Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the[...]

Mr President, High Commissioner,

Thank you for your report.

New Zealand welcomes the UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the move to Phase Two of the Peace Plan. We call on all parties to fulfil their commitments under the plan. Hamas must demilitarise and Israel must continue its phased withdrawal.

We are extremely concerned by the increase in ceasefire violations, which risks escalation and a breakdown of the peace deal.

New Zealand is pleased to see the increase in humanitarian assistance reaching those in need. However, we are concerned at the ongoing restrictions on humanitarian supplies, ongoing restriction of movement for humanitarian workers, and the deregistration of key organisations delivering life-saving assistance. New Zealand calls on Israel to immediately reverse its deregistration of humanitarian NGOs and to cease blocking critical goods and supplies, including medical equipment, on the basis that it is "dual use".

The situation in the West Bank has deteriorated greatly. New Zealand is deeply concerned by recent moves by Israel's to expand its control over the West Bank. The International Court of Justice was clear in its conclusion that Israel's ongoing presence in the Occupied Territory is unlawful.

This long-running conflict has brought immense pain and suffering to Palestinians and Israelis alike. We call on all sides to return to dialogue, so that future generations can live in peace.

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