Stalni predstavnik RH pri Ujedinjenim narodima, veleposlanik Neven Jurica, održao je govor u Vijecu sigurnosti UN-a o stanju na Bliskom istoku.
Croatia shares the concerns with the serious humanitarian situation in the Gaza strip. We understand that resuming humanitarian activities and basic supplies to the civilian population of Gaza is a matter of urgency.
Croatia welcomes the humanitarian effort to alleviate the situation of the Palestinian people, but it should not lead to instrumentalising the suffering of the civilian population for other purposes. There exist established channels and procedures for delivering aid. We believe that these should be followed in the interest of all parties and beneficiaries of such actions.
We note, for example, that last week the foreign ministers of the Arab League in Cairo pledged in their statement that their governments would send food and medicine to Gaza and said they would coordinate with Egypt and Jordan to ensure the supplies enter Gaza.
Israel's legitimate security concerns should not be easily disregarded, as it has been confronted with hostile shipments in the past.
Furthermore, the humanitarian situation in Gaza cannot be seen in isolation from its wider background and its underlying causes, at the heart of which is the Hamas usurping the legitimate institutions of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.
We hope that the five-month old period of calm in Gaza and Southern Israel will persist for the benefit of both sides, leading to the improvement of living conditions for the civilian population of Gaza and opening of the crossings for the movement of persons and goods. Regrettably, the renewed rocket attacks into Israel from Gaza are calling into question the commitment of Palestinian groups to prolonging the calm. Such acts, which give rise to Israel's undeniable right to self-defense, are irresponsible and unacceptable and have to be brought to an end.
Croatia believes that only a political settlement, that is a two-state solution, can fundamentally alter the socio-economic situation for the Palestinian population and guarantee security for Israel.
At this moment in time, all efforts should be focused on preserving and advancing the dynamics of the peace process started last fall in Annapolis and securing its transition into 2009.
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