Esteemed Delegates and Honored Chair,
It is an honor to address you today, representing the United Kingdom at this
significant Model United Nations conference. The topic before us is both urgent
and deeply complex – the Israel-Palestine conflict. This issue has persisted for
decades, shaped by cycles of violence, geopolitical interests, and profound human
suffering. As representatives of the international community, it is our collective
responsibility to engage in constructive dialogue and strive for sustainable
solutions.
The United Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to a two-state solution –
an Israel and a Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Recent events
have only underscored the dire need for an immediate and lasting resolution. The
horror of the attacks on October 7, 2023, committed by Hamas, and the ongoing
humanitarian crisis in Gaza, paint a stark picture of the human cost of this conflict.
The intense suffering of innocent civilians, the loss of lives, and the dire
humanitarian conditions compel us to act urgently and decisively.
The Security Council, in Resolution 2728 (2024), has called for an immediate
ceasefire, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, leading to a sustainable
and lasting ceasefire. This resolution not only demands the unconditional release of
all hostages but also underscores the importance of humanitarian access to address
urgent medical and humanitarian needs. The United Kingdom voted in favor of this
resolution, believing that only through a humanitarian pause can we chart a path to
sustainable peace without a return to destruction and loss of life.
With the signing of the Oslo Peace Accords in 1993, there was a moment of
cautious optimism. The accords proposed a roadmap towards peace and mutual
recognition, leading to public rallies and passionate speeches advocating for
steadfastness and reclaiming Palestinian heritage. Yet, the reality on the ground has
often diverged from the envisioned peace, as ongoing disputes over key issues,
such as the status of Jerusalem, continue to thwart progress. Jerusalem holds a
profound significance for Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike. It is seen as a divine
city of God that has, regrettably, been transformed into a battleground of human
conflict, war, and division. The decline of the Christian population in Jerusalem,
from 60,000 in 1967 to merely 7,000 by 2006, starkly illustrates the demographic
and cultural erosion facing Palestinians
We must focus on upholding international humanitarian law, scaling up aid, and
lifting all barriers to aid delivery. In recent weeks, the Foreign Secretary and Prime
Minister of the United Kingdom have reiterated these messages in our contacts
with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior Israeli political leaders.
Additionally, the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank
and Gaza, removing Hamas’s capacity to launch attacks, and providing a credible
pathway towards a two-state solution are critical steps towards lasting peace.
As we deliberate over the next two days, let us remember that our decisions and
recommendations will shape lives and futures. We must strive for a resolution that
honors the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. Diplomacy, mutual
respect, and a commitment to peace must guide our discussions. The United
Kingdom stands ready to support and contribute to all efforts aimed at achieving a
just and comprehensive settlement to this conflict.
Thank you.
