EU Statement – UN General Assembly: Presentation of the resolution on Assistance to the Palestinian people

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, to introduce this annual resolution on 'Assistance to the Palestinian people'.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Serbia^*, Albania^*, and the potential candidate country Bosnia and Herzegovina^* align themselves with this statement.

The EU remains gravely concerned about the difficult living conditions and the humanitarian situation affecting the Palestinian people, in particular women and children, throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, including in Area C, and in particular in the Gaza strip. The EU deplores the continuing risk of demolitions and seizures of Palestinian structures in the occupied West Bank and calls on Israel to allow for a tangible improvement of freedom of movement and access for the Palestinians, to enable accelerated Palestinian construction, as well as social and economic development in Area C, and reverse the worsening of living conditions for Palestinians in Area C. Towards this end, the EU recalls the importance of the implementation of the commitments made at the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in New York in September.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains a particularly grave concern. The EU welcomes the easing of some restrictions towards the improvement of the lives of the millions of people living in Gaza under dismal conditions, and calls for full and unimpeded humanitarian access. The EU will continue to contribute towards the development of Gaza through investments in reforms, support to economic sectors and key infrastructures, among others in the water and energy sectors, and expects Israel to facilitate such efforts.

But, to ensure lasting results, a fundamental change of the situation in Gaza is crucial. We call once again upon all parties to take urgent steps in line with UNSC Resolution 2334 leading to a fundamental change in the humanitarian, political, security and economic situation in Gaza, including through an end to the closure policy, full opening of crossing points, and humanitarian access, while addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns.

The European Union expresses strong support for the work undertaken by UN Special Coordinator for the Peace process, Tor Wennesland.

The return of the Palestinian Authority to the Gaza strip is indispensable to improve conditions and the humanitarian situation in the long term.  The EU will continue to call upon the Palestinian Authority to hold free, transparent, and inclusive elections without further delay and to urge all Palestinian factions to engage in good faith in the reconciliation process.

The EU is determined to sustain its assistance in support of the Palestinian people, including Palestine refugees. The European Union and its Member States are collectively the largest contributors to UNRWA's budget. We were among the first to answer the Agency’s call for additional funds during the last four years' extraordinary financial crisis. We are and will continue to be strong, reliable and predictable supporters of the Agency, whose role remains crucial also for the stability of the region.

We would like to thank all parties and the rest of the membership for joining consensus again this year, and for rallying behind the principles and objectives outlined in this resolution.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.