H.E. Neven Jurica, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations, gave a statement on Security Council debate on Middle East.
May I begin by welcoming the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, H.E. Mahmoud Abbas, as well as the Secretary-General of the Arab League, and all the other distinguished ministers present here today.
Croatia shares the sense of extreme urgency that has brought us together. I would like to convey my Government's deepest concerns with the suffering of civilians in and around Gaza and reiterate the necessity of ending all violence. We continue to appeal to the parties to exercise maximum restraint and to adhere strictly to the tenets of international humanitarian law and on avoiding civilian casualties. We reiterate the call for unhindered access to humanitarian assistance and supplies.
We understand that in order to avoid spiraling violence and a further deterioration of the humanitarian and security conditions on the ground, it is essential to achieve an immediate and permanent cease-fire that will be respected by all and that will put a stop to the persistent rocket attacks targeting South Israel and end the suffering and deprivation in Gaza.
We are deeply disturbed by the latest reports concerning military movements into Gaza. We also understand that Israel's military operations are not aimed against the Palestinian population, but should be seen in the context of a continuing threat coming from Hamas, which denies Israel's right to exist, and has intensified the scope and frequency of its attacks on the population of South Israel. Israel has an inherent and legitimate right to defend itself and the obligation to defend and protect its citizens. It is indispensable though that civilians in Gaza be protected.
Our previous discussions have demonstrated that we all share the conviction that an effective, permanent and credible cease-fire is needed if we want to secure a permanent peace and a lasting improvement of the humanitarian and socio-economic conditions in Gaza.
We appreciate the renewed initiative presented to us today, aiming at securing a Security Council resolution on the matter. It is a timely call, and my Delegation will be prepared to work together with others in bringing it forward.
In the interest of a durable and credible cease-fire, it is important that such steps do not amount to returning to a status quo. Only if the conditions on the ground are such that they can guarantee a cease-fire which will be fully respected by both sides, and that Israel can be assured that its population will not be exposed to the continuing terror of rocket attacks, and that Hamas weapon smuggling will not be tolerated, we can hope to have a sustainable solution to the crisis. In the interest of a lasting state of calm, it is imperative that there is confidence in the mechanisms on the ground. [In our view, a credible monitoring mechanism can be the basis for a durable solution].
While reiterating the call on all parties to adhere to an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, we should not forget that political dialogue and diplomatic efforts means that Hamas needs to recognize Israel and its right to exist, abide by the commitments of the PLO and in particular cease with the terror of daily rocket attacks threatening the population of South Israel.
Mr. President,
Croatia continues to believe that political dialogue is the only way to achieve the lasting peace based on the two-state solution. Resolution 1850, which we adopted only three weeks ago, charts the way forward. We find it essential that the Council remains guided by the objectives reaffirmed by resolution 1850 in our efforts to find a solution to this unfolding crisis.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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