General Assembly: 61st plenary meeting, Tenth emergency special session

The 61st plenary meeting of the 10th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will continue its consideration of agenda item five entitled, Illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory, to hear the remaining speakers in explanation of vote after the vote, to be followed by the continuation of the debate on the item. Before giving the floor for explanation of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seat. Now I will give the floor to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mr. President, the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its profound concern over the continued violations by the Israeli authorities of fundamental principles of international law, human rights law, and humanitarian law. This regime must adhere to ceasefire agreements and fully comply with all relevant United Nations resolutions, including the resolution adopted on 12 June 2025. Israeli occupying forces have repeatedly engaged in acts of aggression against the occupied territories. In addition to the devastating and genocidal attacks against Palestinians, Israel apartheid regime has systematically weaponized starvation as a means of ethnic cleansing and mass atrocities. All these would not have been possible without United States green light and relentless support. Furthermore, thousands of Palestinians, including children, have endured prolonged military and arbitrary detention, often facing ill treatment, forced confessions, and separation from their families while being denied legal representation and subjected to harsh conditions. Mr. President, the Islamic Republic of Iran voted in favor of the resolution given the urgency of the humanitarian situation and the importance of an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and also the necessity of expediting all necessary measures to ensure compliance by Israel with its obligations in line with international law and the United Nations Charter, including to respect and protect all civilians as well as United Nations and humanitarian staff. Accordingly, my delegation recalls the international demand for immediate release of all Palestinian prisoners and return them, as well as other Palestinian civilians, to their homes, as underscored in operative paragraph three of the resolution. In this context, my delegation dissociates itself from operative paragraph two on the grounds that it lacks balance and fails to acknowledge the widespread and systematic practice of arbitrary detention affecting thousands of Palestinians who continue to be held in Israeli prisons under conditions that have been widely documented for violence, inhuman treatment, and grave human rights violations. In addition, my delegation reiterates that its support for the resolution does not affect Iran's longstanding and consistent national position on the question of Palestine, which includes non-recognition of the Israeli regime. Last but not least, I should want to recall on 13 June 2025, the Israeli regime initiated an unprovoked and premeditated aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, targeting civilian populated areas where millions of people live, killing more than 200 of civilians, including women, children, scientists, and university professors, while leaving more than a thousand injured. The criminal regime of Israel has also committed acts of terrorism by targeting Iranian peaceful nuclear facilities, which are under full supervision of the IAEA. Such abhorrent crimes do not surprise anyone, as the genocidal regime has demonstrated since its illegitimate inception to the present day its total criminal nature and hatred towards international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Iran is now defending itself against a cruel aggression. The United Nations system, especially the United Nations Security Council and its member states, must not defeat the very purpose of the United Nations. The Security Council members should, shall, and must act now in furtherance of the Council's primary responsibility and stop the aggressor from committing more atrocities. The path to regional stability requires an immediate end to Israel's aggression and accountability for its violations of international law. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Hungary.

Mr. President, We are here today to discuss the dire humanitarian situation and the demand for an end to the conflict in Gaza. On the resolution adopted during last week's ESS, Hungary voted no because we cannot support any document that fails to condemn Hamas and its heinous terrorist attacks and calls for an unconditional ceasefire without the release of hostages. We must not forget that the conflict that the General Assembly seeks to end by imposing an unconditional ceasefire was ignited by the horrendous and brutal acts of terrorism committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Any country would have the right and responsibility to ensure that such an attack could never happen again. Hostages are still being held and innumerable survivors are traumatized. The picture today is catastrophic. and we express our solidarity with Israeli and Palestinian innocent civilians caught in the conflict. There are no excuses left for Hamas to continue rejecting a ceasefire and put innocent Palestinian civilians at risk every day. Let us be absolutely clear. The deliberate targeting, kidnapping, and prolonged detention of civilians is a grave violation of international humanitarian law. It is an affront to humanity and demands not only moral outrage but decisive international action. Hungary condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of hostages as instruments of terror and political leverage. We stand firmly with the families whose lives have been shattered by this ordeal and with all those still waiting for their loved ones to return home. We call for the immediate, dignified, and unconditional release of all remaining hostages, including the Hungarian dual citizen. Hungary reaffirms its commitment to the security of the state of Israel and the protection of all civilians across the region. Peace will only come when terror is no longer tolerated by anyone, anywhere. It is high time for this conflict to end, for the hostages to be released, and for Palestinian civilians to begin rebuilding their lives. However, the fighting must end in a sustainable way. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is the only way to bring about a durable end to this conflict. But Hamas has failed to accept any agreement so far that would bring hostages home, ensure Israel's security, enable a surge in humanitarian relief to Palestinians, and set the stage for a political settlement which can provide a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. All civilian life matters equally. We note with utmost concern the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially children, as well as the catastrophic levels of hunger and imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza. It is time for this conflict to end. However, the only durable way to resolve this conflict is to establish a ceasefire that also guarantees the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza. These two urgent goals are inextricably linked. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Hungary and give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina.

Thank you very much, President. Argentina reaffirms its commitment to international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and the search for a peaceful, negotiated and lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East. But Argentina had to vote against the draft resolution as a result of the following reasons. One, the omission of a clear, explicit condemnation of the terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023. which led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians and triggered an escalation of violence. The absence of this condemnation undermines the legitimacy of the text. Two, the clear imbalance in the assignation of responsibility, which ignores the crimes and violations of international law committed by terrorist groups such as Hamas, including the kidnapping of hostages and the use of human shields. Three, the lack of any reference to the rights of states to protect their people from armed attacks in line with international law. A balanced resolution must recognize the right to self-defense within the legal framework. Four, Argentina reiterates that it strongly supports the delivery of humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. In line with its principles, Argentina reaffirms its commitment to the protection of civilians, the rejection of terrorism, and the promotion of peace through balanced, responsible solutions. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Argentina, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola.

Mr. President, the resumption of this emergency special session comes at a very challenging and complex international context and represents yet another test to multilateralism as a mechanism to resolving the intricate international challenges we face today. The international community must act now to alleviate human suffering of the Palestinian people and mitigate the risks, the risk of the Gaza crisis spillover and turning into a regional conflict with dangerous implications for international peace and security. The only viable way to achieve durable peace in the Middle East is through dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes. For this reason, the Republic of Angola voted in favor of the draft resolution submitted by Spain. Mr. President, The Republic of Angola regrets the fact that due to a vote of a permanent member, the Security Council on 4 June 2025 did not adopt an important resolution demanding an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire and immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access, which could have helped to alleviate the immense suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip. The Security Council must uphold its primary responsibilities for maintenance of international peace and security, a state in the UN charter, particularly in the face of the grave crisis and humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. Today's global challenges reinforce the Republic of Angola's conviction about the urgent need to reform the United Nations system. especially its Security Council, to make it effective, representative, and inclusive, and able to strengthen multilateralism as the way of dealing with common and interconnected threats and preserving world peace and security. Mr. President, we support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring back the parties to fully and conditionally and without delay implement all the provisions of the Security Council resolution 2735 of 10 June 2024 to end the war in Gaza. The current challenges of peace and security in the Middle East demonstrate the urgency of prioritizing the search for a fair and sustainable solution based on the application of relevant United Nations resolutions and international law with the aim of achieving the two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security within internationally recognized borders. In this context, this delegation looks forward to upcoming high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of two-state solution to be held under the co-chairmanship of Saudi Arabia and France. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Angola. we have heard the last speaker in explanations of vote after the vote as agreed at the 60th plenary meeting on 12 June 2025 the assembly will resume the debate on agenda item five Carlos I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda. Uganda, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Please, you have the floor.

