Gaza lies with the United States and those states who publicly supported the adoption of Security Council resolution 2803.
05:17We trust that the future transitional structures in the enclave will be formulated while taking into account the views of Ramallah, and the handover of authority to the PNA in the sector will take place in the foreseeable future.
05:31We believe that matters related to the future of Gaza need to be considered as being part and parcel of the main part of the OPT.
05:41A key role in General Trump's plan is set out for the ISF.
05:46One month after the adoption of Security Council resolution 2803, it remains unclear which states are willing to join this mission.
05:54And we do not think this is, this is rather, this is not a coincidence.
05:58It is one matter to deploy specialists for a peacekeeping operation who will deal with ceasefire monitoring, deconfliction, facilitating the restoration of the Palestinian security forces.
06:08It is another matter that you have units whose goal is to attempt through force to compel the Palestinian fighters to relinquish weapons.
06:15This objective is liable to transform the ISF into a party to the conflict with all of the attendant consequences which multiply security risks for the foreign contingents deployed there.
06:27One cannot expect the ISF to achieve the impossibility, the impossible.
06:33We urge mediators to focus on seeking comprehensive, to launch comprehensive negotiations to resolve the issue of disarmament of Palestinian groups and withdrawal of Israeli units from Gaza.
06:43The whole world has witnessed the horrors of a military, attempts at military solution over the past two years.
06:49That time is ripe for real diplomacy on the ground, real diplomacy which has nothing to do with loud proclamations, real diplomacy which requires compromise and calm.
06:58Russia had and continues to embrace the principal position of Palestinian-Israeli settlement.
07:03Over the course of the wave of the recent outbreak of conflict and escalation, we called for immediate, unconditional, comprehensive ceasefire with the delivery of safe and unimpeded humanitarian assistance in accordance with the well-known guiding principles.
07:16We call for the launch of the peace process on a universally recognized international basis, including a two-state solution which will usher in the creation of an independent, viable state of Palestine within the 1967 borders with the capital, East Jerusalem, coexisting in peace and security with Israel.
07:35At the same time, we consistently advocate uncompromising efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in all of their forms and their manifestations.
07:45For this reason, we vehemently condemned the barbaric extremist attack targeting Sydney during the commemorations of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah on the 14th of December as a result of which innocent civilians, including a Russian compatriot, died.
08:01We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the dead, and we wish a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.
08:08Thank you for your attention.
08:10I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement, and I give the floor to the representative of China.
08:18Thank you, President.
08:19I wish to begin by expressing our condolences to the victims of the mass shooting that struck Sydney, Australia, and expressing our solidarity with the bereft families and those injured.
08:34I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Mr. Alekh Barov for his briefing.
08:39When the Middle East is in turmoil, the world cannot be at peace.
08:43The Palestinian question remains at the very heart of the challenges in the Middle East.
08:49The latest outbreak of the Gaza conflict has brought unimaginable suffering to both Palestinian and Israeli civilians and triggered severe spillover effects across the Middle East.
09:02While the first-phase ceasefire agreement in Gaza has been reached, the prospect of peace remains distant.
09:10The historical injustices endured by the Palestinian people persist.
09:16The Palestinian question should never be relegated to the margins.
09:21The international community must further build consensus and take more proactive actions to advance a political solution.
09:29First, violent conflict must not resume.
09:34A comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza must be secured.
09:39Over the past two months, frequent violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 300 civilians.
09:52Reaching a ceasefire agreement must entail the complete cessation of all hostilities, not merely a downgrade from intense conflict to low-intensity attacks.
10:06Any reckless violation of the agreement could jeopardize and ultimately collapse the tenuous ceasefire.
10:15China calls on all parties, Israel in particular, to immediately fulfill their commitments under the ceasefire agreement,
10:25refrain from actions that could escalate tensions and work toward achieving a genuine, comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.
10:34Relevant mediating parties should take concrete steps to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
10:40Second, the suffering of civilians must not continue.
10:44Urgent action is needed to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
10:49Winter storms have brought torrential rains, inundating numerous temporary camps and placing hundreds of thousands of displaced people under severe threat.
10:58Israel's continued restrictions on access to essential supplies are impeding the efforts of UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies to deliver critical assistance.
11:08Last week, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution supporting the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice,
11:17which clearly affirms Israel's obligations as the occupying power to ensure humanitarian supplies to Gaza and to cooperate with UNRWA and other agencies.
11:28China urges Israel to earnestly fulfill its obligations under international law, open all border crossings, lift access restrictions on humanitarian supplies,
11:39and support the work of the UN and other aid agencies.
11:43Third, the situation in the West Bank must not be overlooked.
11:48Unilateral actions in violation of international law must cease immediately.
11:53The occupying power continues to advance settlement policies, demolish Palestinian homes, condone settler violence resulting in massive civilian casualties and displacement.
12:08Settlement activities violate international law and Council Resolution 2334, shrinking Palestinian living space,
12:17and re-roading the foundations of the two-state solution.
12:21We call on Israel to immediately cease all settlement activities, curb settler violence, and refrain from undermining the governance foundations of the Palestinian Authority.
12:33This includes the prompt return of withheld tax revenues and the removal of restrictions imposed on the Palestinian economy.
12:42Fourth, justice and fairness must prevail.
12:45The two-state solution must be implemented without delay.
