Embassy of the State of Palestine

The Non-Aligned Movement condemns the ongoing provocative, illegal actions by Israel, the occupying Power, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, which have intensified following the historic adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012 that accorded to Palestine non-member observer state status in the United Nations. These successive deplorable actions included the announcements by Israel of plans for the expansion of existing settlements as well as the establishment of new settlements in occupied East Jerusalem and the West bank, in deliberate and grave breach of relevant principles and rules of international law and international humanitarian law, in particular the 4th Geneva Convention which governs situations of foreign occupation, and in blatant contempt of the will of the international community. The Movement considers all these actions null and void and stresses that Israel, the occupying Power, should immediately rescind these plans and measures and cease completely all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around occupied East Jerusalem.

The Non-Aligned Movement also condemns Israel’s decision to withhold Palestinian tax revenues due to the Palestinian National Authority in violation of agreements reached between the two sides and international law. Israel has declared this decision in retaliation for the adoption of General Assembly resolution 67/19. Such a deplorable act constitutes a blatant unlawful acquisition of funds and collective punishment. It is impairing the ability of the Palestinian National Authority to deliver public services, pay public sector salaries and operate governmental institutions. It further aggravates the financial crisis imposed on the Palestinian National Authority.

The Non-Aligned Movement reiterates its continuous calls to the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and take all necessary measures to ensure that Israel, the occupying Power, immediately terminates all these illegal actions. The message must be sent to Israel that it is expected to fully abide by its commitments under international law, uphold the rule of law, cease all illegal measures intended to alter and prejudge the situation on the ground, cease all provocations and incitement, including by its illegally transferred settlers, against the Palestinian people and their leadership.

The Movement reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a just and comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, with the question of Palestine at its core, and to the immediate restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including to exercise self-determination and sovereignty in their independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.