Mr. President, Excellencies, I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the 121 member states of the Non-Aligned Movement, NAM, at this resumed tenth emergency session of the General Assembly. now reaffirms its longstanding common and principled position on the question of Palestine and is deeply concerned about the implications of the conflict in Gaza to the region and the continuation of this illegal occupation. There has been no relief to the grave situation in Gaza and the conflict has dramatically intensified, worsening the catastrophic humanitarian situation not only in Gaza but also the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The members of the United Nations conferred on the UN Security Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in accordance with Articles 12 and 24 of the Charter. The Security Council must uphold its mandate to maintain international peace and security and must act in consonance without making the question of Palestine an exception to international law at the authority of the Security Council. Therefore, NAM calls on the Security Council to justly resolve the Palestinian question, to bring an end to this protracted conflict and tragic injustice. The just and peaceful solution to the question of Palestine is central to establishing durable peace and stability in the Middle East and is a matter of grave concern for the maintenance of international peace and security. NAM deeply regrets the veto cast by the United States in the Security Council on 4 June that once again prevented the Council from upholding its responsibilities in the face of this grave crisis. NAM recognises the important role played by the elected ten members of the Council, among them six NAM countries, in responsibly pursuing this important initiative and regrets its obstruction despite the unanimity of 14 council members representing the broader international community. The Non-Aligned Movement demands an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and expresses support for all the ongoing diplomatic efforts, especially by Egypt and Qatar, to reach an agreement for an immediate, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire. NAM condemns negative efforts by Israel that undermine peace and security in the Middle East, and accordingly calls for the cessation of military campaign in Gaza, release of all hostages, exchange of Palestinian prisoners, return of Palestinian civilians to their homes and neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza, and the safe and effective distribution of sufficient humanitarian assistance throughout the Gaza Strip to all Palestinian civilians who need it, including medical needs. Now members also express concern at reports of forced starvation and forced displacement of the civilian population throughout Gaza. Mr. President, the non-aligned member states once again reiterate their call for the continued provision of the needed humanitarian and socioeconomics assistance to the Palestinian people, including the Palestine refugees. The movement reaffirms the continued indispensability of the United Nations relief and works agency for Palestine refugees in the near East unra along with other United Nations agencies and International organizations in alleviating their plight and urges the international committee to support the agency with sufficient and predictable funding without blocking without blocking this humanitarian work nam rejects an attempts by Israel to sideline INRA, as this poses a threat to its humanitarian role in accordance with its General Assembly mandate. The movement calls for the permanent end to hostilities and for the start of a major multi-year reconstruction plan for Gaza, with international support swiftly mobilized, based on the Arab and OIC Gaza Relief and Recovery Plan, in full coordination with the State of Palestine. We underline that this should result also in the release of thousands of other Palestinians that for years have been held captive in Israeli prisons and detention centers, among them children and women. Moreover, now member states reiterate the longstanding call for the complete cessation of all Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and violations of the historic status quo. of Jerusalem and its holy sites, as well as the halt of all attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, refugees, and civilians, to seize and annex Palestinian territory, including the Gaza Strip. Needless to say, it is of utmost importance to swiftly advance in all these fields, including the taking of urgent accountability measures in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the International Court of Justice, 19th July 2024, advisory opinion, and the provisional measures ordered by the court as indicated in January, March, and May 2024 in the case of South Africa versus Israel and the Genocide Convention. All of this is vital to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, to protect the Palestinian civilian population, and in order to thwart the attempts to destroy the two-state solution. Now, we welcome the ongoing actions in support of the implementation of the relevant UN resolutions on the two-state solution and the comprehensive, just, and peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question. To this end, we welcome the convening of the high-level international conference on the implementation of the resolutions pertaining to the question of Palestine and the two-state solution in line with UNGA resolution E.S.T. Stock 24 and all relevant resolutions under the co-chairmanship of Saudi Arabia and France. I welcome the strong and principled positions affirmed in the recent consultations convened on 9 April and the preparatory meetings of senior officials held on 23 May 2025. Similarly, NAM commends the efforts undertaken within the framework of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia EU and Norway and urges concrete follow-up of these important initiatives. To conclude, Mr. President, the movement says that this opportunity to reiterate this call for collective international efforts to uphold international law and to bring an end to this historic and grave injustice. Now member states reaffirm their commitment to promoting a just, lasting, comprehensive and peaceful solution to the question of Palestine in all its aspects, including for the plight of the Palestinian refugees. and reaffirm their support for the Palestinian people in their struggle to achieve justice and fulfill their inalienable rights and legitimate national aspirations, including to self-determination, freedom, and independence in their sovereign and independent state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uganda, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union on behalf of the EU and its member states.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The candidate countries Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Armenia, Andorra and San Marino, align themselves with this statement. We thank you, President, for convening this debate following the vote in the Security Council on 4 June. We also thank the E10 for the efforts in tabling this resolution, which has received the support of 14 Council members. The humanitarian situation, notably caused by the blocking of humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months, has reached an unprecedented level of catastrophe that requires our urgent and sustained attention. The suffering of the civilian population must end. Delivering humanitarian assistance at scale, the release of all hostages, and the return to ceasefire leading to a permanent end to hostilities are all essential. The EU once again unequivocally condemns Hamas brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks of October 7th. The EU also deplores the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially children, in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza following Israel's response to these attacks. We also recall the need to fully implement the International Court of Justice orders. The EU urges all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Our message is clear. Humanitarian aid must never be politicized or militarized. Aid must reach civilians in need. We recall the importance of an unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza. The EU also urged Israel to act on the basis of the UN proposals under the 2720 mechanism and to ensure full respect of international humanitarian law and of the core principles of humanitarian action, humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, by constructively discussing with the UN and designated NGOs. The EU takes note of the UN General Assembly resolution proposed and adopted last week, which recalls the return to an immediate and conditional permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. It is time to break the cycle of violence and ensure peace and security for all. The EU will continue to work with regional international partners to that end. Allow me to reiterate the essential role of the UN agencies, including UNRWA, which provides crucial services to millions of people in Gaza, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and across the region, including Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The EU also strongly condemns the further escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, following increased settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements, Israeli military operations, and increased terrorist attacks against Israel. We reiterate our commitment to international law and to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace and mutual recognition within secure and recognised borders. The EU will continue to spare no effort to help revive the political process, including through the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution, and is looking forward to the high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia on behalf of the E10 group.

Ms. President, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the E10 members of the Security Council. Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and my own country, Slovenia. We believe the war in Gaza must come to an immediate halt. All hostages must be immediately and unconditionally released, and civilians in Gaza must not starve and must have full and unimpeded access to aid. The elected members had prepared a concise draft humanitarian resolution expressing grave concern over the situation in Gaza, including the risk of famine, that regrettably was not adopted. The resolution reaffirmed that all parties must comply with their obligations under international law. It further expressed support to the efforts of mediators to immediately bring parties back to implementing the ceasefire agreement in line with the resolution 2735 of the Council. Importantly, the resolution demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties. It also recalled the demand of the Council for the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas or other groups. The draft also contained an unequivocal demand for the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, its safe and unhindered distribution at scale.

Including by the UN and humanitarian partners.

Throughout the Gaza Strip, as well as the restoration of all essential services in line with international humanitarian law, the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. Mr. President, the resolution was prompted by our deep concern over the catastrophic situation in Gaza, which deteriorated further after the resumption of hostilities in March. We have heard numerous briefings and followed closely the deeply disturbing reports coming from the ground, including in relation to the functioning of the newly established aid distribution centers. We continue to fully support the ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar aimed at achieving a return to the ceasefire and hostage release deal. We firmly believe that the Security Council must also act urgently and decisively to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza in accordance with its mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to express our appreciation to all of those who voted in favor of the resolution, who stood on the side of rights and justice. We thank all of those who have had a sound moral and humanitarian compass and voted in favor of saving civilians and innocents in Gaza. Mr. President, we meet here at the resumed emergency special session after the Security Council was unable to pass a resolution because of the American veto. It was a draft resolution that reflected a widespread international desire to put an end to the war in Gaza, which was supported by the rest of the members of the Security Council, 14 members. It was a draft resolution that aimed to put an end to the ugly and continued Israeli crimes in Gaza. It aimed to save innocent children and civilians and to put an end to the oppressive siege imposed on them. And faced with this unilateral position, we headed to the General Assembly where all members of the international community are equals. without the privilege of the veto. And we adopted, in a overwhelming majority, a draft resolution that sets the minimum level of justice and which demands the most basic of humanitarian considerations with the aim of saving the Palestinian people from the continued war crimes that we are witnessing live on the air and have been witnessing for over a year and a half. These crimes we have repeatedly failed in putting an end to with no mentionable justification and in a manner that will be unfortunately recorded in history as a dark and embarrassing chapter that future generations will have a hard time understanding and accepting. Mr. President, in light of this painful context and in light of the escalating situation in the Middle East, we in Egypt would like to make the following points. The United Nations Charter, when it was formed, granted the veto to the permanent members of the Security Council as powers that are supposed to guarantee commitment to the spirit and objectives and purposes of the Charter with the purpose of securing and maintaining international peace and security. And this recent and repeated veto has torpedoed these commitments, has allowed and allows Israel to continue its unjust aggression against unarmed civilians in Gaza. This repeated position confirms with no doubt what Egypt has been calling for, Egypt along with many other member states calling for, which is the need to comprehensively reform the Security Council and at the forefront of which remedying this veto defect once and for all. Second, Egypt reaffirms that this recent veto does not change two absolute facts. The first is that Israel has committed and continues to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity systematically in Gaza. And standing behind it is the extremist Israeli right. and Israel's top leaders. This definitely requires accountability and justice. The second Absolute fact is that there is a clear and absolute international agreement on the need to immediately stop this war to save the Palestinian people, to put an end to the grave violations perpetrated against civilians in Gaza. This was embodied in the overwhelming vote in favor of the resolution adopted on the 12th of June. Third, we all have a legal and moral duty that we cannot renege, a duty to reject such a veto, reject using it as a political or legal cover for the continuation of the war. The right of the veto does not transcend international law. It does not transcend human nature, which rejects the killing of children and innocents in Gaza. The international community, are obliged together and individually to use all means possible to pressure Israel and force it to stop this aggression, to put an end to the siege, to put an end to the starvation, and to allow access with no conditions to humanitarian aid, to implement United Nations resolutions and the ICJ's measures. Fourth, Egypt. calls on you to develop the language and the terminology of international humanitarian law and international rhetoric, humanitarian rhetoric in general, so that they can keep pace with Israel's crimes in Gaza. The Palestinian people have a right to have their tragedy acknowledged, to have a recognition of the crimes that have been perpetrated against them for decades so that they can be salvaged from the indignity of occupation to the dignity of independence and self-determination. The Palestinians are the only people living under war crimes and unprecedented atrocities that are aired without, that we follow live on the air with no horizon for an end. Fifth, Egypt confirms its intention to continue its intensive efforts at mediation with our partners, Qatar and the United States, to arrive at a permanent ceasefire and to put an end to the Israeli siege on Gaza. Egypt calls upon you to implement United Nations resolutions and to adopt a new Security Council resolution that obliges Israel to put an end to its aggression and its crimes. Mediation does not run counter to the role of the United Nations and its bodies in putting an end to the aggression and saving innocents. Six, Egypt warns. of the danger of the escalating occupation practices in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Egypt calls for an end to the Israeli attacks on Palestinian cities, to put an end to the expansion of settlements, to punishing the settlers for their terrorism, to allow the sisterly and brotherly Palestinian people to move with no limitations and to be able to access the resources, to put an end to the violations perpetrated against holy sites in Jerusalem and affect its status and to lift all the limitations that are being imposed on the UNRWA and its work in the occupied Palestinian territories. Seven, Egypt condemns the Israeli attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. We condemn any practices that are a violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the sovereignty of countries, their territorial integrity, the principles of good neighborliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. We express our concern over this dangerous escalation, which warns of grave consequences on the security of the region. Egypt confirms the need to rid the Middle East of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons in accordance with relevant international resolutions with no selectivity. We stress the need that all countries in the region must accede to the non-proliferation treaty. Mr. President, we can list once again the statistics that reflect the catastrophic situation in Gaza, the criminality of the Israeli aggression. But we definitely do not need further evidence to justify saving the Palestinians. Those of us who need to see the pictures of dead children, of grieving mothers, of civilians burning alive to find a reason to put an end to this massacre. And we do not need these pictures to put an end to this massacre that nobody can deny what is happening in Gaza. is a source of shame to the international community as a whole, and it must be stopped immediately. In closing, and in light of the above, we ask the members of the General Assembly to continue in their noble position that supports the rights of the Palestinian people, that support the right of the Palestinian people to have their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and to grant it full membership in the United Nations. This is the only path to peace in the region. There is no other path. There is no room to stand in neutrality because silence is collusion and any hesitation in supporting the Palestinian rights is treachery. And voting in favor of any draft resolution that aims to save the civilians in the Palestinian territories is a legal obligation and a moral necessity. Do not let humanity down. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt. Now I give the floor to His Excellency Ivan Gil Pinto, Minister of People's Power for Foreign Relations of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations.

