AS DELIVERED

Thank you.

We note that Israel is not able to attend this meeting due to the fact that it is taking place during the celebration of Passover. It is deeply unfortunate that Israel was not able to participate on this very important matter.

Also, it’s vital that this Council be balanced in its approach to all matters that come before it. And we should have found an arrangement allowing for all parties to participate tonight.

Turning to Gaza, we are deeply saddened by the loss of life today. We urge those involved to take steps to lower tensions and reduce the risk of new clashes. Bad actors who use protests as a cover to incite violence endanger innocent lives.

The international community, including the United States, is focused on taking concrete, near-term steps that will improve humanitarian and economic conditions in Gaza and the lives of the Palestinians living there. We are also hard at work on a plan for peace that will provide a brighter future for both Israel and the Palestinians. Violence furthers neither of those goals.

Thank you.

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