The Secretary-General began by saying that Palestinian frustration is growing after half a century of occupation. Changing Israeli policies and relinquishing the West Bank settlements is essential to achieving long-term peace in the region. Conditions have not significantly improved 18 months after a ceasefire. The people of Gaza face dire water and unemployment needs. Israeli and Palestinian governments now have an opportunity to bring stability to the region, but the parties must act right now to prevent the two-state solution, living peacefully side by side, from disappearing forever.

Palestine agreed and added that every day that passes means the death of more innocent civilians and more destruction of property. Since 2009, the council has failed to take any action to address this occupation. All peoples are entitled to security, not only Israelis. The situation cannot be reversed unless the UN acts in creating and enforcing a security resolution to protect the Palestinian people.

Israel shifted blame to the terrorist organizations in the region. The greatest opponent of the people of Gaza is Hamas, which turned Gaza into a staging ground for terror. Hezbollah has transformed towns into war zones, e.g. the town of Muhabib, which has 25 military sites in a town with 90 houses. Hezbollah must be disarmed and Lebanon must abide by Security Council resolution 1701. The link between Hezbollah and Hamas is Iran. Sitting down and talking is the first step to peace but Palestinians will not come to the table. Numerous terrorists have admitted to committing heinous acts to gain a lifetime stipend up to $3,500 from the Palestinian government. Resolution 229, which is an absolute ban on terrorism, does not seem to recognize the Israeli lives taken by terrorists. It is time to call on Palestinians to condemn these acts of violence.

Meeting: Security Council, 7610th Meeting

Date/Location: Thursday, January 26, 2016; 10:00-13:00; Security Council Chamber

Speakers: Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Permanent Observer to the Nation of Palestine; Permanent Observer to Israel

Written By: WIT Representative Alex Margolick

Photo Credit:  Abed Allah Alostaz