Mr. President, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honour to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations. President, once again we are gathered in this General Assembly under circumstances that should shame the collective conscience of humanity. Once again, the United States of America cast another negative vote at the Security Council on the 4th of June 2025 on draft resolution S/2025/353 jointly submitted to that body by its non-permanent members. This, among other goals sought to demand an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire respected by all parties to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and also immediately to provide humanitarian access to alleviate conditions of starvation being suffered by the Palestinian civilian population. In this context, we condemn the veto used by the government of the United States which continues to obstruct the Security Council's action. This is further complicity with Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, by repeatedly preventing that body from fulfilling its responsibilities as provided for in the UN Charter, thus thwarting efforts to put an end to the current catastrophic crisis and to this illegal occupation as a whole. This is a deliberate action which ultimately undermines peace, security and stability in the Middle East. This new veto by the United States of America has kept the Council paralyzed on effectively addressing Israel's ongoing occupation and crimes in Palestine, it is a green light for further violence. We therefore urge the government of the United States to end its indifference and its complicity in the suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and to yield to the overwhelming majority of the world which insists on the rule of law at the international level and respect for the United Nations Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and stands in solidarity and support for the just plight of the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights. President, the situation on the ground is beyond critical. The conditions for millions continue to deteriorate day on day. We renew our most serious concern about the catastrophic consequences, including in the humanitarian domain, resulting from the ongoing brutal Israeli military operation and the crimes committed to date by the occupying power against the Palestinian people. In the Gaza Strip, we are witnessing what can only be described as a collapse of the most basic norms of international law and international humanitarian law. Over 55,000 Palestinians, the vast majority of them civilians, including women and thousands of children, have been killed, while more than 125,000 others have been wounded. and the entire population has been traumatized, nearly all forcibly displaced. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, hospitals destroyed, schools turned into shelters bombed, water and electricity deliberately cut off, food and water withheld. The right to life, the most fundamental of all rights, is being treated as expendable. All of it while Israel, the occupying power, violates its legal obligations under international humanitarian law, including with regard to the facilitation of humanitarian relief for all civilians who need it. President, more recently, just a couple of days ago, we witnessed with horror once again the attack by Israeli forces on civilians in Gaza seeking humanitarian aid. And what is even more shocking, we saw the firing of so-called warning shots against diplomatic agents in the West Bank in deliberate defiance of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. As the Secretary-General said, this is genuinely unacceptable. This highlights the need urgently to redouble international efforts to effectively and immediately advance towards a much needed process of accountability for all Israel's crimes, the crimes committed by the occupying power against the peoples of Palestine, Lebanon, and other nationalities, in which all relevant mechanisms of international justice are expected to play a responsible role to put an end to the prevailing cycle of impunity, which has only emboldened Israel, the occupying power, to perpetuate over time its criminal policies and practices against the people of the region, most gravely against the Palestinian people for more than 77 years since the onset of the Nakba and now for over 58 years of military occupation since 1967. President, we reiterate that there is no legal, moral or political justification for the indiscriminate killing of civilians, including women and children. Nor is there any legal or moral basis for blocking the efforts of the United Nations to prevent further bloodshed and to end the blockade in the Gaza Strip. Therefore, we can only emphasize the importance of the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement previously reached. Needless to say, it is of utmost importance to advance in all fields of the ceasefire agreement as well as relevant UN resolutions in order to preserve a political horizon that can ultimately lead us to the comprehensive end to this protracted and disastrous conflict and justice for its countless victims. Similarly, we must insist that the UN Security Council must shoulder its responsibilities, including on the basis of the relevant provisions of Chapter 7 of the UN Charter. The Council must also ensure that its resolutions on the question of Palestine are both fully respected and implemented. The time has come for the Security Council to adopt a resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire respected by all parties that will allow for unimpeded humanitarian access consistently, safely and to scale, as well as for all responsible members of the international community to take urgent measures within the powers conferred upon it by the UN Charter aimed at ceasing the provisional transfer of arms, munitions and related equipment to Israel, the occupying power, in all cases where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they may be used in the occupied Palestinian territory, as stipulated in GA resolution ES-10/24. which was adopted on the 18th of September last. President, we call also on the international community to take effective action to compel Israel, the occupying power, to adhere to international law, including through the continued denunciation of the prevailing double standards and selectivity in the application of the charter of the United Nations and international law. including international humanitarian law, and through warning that these double standards seriously undermine the credibility of states that insist on protecting the illegal and criminal actions of Israel and the legitimacy of multinational institutions. In this context, and in line with our principled and historic positions we take this opportunity to renew our firm commitment to the just cause of Palestine and our unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their ongoing struggle to achieve their inalienable rights freedom and justice we also reaffirm our full and continued support to all efforts geared towards ending the grave injustice inflicted on the Palestinian people since the 1948 Nakba. We also remain committed to strengthening our efforts, including active engagement, to put an end to the illegal Israeli occupation and achieving the independence of the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem, Al-Quds Al-Sharif, as its capital. the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including to self-determination and freedom, and a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the question of Palestine in all of its aspects, including for the plight of the Palestine refugees and the realization of their right to return, in line with international law, the relevant resolutions of the UN and the United Nations Charter, and on the basis of the two-state solution, enabling the realization of the independence of a sovereign and viable Palestinian State on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Moreover, we express our determination not to allow the ongoing situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and most particularly in the Gaza Strip, as well as in Lebanon, to become normalized, not to allow the violence unleashed by Israel, the occupying power, to become normalized. We once again demand that the government of the United States, as a permanent member of the Security Council, put aside its political calculations, because it has been this that has kept that body hostage to a paralysis that has emboldened Israel to continue with its policies of apartheid and extermination against the Palestinian people. In these grave times, to remain silent in the face of brutal violence is to be complicit. This is not an option. The integrity of the United Nations and indeed the very future of multilateralism depends on our collective courage to uphold its charter without exception or selectivity. We call therefore on all member states to act not out of political expediency but out of a sense of justice, responsibility and humanity towards an entire people that has suffered and has resisted this grave injustice with dignity for far too long. Now is the time to make a reality for them the very promise contained in the charter. Lastly, We reiterate our support for the responsible efforts conducted by this General Assembly to confronting and ultimately ending this ongoing tragedy being inflicted against the Palestinian people. Thank you very much, President.

I thank the Minister of People's Power for Foreign Relations of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar.

Mr. President, allow me at outset to thank you for resuming this emergency special session. We welcome the adoption of resolution titled, "Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations Regarding the Situation in Gaza Strip." We align ourselves with the statement on behalf of GCC member state, the Arab group, and the non-aligned movement. Mr. President, the need to resume this session is due to the unprecedented… unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza Strip that requires this General Assembly to shoulder its responsibility towards the Palestinian question in line with the UN Charter. The Israeli occupation resumed its aggression despite a ceasefire agreement that was concluded through efforts made by Qatar, Egypt and the US last January. The diplomatic efforts achieved several important steps from the beginning in responding to the humanitarian catastrophe and suffering. Therefore, Qatar is keen on continuing to intensify the mediation efforts to overcome those obstacles in the negotiations towards reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement to allow the end of a humanitarian crisis, the opening of the crossing, the entry of humanitarian aid, and ultimately end the war and start reconstruction. Qatar rejects categorically the ongoing Israeli attacks on civilian assets, including hospitals, schools, and communities. It rejects also the use of food as a weapon of war and the starvation of civilians, calls upon the international community to oblige Israel to ensure the safe, sustainable, unhindered entry of humanitarian aid. We reiterate that the forcible displacement of Palestinians in any form or shape is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. The expansion of settlement is also a blatant violation of international resolutions and therefore the State of Qatar strongly condemns the occupation authorities approval to build new settlements in the occupied West Bank. It also condemns the repeated attempts to undermine the historic and religious status of Al-Aqsa Mosque. We refuse categorically all Israeli actions to end the role of UNRWA. We reaffirm the need to support UNRWA to implement its mandate authorized by this General Assembly. Mr. President, Qatar warned repeatedly of the repercussions of the ongoing and continuation of the war in Gaza Strip to the region, and that the escalatory policies of the Israeli occupation will inevitably lead to a spillover of the violence and chaos in the region. In light of the current escalation in the region, Qatar strongly condemns and deplores the Israeli attack on the sisterly Iran. We consider it a blatant violation of Iran's sovereignty and security and a blatant violation of the rules and principles of international law. We express our grave concern regarding this dangerous escalation that threatens the peace and stability of the region and obstructs efforts that aim at de-escalation and reaching diplomatic solutions. Qatar reiterates its unwavering position that rejects all forms of violence, calls for self-restraint and to avoid escalation that would lead to a spillover of this conflict and the undermining of peace and stability in the region. Mr. President, the time has come to take real measures to support the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question in line with international resolutions and the two-state solution. to allow the establishment of the state of Palestine while reiterating the right of the state of Palestine to full membership of the UN. In this regard, we look forward to the resumption of the high-level international conference for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and the implementation of the two-state solution, co-shared by Saudi Arabia and France, as soon as possible, which would be an opportunity to take collective steps to support this solution and achieve sustainable peace and stability regionally and internationally. We reiterate our unwavering position to support the just cause of the Palestinian cause and that the Palestinian people should obtain their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Qatar. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.

