Thank you, President. Thank you, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and Secretary-General Jan Egeland, for your briefings.
The United States is committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement to allow hostages to return home and offer the people of Gaza a brighter future under new leadership.
"We must never forget the lives taken as a result of the brutal Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023 and the horrors endured by countless innocent people in the war that followed."
Hamas should not be allowed to act as a spoiler for Palestinians after initiating this conflict through its attack and behavior.
"We have seen Hamas cynically weaponize the suffering of Palestinians by using civilian infrastructure, like schools and hospitals, to store caches of weapons, house fighters, and coordinate attacks."
Concerns have been raised about reports that Israeli hostages were held by Hamas in UN facilities during their captivity in Gaza. A full investigation is necessary to assess these allegations.
"Unfortunately, this follows a pattern of serious allegations on the misuse of UN facilities – particularly UNRWA facilities – by Hamas terrorists."
The briefing today focused on Israel's laws set to take effect on January 30 that may impact UNRWA activities and prohibit contact between Israeli officials and UNRWA. The United States supports Israel's decision to close UNRWA's offices in Jerusalem on January 30.
"UNRWA exaggerating the effects of the laws and suggesting that they will force the entire humanitarian response to halt is irresponsible and dangerous."
A nuanced discussion is needed to ensure there is no interruption in delivering humanitarian aid and essential services. Many agencies other than UNRWA have experience providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
"UNRWA’s work has been tainted and its credibility questioned due to the terrorist ties to Hamas that UNRWA staff had that were exposed as a result of Hamas’ October 7 attack."
It is time for humanitarian aid to reach those in need throughout Gaza according to the ceasefire deal secured by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Countries are urged to support this effort with additional funding and resources.
"We must ensure Hamas or other terrorist groups are not permitted to seize, divert, or profit from this assistance – and that if it does so, it is reported immediately and held accountable."
Gaza must be demilitarized for a brighter future for Palestinians. "Hamas should have no role in its governance." The region has suffered from Iran's influence through terrorist proxies destabilizing it for decades.
"As a result of the ceasefire, the countries of the Middle East have an historic opportunity to reshape their region in a way that affords its people a better path forward, where Israel is fully integrated with its neighbors under the banner of the Abraham Accords."
"The United States will do its part to help create that future." I thank you.