New York, 8 August 2022
Thank you, Mr. President,
I thank the Special Coordinator for updating us on the latest developments in and around Gaza.
We join others in welcoming the ceasefire reached with the mediation of Egypt. We commend Egypt for their engagement and efforts. We consider it a step in the right direction to end the bloodshed. We urge all sides to honor it. We remain nonetheless worried by this latest escalation and its consequences.
I would like to highlight the following points:
Our position has been and will remain clear: Albania firmly condemns all forms of terror attacks against Israel and its population. Terrorism cannot and will never be justified. It will only be condemned, in the strongest terms, as an unacceptable behavior. Terror cannot promote any cause; indiscriminate rocket launches from Gaza on populated areas of Israel will not lead to any solution. They can only make a bad situation worse, as it is always the case. Those who believe in violent solutions will have only themselves to blame for the consequences.
- Israel has the right to protect itself from such attacks as no one should not live in fear. But it should always use proportionate force and protect civilian population and civilian infrastructure. Protecting civilians is an obligation under international law for all parties to a conflict, who should exercise maximum restraint. Civilians should be kept away from any form of violent acts. We are deeply troubled by the death of innocent civilians, including children. They should never be a target and they cannot be collateral damage.
- We know that it is all too easy to throw fuel to a conflict in the Middle East. It is harder but better to resist, contain it, and seek peaceful solutions. This makes the Egyptian mediation even more laudable. Albania reiterates its call to all to refrain from all kinds of provocations, violence and use of unnecessary force that can exacerbate an already fragile situation.
We have seen it many times. Violence will instill more fear, will bring more casualties and destruction. It will only undo achievements and positive steps, including those with opening of Gaza since may 2021 and make the path towards peace ever more difficult.
It will not help heal the wounds of this conflict over the years. It will only add more.
Israelis and Palestinians have seen everything in the course of the last 74 years. There has been enough war, too many victims, entire generations raised without a clear prospect of a solution and populations living with fear for the next escalation.
There is no alternative to dialogue and negotiations and we do not see any other possible path than through the two-state solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition, and with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states. We hope that the humanitarian channels with Gaza will remain open and functional to the benefit of all those in need.
Colleagues,
Solutions to such complex issues will not come easy. They need trust among the parties, good will and continuous efforts by the parties and all those actors who can help.
We have seen progress and timid success before. They should serve as templates for the future, proof that there is possibility to work for and produce results for all.
The political horizon that is now clouded, and ultimately the desired lasting solution of the most complex geopolitical situation in modern times, will not come as a heavenly gift and will not be born while waiting.
It will not come through fear or by force.
It will not come through threats or powerlessness.
It will not come through violence or by denying the existence of others.
It may and will come through hard work, continued dedication and trust.
This will lay the path to lasting peace, development, a decent and dignified life without fear and with clear prospects for their futures for all, the Israeli and Palestinian Youth.
I thank you.