12:49Implementing the two-state solution establishing an independent state of Palestine is the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian question.
12:59Any arrangements concerning Gaza's future must be guided by the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine.
13:07Any attempt to alter Gaza's territorial or demographic composition must be firmly rejected.
13:13One month has passed since the Security Council adopted Resolution 2803.
13:19The relevant country should act with a sense of responsibility toward the Palestinian people, the Security Council, and the international community by providing timely updates to the Council,
13:31and ensuring the Council's close and sustained attention and effective engagement.
13:37The international community must redouble its efforts to advance the two-state solution, support the early establishment of an independent state of Palestine, and facilitate its full membership in the UN.
13:49China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights.
13:59Recently, President Xi Jinping has, on multiple occasions, comprehensively articulated China's position and proposals for resolving the Palestinian question and announced that China will provide $100 million in assistance to Palestine to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support its recovery and reconstruction.
14:21China will continue to work with the international community to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza,
14:28alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and make unremitting efforts towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question at an early date.
14:36Thank you, President.
14:38I thank the representative of China for the statement.
14:41I now give the floor to the representative of the United States.
14:45Thank you, Mr. President.
14:47And thank you, Deputy Special Coordinator Al-Akbarab.
14:51Before I begin, I want to pause to remember those killed and injured on Bandi Beach this weekend, celebrating Hanukkah.
15:00This attack must be called for what it is, anti-Semitic terrorism.
15:06President Trump and the U.S. government will continue to combat anti-Semitism wherever it occurs, including here at the United Nations.
15:16Last week, Ambassador Waltz traveled to Jordan and Israel, where he had the honor of spending time with the mother and father of Police Sergeant Rand Gavilli,
15:27the last remaining hostage in Gaza.
15:30There, Ambassador Waltz learned of Rand's heroism while off from work on medical leave.
15:37He saved dozens of lives before he was ultimately injured in a firefight and dragged to Gaza on the back of a motorbike.
15:45The world knows that Hamas and its affiliates knew the location of every hostage.
15:52And President Trump was clear.
15:55As part of the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, every hostage must come home.
16:04Rand's body must be returned to his parents and siblings now.
16:08We cannot move forward until he is home.
16:13Ambassador Waltz also had the opportunity to visit a warehouse run by the Jordan Hashemite charity organization,
16:20where aid procured with American taxpayer money sits in warehouses.
16:25Some of it is at risk of expiring.
16:28However, due to U.S. advocacy, humanitarian aid is transiting the Allenby crossing again,
16:35with World Food Program trucks passing through on December 10th.
16:40We will continue to work with our partners in Jordan and Israel to fully reopen the Jordan corridor
16:47for the more effective government to government route.
16:50This corridor is the most efficient and accountable route for providing much needed aid to Gaza.
16:58The United States supports the need for clear security arrangements after a terrorist killed two Israelis on September 18th at the Allenby crossing.
17:08All parties must work to address these security issues so that the corridor can return to its prior level of operation.
17:17This council should also acknowledge that humanitarian age has surged since the ceasefire began.
17:24The efforts of the United States and our partners are improving the humanitarian situation on the ground.
17:31Over 30,000 commercial and humanitarian trucks have entered Gaza, bringing food, shelter and medicine.
17:40All thanks to the efforts of President Trump and the Civil Military Coordination Center, known as the CMCC.
17:48We continue to work with the U.N. and others so that supplies can reach those in need without diversion to terrorists or looters.
17:58With the USG and other donor support, the World Food Program is providing approximately 2 million hot meals daily within Gaza,
18:08and it is operating more than 200 bakeries.
18:12A successful vaccination campaign inoculated tens of thousands of children, protecting them from daily disease.
18:21Since October, the US government obligated an additional $330 million to WFP and other NGOs to continue emergency food and shelter assistance.
18:33It also provides for field hospital support and to address water and sanitation needs.
18:41All of these improvements are the results of the hard work of the United States and our partners at the CMCC.
18:48We call on all in the Council today to contribute to our efforts with the CMCC and the International Stabilization Force.
18:57As Secretary Rubio stated, UNRWA is a subsidiary of Hamas.
19:04UNRWA operates under the absurd framework that treats Hamas like any other actor and it rejects any reasonable standards for accountability or the vetting of its staff or partners.
19:17Colleagues, we have been clear.
19:20The United States opposes these quarterly briefings on UNRWA 2334 as they only distract from pressing threats to international peace and security.
19:30Resolution 2803, not 2334, charts the path towards a stable, safe and prosperous Middle East.
19:40We are working with partners to stand up the international stabilization force and train fully vetted Palestinian police, not rehashing decades of failed policies.
19:52This Council should recognize and end its outsize focused on an outdated resolution.
19:58The United States remains focused on keeping Israel secure and the Gaza and West Bank stable.
20:07President Trump has been perfectly clear that the United States expects the violence in the West Bank to end and that the United States will not allow the annexation of the West Bank.
20:19Prefunctory meetings like this one today are a distraction.
20:22The United States and its partners in the region will continue to focus on improving the situation on the ground day in and day out.
20:31I thank you.
20:32I thank the representative of the United States for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of Denmark.
20:40Thank you, Mr. President.
20:42And let me also thank Deputy Special Coordinator Alec Barrow for his briefing.
20:46I would like from the outset to express Denmark's comment.
Be the first to comment