PALESTINIANS SEEK SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION ON A

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000412 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/23/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC SUBJECT: PALESTINIANS SEEK SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION ON A CEASE-FIRE FOR GAZA AND WEST BANK CEASE-FIRE MONITORED BY INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS Classified By: Amb. Zalmay Khalilzad. E.O 12958. Reasons 1.4 (B&D). ¶1. (C) In a May 23 meeting he requested on an urgent basis, Palestinian Permanent Observer Riyad Mansour said that a delegation representing the Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC),and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) would shortly request a meeting with Ambassador Khalilzad to recommend that the Security Council call for a cease-fire in Gaza and the West Bank and establish a mechanism with international observers to monitor implementation of the cease-fire. Mansour explained that the organizations are seeking a meeting with Ambassador Khalilzad because the United States hold the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of May. ¶2. (C) Mansour said that Arab League, OIC and NAM delegations had recently met to discuss the situation in Gaza and had concluded that the violence in Gaza must come to an immediate end. But these groups argued that the violence in Gaza and the West Bank is interconnected and that no cease-fire in Gaza could last unless one was also put in place in the West Bank. Mansour argued that achieving a comprehensive cease-fire would strengthen the hand of President Abbas, who could demand that all Palestinian factions cease violent activities when the threat of Israeli attacks on Jenin and Nablus is lifted. ¶3. (C) Mansour said he understood that that such a cease-fire would require political will and the readiness of the Security Council to act. He argued that Security Council action would defuse the situation and contribute to the restoration of peace and stability. Mansour said that the Europeans support the idea and that the Egyptians, in their Arab League capacity, will arrange the meeting with the Security Council Presidency. Ambassador Khalilzad told Mansour he would welcome a meeting. Once he receives a proposal, he will consult with Washington and other Security Council capitals. During the Security Council's monthly meeting on Middle East matters May 24, a majority of delegations expressed a desire for some action by the Security Council in response to the current situation in Gaza (septel). KHALILZAD