President, Ireland would like to thank you for convening this emergency special session of the General Assembly, and we also thank Spain for bringing forward this very important resolution. Ireland co-sponsored and voted in favour of the resolution. It is deeply regrettable that the Security Council was unable to agree a resolution put forward by the elected members of the Council on the 4th of June, which called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, as well as the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. We also recall the defeat of a similar draft resolution of the Security Council on the 20th of November last year. It is clear that the Security Council and, by extension, the international community has failed to act to end hostilities in Gaza and to secure a release of the hostages who are now in captivity for over 600 days. Ireland calls on the international community to enable the development of a lasting ceasefire and a sustainable peace agreement, which secures a future where Israel and Palestine can live side by side in peace and security. The result of last week's vote demonstrates that the international community is united in its desire for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire, the dignified and unconditional release of hostages, and for the immediate, unimpeded supply of humanitarian aid into Gaza, all in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles. UN and humanitarian organisations must be allowed to work independently and to do their job. UNRWA remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza. Actions to undermine the implementation of its mandate should be rejected. President, history will reflect our failings. A failure to respond to this moment is a rebuke to multilateralism, to international law, and to the universal applicability of human rights across the world. Let us be in no doubt that we are in the most difficult stage of the past 20 months of this conflict. 53 hostages remain in captivity, their families tormented further with each passing day. Military efforts have not brought them home. A return to diplomatic talks is imperative. Over 55,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with many more people unaccounted for under the rubble. The majority of deaths verified are women and children, innocent civilians. Most people in Gaza have been forcibly displaced multiple times, some up to 20 times. They have relocated to places where there is insufficient humanitarian aid, a lack of shelter, water, sanitation, food and medical supplies. Many are already sick and injured, and half a million people face starvation. This desperate situation is unacceptable. It cannot be allowed to continue. There needs to be urgent action. The Security Council was unable to act. However, this Assembly has spoken. Each of the 150 votes cast in favour of this resolution was a vote for humanity, for international law and international humanitarian law, a vote for the safety of our humanitarian workers and for peace and stability for Israel and Palestine, and a vote for long-lasting regional peace. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Mr. President, allow me at the outset to thank you for responding to the request to resume the emergency special session of the General Assembly. In this regard, we align ourselves with the statement delivered by Cameroon on behalf of OIC member states, Yemen on behalf of the Arab group, Kuwait on behalf of GCC member states, and Uganda on behalf of the non-aligned movement. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, we stand here today yet again before a painful reality that is reflected in the obstruction of international efforts at the Security Council through the use of the veto right. After almost 80 years since the establishment of the UN, we continue to see this arbitrary use of this right that will prevent the Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities, namely in safeguarding international peace and security. What the Gaza Strip is witnessing in terms of horrifying humanitarian tragedies is a stain on the conscience of humanity and cannot be justified under any circumstances. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, the demands of the international community are very clear, namely, a permanent unconditional ceasefire respected by all parties, the release of the hostages, the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of aid to Gaza to distribute aid in a safe manner unhindered, in addition to the resumption of all the basic services in Gaza Strip. These calls reflect basic humanitarian demand that are also reflective of the commitment to human dignity and basic rights. Mr. President, the systematic brutal aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip and the West Bank had led to a comprehensive destruction of the infrastructure and led to a grave humanitarian suffering when starvation is used as a weapon of war and there is an imposition of an unjust siege. that prevents the entry of humanitarian aid and that are used, humanitarian aid is used as a weapon for blackmail and collective punishment. This is a blatant violation of international law and the principles of international humanitarian law. This continues in parallel with the ongoing illegal settlement policies by the Israeli occupation authorities that expand also the cycle of violence in the region. and Israel's obstructions of any efforts that are made and any diplomatic visits that seek to achieve peace. In conclusion, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterates its unwavering support to the Palestinian question and the rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent sovereign Palestinian state on the 4th of June 1967 borders with its capital East Jerusalem in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative and on the basis of the two-state solution We continue our efforts and our communication with brotherly and friendly countries to find a quick and practical solution to stop the bloodshed and put an end to this escalation and the ongoing cycles of violence because we believe that just comprehensive and permanent peace is the strategic option that would guarantee the stability and security of the region. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon.

Mr. President, we align ourselves with the statement delivered by Yemen on behalf of the Arab group. We gather today again and the 10th emergency special session that was resumed at a time when the siege on Gaza continues, further exacerbating the suffering of a people that face on a daily basis violence and deprivation. The Security Council had failed to put an end to this inhumane tragedy, and today we find ourselves at the General Assembly We convene to tell Gaza and its people, you are not alone, and we stand here with you, Mr. President. Lebanon supports the draft resolution that was submitted by Spain and a number of groups regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip. We join the call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza Strip and for the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza Strip. It renews its support for the Arab and Islamic plan for the reconstruction of Gaza Strip. Lebanon would like to reiterate that what is happening today in Gaza Strip and all the occupied Palestinian territory cannot be separated from the essence of this conflict. And Lebanon reiterates the need to achieve a just and permanent peace in the region that would allow the Palestinian people to establish their independent state in line with international relevant international resolutions that guarantees the right of refugees to return and gives all the countries and peoples of the region their due rights and their legitimate rights. Mr. President, Lebanon looks forward to the rescheduling of the international conference for the settlement of the Palestinian question and the implementation of the two-state solution co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. Lebanon calls the international community to rise up to the extent of challenges posed by this historic moment and to take concrete and practical steps to push forward in terms of the full implementation of UN resolutions related to the Palestinian question and the two-state solution in order to achieve a just and permanent and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Mr. President, At a time where we focus today on the situation in Gaza, it is important to reiterate that Lebanon continues to suffer Israeli aggressions against its sovereignty and its territories, the latest of which was the attack on the Dahia on the eve of Al-Adha Eid. in violation of resolution 1701 and the agreement to stop the hostilities. Therefore, we renew our call to the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and to act quickly to put an end to this policy of impunity and to pressure Israel to deter it from its approach that is based on systematic violence. We reiterate the need to respect international law, including the international humanitarian law and the international human rights law and to fully comply with Security Council resolutions and relevant General Assembly resolutions that are the legal and political framework for the efforts to achieve just and lasting peace in our region. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Lebanon, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia.

Mr. President, thank you for reconvening the tenth emergency special session on illegal Israeli actions in the occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory. The resumption of this emergency session of the General Assembly serves as a symbol of unity in maintaining international peace and security, while building on prior actions taken by the United Nations General Assembly to end the illegal occupation by Israel of the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr. President, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted. Its opening statement reads, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." Ironically, 1948 also marked the beginning of the Nakba. Many Palestinians born after 1948 cannot relate to the notion of being born free and equal in rights and dignity. Since 1948, prolonged occupation and dispossession of land and property through settlement expansion and annexation of territories has characterized the lives of Palestinians. In recent years, this has been expounded on by brutal attacks on civilians and their properties, resulting in worrisome humanitarian situation, especially in Gaza. All this in the face of a deteriorating humanitarian situation, which, against the precepts of international humanitarian law, is characterized by constant attacks on civilians and their properties, mass displacement, crisis-level food shortages, which underpin critical famine risk, and an acute shortage of medical supplies. Mr. President, the right to self-determination is affirmed by the International Court of Justice as use cogent, a peremptory norm of international law from which there can be no derogation. Namibia's longstanding and unwavering support for the right for the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination is underpinned by support for this internationally affirmed universal principle. At a time when the Security Council continues to be incapable of carrying out its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security, the General Assembly and its representative nature is once again called upon to assert itself, this time with a particular focus on the protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations. At a time when brutal attacks on civilians and a continuation of the use of starvation as a method of war reign supreme, there is an onerous responsibility for the General Assembly to protect the civilian population in Gaza. Protect them from the failure of international law, genocide, famine, harm, injury, and dispossession, and protect them from the continued expansion of settlements and further annexation of their territory. The impunity enjoyed by Israel is a blithe disregard for the guardrails of international law, which should shield the most vulnerable from the daily brutality they endure in the occupied Palestinian territory. Namibia has co-sponsored and voted in favour of the resolution A/ES/10/L.34/Rev.1 as we believe this resolution strongly supports the continued efforts of the General Assembly to bring to a permanent end the prolonged and illegal occupation by Israel and forge forward with our broader affirmed goal of a two-state solution in line with numerous UN resolutions. This assembly must continue to use its convening power as a force for good and in line with the precepts of the charter reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. In conclusion, Mr. President, Namibia will continue to call for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. the recognition and full membership of Palestine to the United Nations, and a renewed vision of a two-state solution that will enable the reconstruction of Gaza, leading to an independent Palestinian state, a safe Israel, and a durable peace in the Middle East. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

President, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, we are resuming this 10th Emergency Special Session as the escalation between Israel and Iran is ongoing and exacerbating regional instability. Switzerland is deeply disquieted by the latest developments. We condemn any recourse to force in contravention of international law, including the UN Charter. civilian victims are being reported. We call on the parties to respect IHL painstakingly so, specifically to protect civilians and to exercise maximum restraint. The return to the path of dialogue is a pressing matter. In parallel, human suffering in the Middle East and in particular in the Gaza Strip are unbearable. We must put an end to this without delay. This is why we supported the resolution adopted by this assembly last Thursday. We call for its immediate implementation. Indeed, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The population is facing acute risks of hunger. This new resolution, through it, a large majority of UN member states reminded us of the need for swift and unhindered humanitarian access for all civilians in the Gaza Strip. An immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages detained by Hamas was also demanded. Switzerland firmly condemns all violations of IHL starting on the 7th of October 2023. Since then, Switzerland has been condemning acts of terror as well as the taking and detention of hostages by Hamas. We welcome the fact that the resolution clearly condemns attacks on civilians, including acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks. The principle of distinction, rooted in international humanitarian law, requires for civilians to be protected from the effects of armed conflicts at all times. It also includes a ban on indiscriminate attacks, as well as the use of the presence of civilians as a way of preventing civilian objects from being attacked. Switzerland calls on all parties under all circumstances to respect their duties under international law, especially international humanitarian law, even in the absence of reciprocity. The occupying power, in keeping with the Geneva Convention, Israel has particular duty to afford civilians protection. Switzerland would also like to record that human rights, especially the right to life, dignity and human life, should be strictly upheld, including in times of armed conflict. Switzerland welcomes that the resolution emphasises the obligation to protect humanitarian personnel. including national humanitarian workers and locally recruited workers, as recalled by resolution 2730 adopted by the Security Council. On numerous occasions, we expressed our dismay. at the growing number of humanitarian attacks on humanitarians, as well as humanitarian convoys and humanitarian infrastructure in Gaza. We condemn all such attacks, including those waged by Israel. Last but not least, Switzerland welcomes the fact that the resolution stresses the alarming situation in the West Bank and events there. President, Switzerland would like to reiterate its commitment to a just and lasting peace throughout the region. based on the two-state solution and international law. This solution is the only possible option for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security and in dignity within safe and recognized, secure and recognized borders in keeping with international law and the parameters agreed at the international level. Thus, we regret that the conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution has been postponed owing to the latest regional developments. We hope that it will be held in the near future. In the meantime, we urge all actors to use existing diplomatic channels and to commit in a constructive fashion to contributing to regional de-escalation as well as in the Middle East and also to prevent any further devastating consequences from coming to pass. Switzerland will use its good offices and stands ready to support all efforts aimed at this end. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Arab Emirates.

President, at the outset, I would like to thank you for swiftly responding to the call of the Arab Group and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the OIC, to resume the 10th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly. We fully align ourselves with the statements delivered on behalf of the GCC, the Arab States Group and the NAM. This meeting is being held at a particularly grave time. The Gaza Strip is suffering from a humanitarian crisis that is getting worse by the day. Since Israel started its military operation in March, Gaza has once again turned into a zone of destruction and unspeakable suffering, especially following the loss of thousands of civilian lives and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people following the ban on the entry of materials to Gaza. Since then, the situation has only gotten worse, and hunger is taking root, in particular in the north of the Gaza Strip. Even though very limited quantities of aid were permitted to enter the strip, these quantities are nugatory given the size of need. On top of this, the health care system has basically collapsed owing to Israeli attacks, as well as owing to the ban on the entry of fuel, and this for several months now. In this disastrous context, it was particularly disappointing that the Security Council was unable at the start of the month to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. when 14 members of the Security Council which did support the draft resolution well they were particularly disappointed as was Palestine and the international community the policy of collective punishments which amounts to Palestinians being deprived from the basic ingredients for their survival the targeting of journalists healthcare facilities and humanitarian workers into Alia, all of this is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. Mr. President, the United Arab Emirates welcome the adoption by the General Assembly of the resolution entitled Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations, which contains a very strong demand That is an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the facilitation of the entry of humanitarian aid that is safe, unhindered, safe and unhindered. We'd like to reiterate our support for Qatar, Egypt and US efforts to achieve a ceasefire and the freeing of hostages and prisoners. We sincerely hope that the international high level conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution to be held, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. Having said that, we are particularly concerned by the escalation in the region and the repercussions this has on regional peace and security. We'd like to reiterate that it is necessary to exhibit restraint and sagacity. Disputes should be settled through diplomatic channels with due respect for international law and the sovereignty of states. By way of conclusion, we call on the international community to take action, action that is decisive and collective with the view to saving lives and putting an end to this tragedy which has gone on far too long. The UAE will continue supporting all international efforts and initiatives aiming to put an end to the war and achieve the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace and security side by side with Israel. I thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Mr. President, at the outset, allow me to express our gratitude to you for convening this meeting. Algeria aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the E10, the elected member of the Security Council. the Arab Group and the Non-Aligned Movement. I wish to add the following on my national capacity as representative of Algeria. We meet in the aftermath of yet another painful blow to international legitimacy when a permanent member choose to cast its veto against humanitarian draft resolution. A humanitarian draft resolution initiated by my country, Algeria, and carried with integrity, courage, and purpose by the 10 elected members of the Security Council of the United Nations. We, the elected members, whose legitimacy stems from this very assembly, the truest and most universal incarnation of the collective conscience of humanity. A draft supported by the elected member, the E10, and endorsed by four permanent members. And yet, it was silenced, not for lack of support, but because of the will of one. Mr. President, we return today to the source of legitimacy, to the General Assembly, to the constituency that lends authority to the Security Council in the first place. The Council is not sovereign into itself. Its mandate derives from this chamber, from the peoples of the world. Security Council cannot and must not stand in defiance of the will of this assembly. Algeria will return to the council, not out of resignation, but out of determination. determination to make the Council reflect the will of humanity, not the will of the powerful. We will persist. We will persist with the same moral clarity, with the same principles approach, because we must act. We must act to halt a genocide unfolding before our eyes, before your eyes. This is not merely unacceptable. It is unconscionable. Mr. President, to those with short memories, let us be clear. History did not begin on October the 7th. The tragedy of the Palestinian people began long before with their dispossession, their exile, their arrest, their humiliation, their subjugation, their killing, and now their deliberate starvation. What we are witnessing today is not an isolated event. It is the culmination, the result of decades of violations, of impunity, of occupation, of colonization, and of oppression. It is a transformation of suffering from silent mourning into the language of genocide, from siege to starvation, from massacre to annihilation. So let us speak, let us speak plainly. The occupation must end. The right of the Palestinian people must be fulfilled, not negotiated, not postponed, fulfilled. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

President, thank you for convening this meeting. Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. President, Malaysia is again appalled and deeply disappointed with the inability of the Security Council to mobilize any meaningful action to stop the ongoing massacre of innocent Palestinians and scale up humanitarian aid into Gaza due to the exercise of the veto by a permanent member of the Security Council. We have been warned about the possibility of genocide in Gaza for more than a year already. The International Court of Justice, through its orders of provisional measures, issued in January, March and May 2024, warned us of this possibility in very clear terms. But the Security Council remains deadlocked and failed to act. In the meantime, Israel continues to intensify its aggression, brazenly disregarding rules of international law and international humanitarian law, as well as global outcry and condemnation. In January last year, when the first order of provisional measures was issued, casualties of the war in Gaza stood at approximately 25,000 people. Now it has increased dramatically to more than 55,000 people, about 70% of them being women and children. Since the ceasefire was broken over two months ago, approximately 4,300 more lives have been lost. Gaza has been described as a wasteland, a graveyard for children, and most recently, as a place worse than hell on earth. And yet, the Security Council continues to be paralyzed, The United Nations continues to be prevented from doing what the majority of member states demand it to do, that is to stop the killing of civilians, women, children and the elderly in Gaza. The inability of the Council to act has been frustrating, preventing the Council from taking decisive action to stop the mass atrocities unfolding in Gaza against the will of the majority of member states, is unacceptable president Malaysia condemns Israel's breaking of the ceasefire in Gaza on 18 March 2025 and the inhumane and illegal use of starvation as a method of warfare we also deplore the unlawful denial of humanitarian access and the militarization of humanitarian Aid the aid distribution mechanism under the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has turned out to be a big fiasco, with reports of Palestinians being shot at and killed while trying to get barely sufficient food aid for their families at the distribution centers. It is madness, and it must stop. What must happen is the lifting of the blockade of humanitarian aid imposed by Israel. and the United Nations as well as accredited international humanitarian organizations being allowed to do their work without impediments. While we continue to push for a ceasefire in Gaza, we must not lose sight of the dangerous escalation of annexation and violence in the West Bank. Settler terrorism is rampant with the backing of Israeli occupation forces. Settlements are expanding, despite clear determinations by the International Court of Justice of their illegality. In the last three weeks alone, 22 new settlements have been approved by the Israeli authorities. Israeli leaders now blatantly speak of occupation and about achieving a greater Israel. The expansionist colonialist agenda of Israeli leaders has become clear, overtly and proudly pronounced. Their boldness is due to the impunity they have long enjoyed and continue to enjoy. Indeed, Israel's impunity has emboldened it to increase its belligerence and spread its war beyond Palestinian territory, as we have witnessed in the last few days. Israel continues to act recklessly. trampling on fundamental principles of international law as it throws the region into greater instability and danger. President, the mass atrocities by Israel against Palestinians over the decades, which has escalated into acts akin to ethnic cleansing and genocide, can only be understood in the context of Israel's expansionist colonialist agenda. This agenda is the root cause of Israel's denial of a sovereign and independent state of Palestine, its illegal occupation of Palestinian lands, and its oppression, dispossession, and forced displacement of Palestinians. It is the main cause of the long and ongoing instability in the region. Peace and security cannot prevail if unlawful activities are allowed to continue. If we, the international community, are committed to upholding the rule of law, our message must be firm and it must be clear. Israel must bring its occupation of Palestinian territory, as well as settlement activities and violence by settlers, to a rapid end. It must stop denying the Palestinian people their inalienable right to self-determination, to live in an independent and sovereign state. We regret that the High Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, which opened this morning, has to be suspended. We look forward to the resumption of the conference and are hopeful that it will produce a clear pathway towards the realization of a fully sovereign and independent state of Palestine. President, the international community must take all necessary measures at its disposal to compel Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian land and abide by its obligations under international law. In this regard, we commend actions taken by a number of countries, which include suspending bilateral trade and social relations with Israel. The recent imposition of sanctions on the extremist Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, is welcomed. These sanctions should be expanded to also include several other Israeli leaders who continue to incite hatred, dehumanize Palestinians, encourage illegal acts, and provoke hostilities and conflicts. We call on States not to be complicit in Israel's illegal war and occupation by halting the provision of arms and financial support to Israel. We continue to hold the view that the Security Council must adopt a Chapter 7 resolution against Israel without delay for its genocidal war against Palestinians. We also reiterate our call for the defense of UNRWA against Israel's unilateral attempts to dismantle the agency. UNRWA is both essential and irreplaceable. We appreciate member states who co-sponsored and voted in favour of resolution ES10/27 which we adopted on Thursday 12 June. The high numbers of co-sponsors and affirmative votes is a testament of the commitment from overwhelming majority of member states to uphold international law and reject any attempt to strip Palestinians of their rights, dignity and humanity. President, before I conclude, allow me to reiterate Malaysia's position on the veto. The veto and its undemocratic nature runs against the very principles that the United Nations was built upon. It has no place in a modern and democratic multilateral architecture. Malaysia maintains its position that the exercise of the veto by permanent members of the Security Council must be regulated. to deter it from being used unjustifiably or abused. Its application must be prohibited in situations involving mass atrocity crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. However, we maintain that ultimately the veto needs to be abolished altogether. Malaysia will continue to work constructively with other member states through the intergovernmental negotiations on the Security Council reform towards improving the United Nations to make it more efficient, open, transparent and inclusive. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malaysia. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.

