British Ambassador outlines his country's priorities at the Security Council and refuses to apologize for the 'Balfour Declaration'

British Ambassador James Kariuki, Chargé d'Affaires of the United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations, held a press conference at the organization's headquarters on the occasion of his country assuming the presidency of the UN Security Council for February 2026. Kariuki presented a detailed overview of the Council's work program, emphasizing that Britain's priorities are focused on three main issues: Ukraine, Sudan, and the Gaza Strip.

In response to questions about how the United Kingdom's recognition of the State of Palestine (announced last September) would translate into practical steps, the Ambassador described this recognition as a "historic" political step aimed at creating international momentum to support the two-state solution. He explained that this step contributed to creating the political environment that later led to the twenty-point plan approved by the Security Council, noting that it is part of a long path aimed at a final settlement that guarantees the security of both states.

Regarding historical responsibility for the "Balfour Declaration," the Ambassador apologized for not answering a question about offering a formal apology to the Palestinians, stressing that he would not enter into a debate about "ancient history." He merely reiterated London's commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable framework, without addressing a re-evaluation of his country's historical role in the genesis of the conflict.

Concerning the situation in Gaza, Kariuki stressed that the Security Council, through Resolution 2803, approved the political plan that led to the ceasefire, considering that its sustainability requires strict adherence to the terms of the agreement. He pointed to the necessity of opening all crossings, including the Rafah crossing, fully and regularly to increase the flow of humanitarian aid, which remains below the level of the great needs in the Strip.

The Ambassador added that the British vision for the next phase requires building on the ceasefire by disarming the Hamas movement and dismantling its military capabilities, in parallel with an Israeli withdrawal that paves the way for a Palestinian civil administration of Gaza's affairs. He considered that the establishment of a national committee to manage the Strip represents a pivotal step, provided that the deterioration in the West Bank is addressed to reach a comprehensive political settlement.

Kariuki also touched upon the Security Council delegation's recent visit to Lebanon, noting meetings with the Lebanese government and army. He pointed to a limited improvement observed in direct communication channels between Lebanese and Israeli authorities within the coordination mechanism concerned with de-escalation, despite the continued violations related to Lebanese sovereignty.