Washington, DC – In response to the United Nations Security Council vote endorsing key elements of the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement:
“The United Nations passing a Security Council resolution with broad support from the Arab and Muslim world is a crucial step in ensuring the continued implementation of the 20-point plan introduced by the White House.
J Street has long called for the United States to proactively draft and lead resolutions that reflect its values and long-term policy goals and we applaud the efforts that went into the development of this resolution.
The Administration must now work with regional partners to implement key elements of the resolution, including deploying an interim Palestinian technocratic government and an international stabilization force. These steps are essential to removing Hamas from power, ensuring its eventual disarmament and facilitating the surge of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction that Gaza’s civilians so desperately need.
As these measures are implemented, we urge the Administration to also sustain pressure on Israel to withdraw from Gaza. If paired with meaningful reform of the Palestinian Authority – including democratic elections – this can pave the way for a moderate, unified, accountable and demilitarized Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza as outlined in the current resolution.
Israelis and Palestinians will only live in safety and security when both peoples enjoy full freedom, dignity and self-determination. That’s why it’s crucial that the resolution also enshrines the end-goal of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel – the only viable path to lasting peace and Israel’s full regional integration.”