President, last Thursday, this Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Fourteen members of the Security Council agree with the General Assembly. Norway therefore strongly regrets that the Security Council, again, failed to pronounce itself on this issue. With the latest regional escalation, we call for restraint by the parties involved and for respect for international law. Now, more than ever, we need to keep focused on the civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. They must not be forgotten. Israel has for more than three months severely restricted access for humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel to Gaza. The inhumane conditions imposed on the civilians in Gaza are unacceptable. OCHA warns us that the Gaza Strip can enter full-fledged famine by September. This must end now. Women in Gaza are disproportionately impacted. Women, peace and security commitments must also be upheld. President, using starvation as a method of warfare and killing civilians seeking aid is a violation of international law and Norway strongly opposes it. As an occupying power, Israel is obliged to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches all the population in need. Norway demands the immediate and permanent facilitation of full, rapid, safe, and unhindered entry and movement of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. The UN and humanitarian organizations operating in accordance with humanitarian principles must be allowed to do their job. Norway continues to call on both parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire. The only way to stop the suffering of civilians in Gaza and secure the release of all the hostages remaining is to stop the war. as a two-state solution is the only way to end the conflict and secure long-lasting peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Norway firmly opposes any measures that jeopardize the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the viability of a two-state solution. Presently, more than 80% of Gaza is under Israeli military control or subject to evacuation orders. Increased settlement activities in the West Bank aim to consolidate Israeli control over Palestinian territory. These actions are in clear violation of international law. Norway welcomes the leadership of France and Saudi Arabia in chairing the high-level international UN conference on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution. President, I would like to end by thanking the presidency for the special report submitted pursuant to resolution 76262. Further to this, We encourage the President of the Assembly to send a summary from this debate back to the Security Council. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Mr. President, less than 24 hours after the adoption of resolution ES10/27, we witness yet again another violation of international law through Israel's unilateral attack against Iran. Indonesia strongly condemns such attack, which exacerbates an already fragile regional security situation. We urge all parties to exercise restraint. de-escalate tensions and return to the path of diplomacy. At the same time, we must continue to address the root cause of instability in the region, the occupation of the Palestinian people. It further underscores that military actions, whether against the people of Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, or Iran, will never deliver the sense of security for all parties. Mr. President, we should not have needed to meet today, if the Security Council's decision-making reflects global conscience. We should not have needed to meet today if our multilateral system is truly based on humanity, justice, and international law. Yet once again, for the seventh time in 21 months, we have to reconvene the emergency session for the rest of the world to say, "Enough is enough." The fact that, on average, We have to meet once in every three months. reflect the continuing and systematic denial of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people. A systematic denial often represented by a single raise of hand in the council chamber, leading to hundreds of additional deaths every day after. A systematic denial of an ongoing genocide, despite the fact that by now, more than one in every 40 Palestinians in Gaza have perished. We shall not be silenced. And Indonesia calls for all nations to join us in the following four actions. First, to ensure effective and full implementation of the resolution we adopted last week. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a breaking point. This resolution and our support are a message of resolve of the world's conscience united against despicable atrocities. Second, to insist on a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Every delay of the ceasefire will be measured in children lost, hospitals destroyed, cycles of violence perpetuated. We must all be loud and clear to demand a ceasefire along with full, safe, unhindered humanitarian access and distribution. Third, to reaffirm the primacy of international law. We must all be alarmed by the continued blatant defiance of international law, UN resolutions, the binding orders of the ICJ, and its advisory opinions. Humanitarian workers targeted, aid continuously blocked, UNRWA dismantled, starvation used as a method of warfare. These are all systematic, deliberate, grave breaches of Geneva Conventions. And this set a dangerous precedent to the current world order, an attempt to establish a global order based on the might is right. We must all be firm. Accountability is not optional and impunity is not an option. And finally, we must revive and sustain the path to peace. Indonesia reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the two-state solution, in accordance with international agreed parameters and relevant UN resolutions. The failure of the Security Council has brought us here, but this General Assembly must now become a catalyst for progress, a beacon of hope. While Indonesia regrets the postponement of the high-level conference on the two-state solution, we remain committed to its convening, and we are honored to serve as co-chair of the roundtable on security alongside Italy. It is vital that we maintain the momentum to implement the two-state solution as the only viable path to peace. Expectations are high that the conference will become a watershed moment, preserve the political horizon, and anchor a future of peace and stability in the region. Mr. President, our meeting is a testament that in the darkest of times, the vast majority of nations stand firm for justice, peace, and the rule of law. We must continue our steps towards ending the occupation and restoring the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan.

Mr. President, we thank you for continuing the debate in this resumed session of the 10th Emergency Special Session. pursuant to the joint request of the Arab Group and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We meet amid profound anguish and disappointment and mounting human despair. Despite broad support for a principled, balanced, and humanitarian draft resolution on Gaza, that was advanced by the 10 elected members of the Security Council, including Pakistan, it was vetoed. Once again, a vital opportunity to uphold the UN Charter and our collective responsibility was lost. In such moments, the responsibility of this General Assembly, the most representative and democratic organ of the United Nations, is magnified. It must speak where the Council has been prevented from acting. The resolution adopted by this Assembly last week entitled Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations was a necessary assertion of international will. Pakistan is proud to have supported and co-sponsored this initiative. The resolution calls for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire, release of hostages, condemns the weaponization of starvation, demands unimpeded humanitarian access, and insists on accountability and compliance with international law. Moreover, the resolution recalls that this is a situation of illegal occupation. and reiterates the obligations of Israel, the occupying power, under international law. These are not mere aspirations. They are, in fact, obligations. The international community must act with urgency to ensure their implementation. President, the situation in Gaza is a stain on our collective conscience. Over 55,000 lives have been lost. including 18,000 children and 28,000 women. Infrastructure has been razed. Homes, hospitals, schools, cultural heritage, places of worship, nothing has been spared. Famine looms. Humanitarian workers and UN personnel are being attacked with impunity. This is not just a humanitarian catastrophe. It is a collapse of humanity. Against this backdrop, Pakistan reiterates the immediate steps necessary not only to stem this horror, but to lay the foundations for a just and lasting peace. First, an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire. Resolution 2735 of the Security Council must be implemented in full. The killing must stop now. Second, the full and unconditional lifting of the Gaza blockade. Humanitarian aid must flow freely and safely. International agencies must be empowered, not hindered. Third, the full restoration of UNRWA's mandate, access, and funding. It is indispensable to the survival and dignity of the Palestinian people. Attempts to politicize or undermine and delegitimize under war are deeply counterproductive and must end. Fourth, and most critically, we must confront the root cause, the prolonged illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands. There will be no durable peace without justice, and no justice without the realization of the two-state solution. based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous state of Palestine. In this regard, Pakistan looks forward to the reconvening of the high-level conference on Palestine and the two-state solution in coming weeks to be chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. We must work together to ensure its tangible outcomes in advancing a credible path towards peace, Palestinian statehood, and Palestine's full membership of the United Nations. It will be yet another clear demonstration of where the international community stands on this issue. President, the stakes could not be higher. The international community must not look away. The credibility of the international system, in fact, of multilateralism itself, is on trial. It is indeed ludicrous that the occupying power, the worst violator of international law, and those who protect and shield it can stand in this august assembly criticizing and blaming the rest of the international community for being on the right side of history. Moral bankruptcy must have no space in this house. We must rise above politics and pressure and act with moral clarity, legal integrity, and political will. We must condemn aggression. Pakistan's commitment to the Palestinian people is unwavering. We stand with them in their rightful struggle for dignity, self-determination, and peace. We will continue to raise our voice in solidarity and in hope until justice is done, until the occupation is ended, and their inalienable rights are realized. That is in line with the permanent responsibility of the United Nations with regard to the question of Palestine until it is resolved in all its aspects in accordance with international law and the relevant UN resolutions. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Thank you, President. President, once again, We see double standards that appear to be unlimited, as the Government of the United States is on the wrong side of history. With its recent vote, quite alone, that country doesn't just prevent the Security Council from acting, it also hinders the steps that could be taken to achieve peace and to protect civilians in Palestine. If the US is really interested in contributing to mediation efforts to reach a permanent and lasting ceasefire, it would immediately stop its political, military, logistical and financial support to Israel. And it would not allow it to continue its plans to exterminate the Palestinian civilian population. With its anti democratic veto power, far from upholding international peace and security, it once again provides protection and impunity to Israel, the occupying power. Its complicity with genocide against the Palestinian people marks one of the saddest and most shameful chapters in the history of humanity. President, how many more innocent lives of civilians, including women and children, have to happen? and this includes in the context of the apartheid and crimes against humanity against the Palestinians how many more of these things have to happen for the international community to act. We cannot turn a blind eye to the massacre that Israel is continuing against the Palestinians as well as the systematic bombing and destruction of civilian infrastructure. We denounce the continued occupation of Palestinian land and expulsion of Palestinians from their land. The Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories including East Jerusalem have no legal basis whatsoever and they are a violation of international law. We can't achieve peace in the Middle East without a broad lasting and just settlement to the Palestinian question. We need to have an immediate permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We need to have a two-state solution that allows the people of Palestine to have an independent and sovereign state within the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. And refugees need to have the right to return to their land. In addition to this, Palestine must be admitted as a fully fledged member of the United Nations without further delay. The occupying power needs urgently to allow the provision of sufficient humanitarian aid to the Palestinians and the vital work of UNRWA needs to be authorised. We hope that the high level conference and the implementation of a two state solution will be held as soon as possible. We regret the fact that this has been postponed as a result of Israel's attacks on Iran, clearly violating the UN Charter and international law and the principles of sovereignty and the threat or use of force against any other state. Israel's aggressive policy and its irresponsible actions are only possible thanks to the support given to it by the Government of the United States. This jeopardizes regional and international security and stability with unpredictable consequences for all of humanity. We stand in solidarity with the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We are concerned about the danger of a further escalation in the region and we call on the international community, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council, to uphold their responsibility to uphold international peace and security and immediately to put an end to this aggression and impunity that Israel enjoys. The Palestinian cause will always have the unwavering solidarity of the Cuban people. Palestinians deserve to live in peace. Let us act now to change the course of history and to put an end once and for all to this genocide. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia.

