Int'l Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2018 - UN chief António Guterres

On the international day of solidarity with the Palestinian people, UN chief António Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to “upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and to building a future of peace, justice, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
Speaking at an event in New York today (28 Nov), Guterres stressed that containing the situation was “not sufficient.” He said, “Demolitions, illegal continued settlement expansion and construction, forced evictions and collective punitive measures will not bring peace; the same goes for violence and incitement, and similarly, unilateral steps will not resolve final status issues or the conflict.” The UN chief said only constructive negotiations, in good faith, and “adhering to the long-established and agreed parameters for a two-State solution, will bring the desired, long-lasting solution.”
Guterres said two million Palestinians in Gaza remain blocked in increasing poverty and unemployment, with limited access to adequate health, education, water and electricity. He urged Israel to lift restrictions on the movement of people and goods, “which also hamper the efforts of the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies, without jeopardizing legitimate security concerns.” He also called on Hamas and other militants to “halt their military build-up in Gaza including the indiscriminate launching of rockets and incendiary devices directed at Israel.”
Delivering a message on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour said the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council and other UN organs, including the International Court of Justice, have adopted strong resolutions in favor of the Palestinian cause, but Israel refused to implement them.
SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations:
“After more than 50 years of the Israeli occupation, the picture seems bleak because Israel persists with its military occupation of the Palestinian land and imposes an apartheid regime by which it continues to control the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and prevents the Palestinian people from exercising its right to self-determination and reneges on all agreements it has signed. Here, I must ask: Until will Israel be dealt with as a State above the law, and when will the international community uphold its obligations?”
Mansour said the Palestinians remained committed to their obligations under the agreements signed with Israel and stressed that they never rejected negotiations. He added that the Palestinians continued to exert efforts to unify the land of Palestine and achieve reconciliation. He said, “As we face this dangerous situation and a political deadlock, I call upon the international community to uphold its responsibilities and not permit the continued violation of international law.” He called on states that believe in the two-state solution and recognize Israel to recognize the State of Palestine as well. He said, “This recognition will help reinforce justice and give our people hope until the day they realize their long-overdue freedom and independence.”
Mansour said despite decades of disappointment, Palestinians maintain their conviction in the rule of law and international institutions. He added that respect for international law is the cornerstone of peace but neither respect, nor peace, can be achieved through speeches alone. He said words and commitments must be matched by practical actions to implement the law urged that no effort be spared to achieve a peaceful settlement to the question of Palestine.