Israel/Palestinian territories: "All parties must refrain from further escalating tensions"

I would like to make the following statement today on behalf of Brazil, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and my own country France.

We have three common messages.

First, as we are now entering in a period of religious holidays, we appeal to all parties to refrain from further escalating tensions and to show maximum restraint. We deplore the high level of violence exerted against civilians on both sides, including settler-related violence. We urge parties to prevent incitement to violence. We call the parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, and to protect the civilian population. We equally deplore the terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians.

Second, we reiterate the Council’s demand that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. We also call Israel to stop the continued demolitions and seizures of Palestinian structures, as well as the displacement of Palestinian families. We recall that settlements are illegal under international humanitarian law.

We welcome last Sunday’s meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, following the Aqaba meeting, which underscored the importance of direct engagement between the two sides. We call on all parties to respect the commitments they signed up for.

Third, the level of tensions reminds us every day of the urgent need to restore a political horizon towards a two-state solution. We fully support the efforts of Special Coordinator Wennesland and those of others in the region to help resume talks based on international law, relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and agreed parameters. We stand ready to support any initiative aiming at restoring a just and sustainable peace allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in dignity and security.