Thank you, President. We'd like to thank the League of Arab States and the OIC for convening this meeting, which is really urgent. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the NAM. Over the last 614 days in the Gaza Strip, more than 54,000 people have been killed, most of them women, children, and older persons. More than 14,000 people have disappeared or are assumed to be dead, and more than 125,000 have been injured. More than 210 journalists have been killed as they carried out their work. UN staff are constantly being targeted by the IDF, who have even opened fire on medical and humanitarian convoys. In the last three months, more than 640,000 people have been displaced on many occasions. 82% of the Gaza Strip is under militarized zones and under displacement orders. The internet in the Gaza Strip is totally cut off with negative consequences for all. In the midst of the largest starvation and extermination campaign in recent history, Israel has decided to block the entry of all humanitarian aid to Gaza. It's unacceptable that the UN, which was established precisely to protect future generations from the scourge of war, cannot find a consensus to act in these circumstances. And it's even more unacceptable that the Security Council, which has the primary responsibility to uphold international peace and security, is still silent in the face of a genocide taking place. The resolution put forward by the 10 elected members of the council on the 4th of June only sought to reiterate a call for a ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages by Hamas and other groups, and for the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. All of this is in line with the resolutions of the Council itself and international humanitarian law. But even though it was only a draft with only eight paragraphs, which just respected a minimum for all members, once again, the Council was blocked from acting as a result of a veto cast by a permanent member. It's really hard to understand what possible justification there can be to oppose a call for humanitarian assistance to get into Gaza when 2.1 million people are currently at risk of acute food insecurity, according to OCHA's statistics. In addition to intensifying suffering for millions of people, the lack of the Council action sends a worrying message in terms of giving the green lights to impunity and double standards, which erode the foundations of the multilateral system. Some members of this organization constantly are calling up, mentioning the fact that the usefulness of the UN has been called into question. What really jeopardizes our work is the incapacity of the UN to act and the veto cast to block the council from acting, which ignores international law, the purposes and principles of the charter, and goes against the most basic principles of humanity. President Petro has been crystal clear. Colombia will not be complicit in any genocide, any war crimes, or in supporting any apartheid regime in the 21st century. We are hopeful seeing that many countries are being clear that they endorse these, that they are acting in line with the same principles. We have to come up with a response to what is going on in Gaza. As signatories to the Charter, we have to do this and that is why we voted in favour of the resolution. It is a resolution that contains the most pressing measures to be taken to end the violence in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory. We hope that the high level conference will resume as soon as possible to implement the two state solution. The plight of millions of people in Palestine seems somewhat helpless, and the first step to end violence is to recognise that there will not be peace and security until the illegal occupation ceases. and that the starting point must be the implementation of a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in internationally recognized borders pre-1967, with both peoples having the right to self-determination. We welcome the efforts undertaken by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to achieve a ceasefire, and we hope that they will soon lead to a positive outcome. We strongly condemn the use of hunger as a method of war. This is a war crime, and we call on the all parties, as the Security Council and the ICJ have done, to comply with international law. We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine. There needs to be an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire. All hostages need to be unconditionally immediately released and all human remains need to be returned. There needs to be an immediate unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid and the and all measures hindering UNRWA's work needs to be lifted. We will be judged on our position in these circumstances. In line with our historic position, we will continue to defend multilateralism and we will seek ways of having a fair solution to the question of Palestine, which will allow the peoples of Palestine and Israel to live side by side in peace and security. Together with South Africa, we convened a ministerial meeting on the 15th and 16th of July, which will be in Bogota. The aim will be to adopt diplomatic measures to respond to Israel's continued violations of international law, including the crime of genocide. We urge all states to join this effort and to adopt all measures that are necessary to stop this barbarism. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Colombia. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta.

We thank the chairs of the Arab Group and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Group for requesting the resumption of the tenth emergency special session of the General Assembly, and we value the urgency with which this matter has been brought before us. We are meeting today because the Security Council could not agree on the resolution that would address the plight of the civilians in Gaza. We are meeting once more with the moral and political necessity of calling for an immediate ceasefire and watch on as a catastrophe continues to unfold before our eyes. We are meeting again faced with the collective responsibility of providing civilians with the humanitarian aid that they so desperately need, or taking a step back while the needs of Palestinians are weaponized and privatized. We are meeting again because, once more, we are stuck standing by idly while the world moves on, while the situation in Gaza continues to spiral towards an ever more dystopian reality. President, the vetoed resolution that brings us together today called for a concise set of deliverables. an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and unrestricted entry and access of humanitarian aid. These are aspirations that should not be controversial, and they are fully consistent with the position taken by Malta since the outbreak of hostilities, as well as the positions taken by the vast majority of Member States. We therefore reaffirm our call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire alongside so many others who have already spoken here today. Since 7 October 2023, Malta has consistently called for the unconditional release of all hostages captured by Hamas, expressing our sympathy for their families and loved ones. We have repeatedly condemned the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas, and we shall continue to condemn such behavior unequivocally. Nonetheless, we also condemn the weaponization, obstruction, and politicization of humanitarian aid. We condemn the collective punishment of civilians. This should not be a controversial point. We are deeply disappointed that even the bare minimum in terms of the observance of IHL has become too much to ask. In closing, the postponed high-level conference on the two-state solution takes on increased relevance in this context. Malta underscores its firm position that de-escalation and dialogue are fundamental elements to cultivate the necessary environment to relaunch negotiations for a just, comprehensive and peaceful resolution of this conflict based on the two-state solution along the pre-1967 borders. To this end, we reiterate the call for a ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza in good faith as an essential step precisely towards the path of de-escalation, dialogue, and peace in the Middle East. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malta and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey.

