Mr President,
Germany voted in favour of the two resolutions.
We call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages. The unbearable suffering that followed the heinous terrorist attacks on 7 October of last year must cease immediately, for the sake of Palestinians in Gaza and the hostages and their families.
A lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through a negotiated two-state solution. Only when Israel’s security is ensured and Palestinians have their own state, where they can live in dignity and safety, will both peoples be able to live side by side in peace. Germany, alongside its partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to work toward this goal.
Mr President,
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. We urgently need a humanitarian surge as winter starts.
Israel must uphold its commitment to “flood Gaza with aid” and that access be guaranteed at all times.
Germany is the second-largest contributor of humanitarian aid to Gaza and, together with our partners, has consistently been and continues to be engaged in substantive financial and diplomatic humanitarian support to increase the flow of aid into Gaza, in order to alleviate the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinians there.
At this critical moment, UNRWA’s role is essential. Germany remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting UNRWA and Palestinians in need, in Gaza and across the region.
UNRWA remains indispensable for delivering essential support to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank and across the entire region.
Against this backdrop, Germany is gravely concerned about the adoption of two laws targeting UNRWA by the Knesset. UNRWA as well as other UN organizations and agencies must be fully able to deliver humanitarian aid and assistance to save lives and ease the suffering.
We urge the Israeli Government to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and live up to its responsibility to facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza.
We commend UNRWA for taking steps to address allegations regarding individual employees’ support for terrorist organizations and to pursue and implement reforms of internal processes.
We expect UNRWA to continue its path of reform, demonstrating its commitment to the principle of neutrality, treat allegations swiftly and as a matter of priority, and ensure that its activities remain entirely in line with its mandate. We will continue to actively monitor and support this process.
Germany unequivocally condemns the horrific attacks carried out by Hamas and other terrorist groups on October 7, 2023, as well as the consistent attacks against Israel by these terrorist groups and we call on the General Assembly to do the same. Germany remains committed to the security of Israel. Israel – like all states – has the right to defend itself against armed attacks by terrorists and extremists. At the same time, this right must be exercised in line with international humanitarian law, and accountability of all sides needs to be ensured. On accountability, we are in favour of strengthening the existing structures rather than creating new ones, which would result in duplication. Additional mechanisms could weaken rather than strengthen the pursuit of justice and peace.
Mr. President,
The entire region is undergoing historic changes. The ceasefire agreement in Lebanon offers hope. The abhorrent dictatorship in Syria has fallen. Let us work together now with determination and commitment to stop the suffering in Gaza, to liberate the hostages and to lay the foundation for a more peaceful Middle East. A Middle East where Israelis, Palestinian and all people in the region can live side by side in peace and security. Germany remains fully committed to this goal.
Thank you.