Expressing Concern Over Deteriorating Situation in Gaza, Civilian Casualties, Security Council Calls for Full Respect of International Humanitarian Law
The Security Council expressed its grave concern regarding the deterioration in the situation in the Middle East as a result of the crisis related to Gaza and the loss of civilian lives and casualties.
The 15-member body, in a presidential statement (S/PRST/2014/13) on the situation in the Middle East, expressed strong support for the call by international partners and the Secretary-General of the United Nations for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian ceasefire.
The Council welcomed efforts of international partners and the convening of the international meeting to support the ceasefire recently held in Paris, emphasizing that civilian and humanitarian facilities, including those of the United Nations, had to be respected and protected.
Calling for full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009), the Security Council urged the parties and the international community to achieve a comprehensive peace based on the vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, lived side by side, as envisioned in resolution 1850 (2008).
The meeting began at 12:02 a.m. and ended at 12:11 a.m.
Presidential Statement
The text of Security Councilpresidential statement S/PRST/2014/13 reads as follows:
“The Security Council expresses grave concern regarding the deterioration in the situation as a result of the crisis related to Gaza and the loss of civilian lives and casualties.
“The Security Council calls for full respect of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilian population, and reiterates the need to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians and their protection.
“The Security Council expresses strong support for the call by international partners and the Secretary-General of the United Nations for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian ceasefire, allowing for the delivery of urgently needed assistance, and they urged all parties to accept and fully implement the humanitarian ceasefire into the Eid period and beyond. The Security Council commends the efforts of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the US Secretary of State John Kerry for their efforts in this regard.
“The Security Council also calls on parties to engage in efforts to achieve a durable and fully respected ceasefire, based on the Egyptian initiative. In this regard, the Security Council welcomes the efforts of international partners and the convening of the international meeting to support the ceasefire held in Paris on 26 July 2014 and urges all concerned regional and international parties to vigorously support efforts to consolidate an agreement between the parties.
“The Security Council emphasizes that civilian and humanitarian facilities, including those of the UN, must be respected and protected, and called on all parties to act consistently with this principle.
“The Security Council calls for the full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009) and stressed the need for immediate provision of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip, including through urgent additional contribution to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East). The Security Council recognizes and commends the vital role played by the Agency, along with other United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations, in addressing the critical humanitarian needs in Gaza.
“The Security Council urges the parties and the international community to achieve a comprehensive peace based on the vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace with secure and recognized borders as envisioned in Security Council resolution 1850 (2008).
To view the full statement, please click here.