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I thank the Under Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Ursula Mueller for their briefings on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question – which remains a subject of critical importance to international peace and security.

 For years, the protracted Israel - Palestine conflict has taken tremendous tolls on the lives and livelihood of millions of people and hindered the prospect of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Viet Nam is deeply concerned about the continuing violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory which resulted in the casualties of nearly 3000 Palestinians and 46 Israelis as covered in the twelfth report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of UNSC resolution 2334 (2016) for the period between September and December 2019. We condemn all attacks on civilians, women, children, both Palestinian and Israeli, as well as assaults on civilian infrastructure including schools, agricultural crops and civilian properties.

While the prospect of the two-State solution is yet to be realized, it is imperative that all relevant parties exercise utmost restraint, refrain from all acts of provocation or violence, end attacks against civilians, and act in strict compliance with international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. This is the only way to ease the people's sufferings and bring the peace process back on track.

We firmly reiterate our calls for Israel to cease all its illegal settlement activities and fulfil its obligations under resolution 2334 (2016), as well as lift the restrictions on movement of people and commodities within the Occupied Palestinian Territory. We also express our concern on information regarding Israeli plans to annex Jordan valley and parts of the West Bank. We strongly believe that unconstructive acts, coupled with new, dangerous flashpoints in the region, only brings about casualties and sufferings of civilians, but not solutions for sustainable peace and development in the region.

We commend the enduring efforts of the international community, the mediation role of the United Nations, Egypt, and we support the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. We commend all Palestinian efforts and initiatives of the United Nations and its Member States to foster unity and in improving the living conditions of the Palestinian people in the Gaza.

In conclusion, Viet Nam reaffirms our unwavering support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people for their inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination and to become an independent and sovereign state.

We strongly believe that the only solution for lasting peace and security is to establish a Palestinian State on the basis of the pre-1967 border, living side by side with the Israeli State in peace, security and mutual recognition. In the destabilizing regional context, it is time for the Security Council to enhance efforts to prevent setback of the progress made thus far for the sustainable safety and security of the Middle East./.

 New York, 21/1/2020