UNSC Briefing and Consultation on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334

Felix Nyarku (Minister)
Minister/Head of Chancery
Security Council Chamber
New York September 27, 2023

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFING AND CONSULTATIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2334

Mr. President,
We are grateful to the Special Coordinator, Mr. Tor Wennesland for his briefing to the Council on the overall situation in the Middle East, with emphasis on the implementation of the provisions of Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016).

Ghana has followed with keen interest recent positive developments in the Middle East and welcomes the commitment made by the leaders of both Israel and the Palestinian Authority during the General Debate of the 78th UN (United Nations) General Assembly to work closely with neighboring countries, the United Nations and the international community to prevent further violence, resolve their differences and embrace a path of genuine peace to ultimately end the Arab-Israeli conflict.
We note the efforts by Israel to improve relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, under the framework of the Abraham Accords, as well as the prospects of a historic peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia. We encourage the deepening of Arab-Jewish relations to forge a broader reconciliation between Judaism and Islam, two major faiths in the Middle East region.

Mr. President,
The positive developments notwithstanding, Ghana remains deeply troubled by the increasing acts of violence, including acts of terror as well as acts of provocation, incitement, and destruction, manifested among others by attacks in the occupied West Bank and Israel, settler-related activities in the Gaza Strip, and the persistent expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

We hold that the destruction of infrastructure and properties in both the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and in East Jerusalem and the continued settlement activities are reshaping the geography on the ground, dangerously imperiling the viability of the two-State solution, and contributing to a downward spiral.

Mr. President,
In this regard, we would like to briefly highlight three points
• First, we urge the re-launching of serious political talks, supported by the international community to address key territorial and security issues, including those related to settlements and settler violence.

• Secondly, the Council must support the restoration of mechanisms that facilitate more regular and sustained contacts between both sides to address key issues, including the economic, social and the security concerns of Palestinians in OPTs (Occupied Palestinian Territory) (Occupied Palestinian Territory) as well as security coordination between Israel and Palestine to mitigate terrorist capabilities.

• Last, but not the least, the international community must support the putting together of a coordinated package of short-term investments to help the Palestinian Authority (i) restore access to basic services in education, health, and social support; (ii) create employment opportunities for youth and women; (iii) repair basic infrastructure; and (iv) strengthen the fiscal stability of the Authority.

Mr. President,
In conclusion, we urge Israel to end the demolition of Palestinian-owned properties and prevent the possible displacement and eviction of Palestinians, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and refrain from establishing new settlements in the West Bank as well as to halt the authorization of new outposts in the OPTs.

We reiterate our position that the path for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East can only be achieved through the internationally negotiated two-State solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side based on the 1967 borders.

Finally, we reaffirm our demand that all parties comply fully with their obligations under the UN Charter, international humanitarian, and human rights law, including the protection of the civilian populations, and the many relevant United Nations resolutions, especially resolution 2334 (2016).

We further call on both parties to show maximum restraint and refrain from unilateral actions that contribute to violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and in Israel.

I thank you for your attention.