Robert Kris
Adviser
New York, New York
November 9, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madam Chair. And allow me to offer some additional comments on the three resolutions under consideration under agenda item 50.
Dear colleagues, the United States firmly believes that when the current crisis ends, we must not go back to the pre-October 7 status quo in Gaza and in the West Bank—a status quo where Hamas terrorized Israel and used Palestinian civilians as human shields. And we must not go back to the status quo where violent extremist settlers in the West Bank terrorized Palestinians. That status quo was untenable and it is unacceptable for the future.
There also has to be a positive vision of what comes next, after this crisis. In our view, that vision must be centered around a negotiated two-state solution that includes both Gaza and the West Bank in a viable Palestinian state. President Biden has been clear that Israelis and Palestinians equally deserve to live safely and securely, and they deserve equal measures of freedom, dignity, justice, and prosperity. The United States is firmly committed to supporting the path to a two-state solution through constructive measures.
Getting there will require concerted efforts by all of us – Israelis, Palestinians, regional partners, and world leaders – to put us on this path to peace.
We regret that these three resolutions now under consideration do not contribute to this vision. But while they are deeply flawed and do not meet this moment, the United States will continue to work with all parties to chart a future where Israelis and Palestinians have these equal measures of security, freedom, justice, opportunity, and dignity. And a future where Palestinians can fully realize their legitimate right to self-determination and aspirations for a state of their own.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
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