Mr. President, excellencies, distinguished delegates, Turkey welcomes convening of the 10th emergency special session of the General Assembly upon the request of the OIC and Arab groups. We gather once again in this hall under the shadow of a deepening crisis in Gaza, following the recent veto at the Security Council of a resolution that sought to address the unfolding catastrophic humanitarian situation. This also comes in parallel with Israel's attacks on Iran, an act that constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, especially UN Charter. We welcome adoption of the resolution entitled Protection of Civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations with 149 votes. This resolution is a reaffirmation of fundamental legal and moral principles and opportunity for the General Assembly to act where the Security Council has failed. Mr. President, humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Gaza Strip, has reached an unbearable magnitude. More than two million people are enduring unimaginable sufferings amid widespread destruction, starvation, and systematic denial of humanitarian assistance. Basic services have collapsed. Famine looms. Conditions of life are rapidly deteriorating, and international humanitarian law continues to be gravely violated. The crisis in Gaza has evolved beyond a mere humanitarian emergency. It constitutes a profound test of our collective humanity and moral obligation. There has been no safe and significant aid delivered in Gaza for more than three months now. The only way to do it is through the UN, including UNRWA. We categorically reject alternative models of aid delivery that compromise impartiality and dignity. The tragic loss of lives in the pursuit of aid tragically illustrates the human cost of misguided attempts. Humanitarian assistance is not a political concession. It is a legal and moral obligation. Aid must be delivered promptly, adequately, and without obstruction, through all available crossings and in accordance with the international humanitarian law and in coordination with the United Nations. The humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence must be respected. We call on the international community to move beyond statements of concern and take decisive, coordinated action. In this spirit, Turkey welcomes adoption of the draft resolution which we have co-sponsored. While the resolution could have reflected a more balanced perspective, particularly in operative paragraph two, where a reference to the immediate, dignified, and unconditional release of all Palestinian detainees held by Israel would have been appropriate, we nevertheless consider it an important and meaningful step forward. This resolution demands immediate, sustained, and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, fuel, shelter, and access to clean water throughout Gaza, in coordination with the United Nations. It reaffirms support for UNRWA and underscores its indispensable role in alleviating sufferings on the ground. It also reiterates our collective commitment to a two-state solution and firmly rejects all attempts to alter the demographic or territorial status of the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and Gaza. This point bears particular relevance. Turkey co-chairs a roundtable at the high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution, which will be held at the soonest possible convenience. We encourage all member states to seize the opportunity to invigorate efforts towards a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace. We commend the leadership of Saudi Arabia and France in steering this crucial process and call for meaningful steps to translate the two-state vision into reality. Mr. President, Turkey has long advocated for a reformed, democratic, representative, and effective Security Council. The recent veto of a similar resolution in the Security Council aimed at halting hostilities and facilitating humanitarian access is deeply regrettable. Use of veto in this context, in the face of such human suffering, stands in stark contrast to the will of the overwhelming majority of the member states and undermines credibility and effectiveness of the Council in fulfilling its responsibilities. It is precisely for moments like this that the General Assembly must act, guided by the moral weight of multilateral consensus and the urgency of human need. Adoption of this resolution is not merely a declaration of principle; it is a call to action. We send a united and resounding message, which means the international community will not tolerate impunity will not accept collective punishment, will not abandon the Palestinian civilian population, will not forget the atrocities and violations. We will not stand by as the international law is trampled and human suffering deepens. Turkey will continue to stand with the Palestinian people until a political solution based on the two-state vision and pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent, sovereign, and geographically contiguous state of Palestine is achieved. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Mr. President, Brazil welcomed the adoption of the resolution Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations. It responds with moral clarity and legal grounding to the appalling humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and in the occupied Palestinian territory. The resolution is a necessary step to protect the lives and dignity of civilians who continue to bear the brunt of Israel's repeated violations of international law. We gladly co-sponsored it. We must, however, express our deep frustration at the persistent failure of the Security Council in dealing with the conflict in Gaza. Despite the urgency of the current situation, meaningful action has been repeatedly obstructed. Once again, the General Assembly has had to act not by preference, but by necessity. The situation in the state of Palestine, particularly in Gaza, is of alarming gravity. The authorization mechanism imposed by Israel, which has been unequivocally rejected by humanitarian agencies, has dismantled humanitarian coordination and left over 2 million Palestinians without essential aid. Attacks on distribution sites have resulted in civilian deaths and further deepened the crisis. We therefore welcome the resolution's condemnation of the use of starvation as a method of warfare and its call for the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance in line with humanitarian principles and under the coordination of UN agencies. They have the required expertise to provide the much needed help in a dignified manner. Brazil also welcomes the resolution's reaffirmation of support for UNRWA. The agency's role remains irreplaceable. The deaths of over 300 staff since October 2023 are a tragic reminder of the risks faced by humanitarian personnel. As Vice Chair of UNRWA's Advisory Commission, soon to assume the chair, Brazil reaffirms its unwavering support for the agency and calls for strengthened international backing so it may continue fulfilling its mandate without interference. Mr. President, at some point in the near future, we'll reconvene to address the question of Palestine and the two-state solution. Brazil is honored to have co-chaired alongside Senegal Working Group Seven of the upcoming conference dedicated to promoting respect for international law. We hope the conference will mark a turning point, allowing us to look beyond the urgency and toward long-term recovery and reconstruction led by Palestinians themselves. By reaffirming its longstanding commitment to a two-state solution with an independent and viable state of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security within the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, we reiterate our unwavering support for Palestine's quest for broader international recognition through legitimate diplomatic channels. there is no legal or political justification to continue denying the state of Palestine full membership in the United Nations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan.

I thank you, Mr. President. First, My delegation would like to associate itself with the statement delivered by the Arab Group and the Non-Aligned Movement in New York. And allow me, Mr. President, to express our gratitude to you for responding to the request to resume the 10th emergency session -- emergency special session of the General Assembly. Jordan condemns the continued Israeli aggression on Gaza. and the humanitarian unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe it is causing for more than 2 million Palestinians who are besieged Jordan calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the adequate and continued entry of humanitarian Aid to Gaza we confirm that the fact that Israel is halting the entry of humanitarian Aid is a grave violation of international humanitarian law Jordan calls for enabling United Nations agencies, especially UNRWA, to perform their duties with no obstacles. We confirm the need that these agencies must be able to provide basic services to more than five million refugees in its five areas of operation. Jordan renewed its support for the efforts exerted by the Egyptian Republic and Qatar and the United States to arrive at an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We also confirm our full support for convening the early recovery and reconstruction conference in Cairo as soon as a, an immediate ceasefire is reached and implementation of the resolutions of the emergency Arab summit. Mr. President, Jordan condemns the Israeli escalation and unilateral measures in the occupied West Bank, including the building of settlements, annexation of lands, and the continued and repeated incursions perpetrated by ministers in the Israeli government, as well as extremist settlers of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Haram Al-Qudsi, which are being conducted under the protection of the occupying forces. We stress that Israel has no sovereignty on East Jerusalem and its holy sites, and we warn of the gravity of these continued violations, we call upon the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and ensure their immediate halt. We also confirm that these Israeli violations of Islamic and Christian holy sites are considered a blatant violation of the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem and is a violation of Israel's obligations as the occupying power. Moreover, the Al-Quds Awqaf Affairs, which is part of the Jordanian Islamic Holy Shrines Department, is the only department that is tasked with managing the holy Jerusalem campus, Al-Haram Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and arranging entry into it under the Hashemite guardianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in the holy city. Mr. President, Jordan reaffirms its position supporting the rights of the Palestinian people that are inalienable, especially their established right in establishing an independent and sovereign state on the 4 June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as their capital and based on the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative. We stress that achieving peace and stability in the region cannot be achieved without putting an end to the occupation and without the embodiment of a Palestinian state, and we confirm that international recognition of the Palestinian state is not only a legal obligation but is a political and moral necessity as well. In closing, Jordan renews its support for the high-level international conference on the peaceful resolution of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution. And we will contribute to its success and build upon its outcomes under the joint leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Jordan and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.

Mr. President, despite the recent and very concerning escalation in the Middle East, we should also keep our focus on the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza. Portugal is deeply disappointed that the use of veto has injured the Security Council from speaking with one voice about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. While rooted in the UN Charter, the veto power carries a special responsibility. When used repeatedly to block Council action in the face of mass human suffering, it risks eroding the legitimacy of the Security Council and the trust that Member States and global citizens place in multilateral governance. The veto must not become a shield for inaction, particularly when the Council is called upon to address pressing humanitarian and security issues. Portugal reiterates its support for greater accountability in the use of the veto. including through the initiatives adopted by this Assembly, we call once again for wider adherence to the ACT Group's Code of Conduct and the Franco-Mexican Initiative, both of which aim to ensure that the veto is not exercised in situations involving atrocity crimes. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, this is the time to renew our collective commitment to a Security Council that is more representative, transparent, and responsive to those it serves. Portugal supported and co-sponsored the resolution adopted last week. The General Assembly took a clear stance in demanding full respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, the immediate unconditional release of hostages, and the unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza. We support the calls made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and other representatives of the UN system on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank. Now, our most pressing priority is to save lives and to show our compassion for the civilian bearing the brunt of this protracted conflict. it is imperative to protect Palestinian civilians including children to enable an immediate and unconditional ceasefire the release of the hostage and the massive scale up of the humanitarian operation in Gaza according to the principles of humanity neutrality impartiality and Independence on the same not on the same note we condemn all acts of terrorism and violence inflicted against civilians these are the fundamental reasons why Portugal supported the resolution voted last week. Mr. President, finally, let me reassure that Portugal continues to see value in the high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution, postponed because of the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. Portugal calls for maximum restraint and for the resumption of dialogue and diplomacy to put an end to the dangerous military escalation going on in the region right now. We must turn the page and set the conditions for a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian question that is the epicenter of the instability in the Middle East. based on the UN resolutions on the matter, and set a clear and solid path to a Palestinian state fulfilling the two-state solution, living side by side with Israel in peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal, and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

President, today's meeting on the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza once again testifies to the resounding failure of the Security Council to fulfill its primary responsibility. It is a clear reminder of the way in which the international community has failed to meet the goal of upholding international peace and avoiding humanity facing the devastation and atrocities of war. The veto cast on the 4th of June last on a resolution that demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid is a direct affront to the protection of human lives. This veto did not just block collective urgent action. It is also part of the measures that have led to one of the worst disasters in our era. This continues to prolong the unbearable suffering that the Palestinian people have been subjected to. While the overwhelming majority of member states of this organization advocated a and called out for a peaceful solution, and the consolidation of two states, Israel and Palestine. The multilateral system has seen itself paralyzed by special interests. As long as the indiscriminate use of the veto is kept in the Security Council, the UN will be held will be subjected to the stance of just one of its members. At this juncture, as has been repeatedly stated, we must rethink and redesign the way in which the council functions, and in particular, the use of the veto. While we are gathered here in this meeting, there are lives that continue to be destroyed. There are people dying. The international community cannot stand idly by, nor should we dehumanize the figures of the numbers of displaced persons, in addition to those injured and deceased. Mexico strongly condemned the attacks by Hamas on the 7th of October, 2023. No political or legal argument can justify the violence that was committed on that day. At the same time, we have stated on repeated occasions our unwavering rejection of the indiscriminate, disproportionate, and systematic attacks that the Palestinian civilian population and humanitarian personnel have been subjected to by Israel's armed forces. Over the last few months, we have borne witness to grave violations of international law, including atrocious crimes that cannot, nor must they be, ignored. Given these facts, Mexico reiterates its commitment to the unwavering respect for international law and to accountability. The violence that has been triggered over the last few days between Israel and Iran should not make us overlook, turn away from what is happening in Gaza. At this juncture, demanding respect for international law is more important than ever. Member States of the UN must demand that the parties involved in armed conflicts fulfil their ethical and legal obligations. Mexico also supports the tireless work carried out by UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, in delivering humanitarian aid and alleviating people's suffering. The UN must protect the mandate that the General Assembly gave to that agency. No alternative to replace that agency is viable. I conclude by expressing Mexico's deep concern and rejection of the escalation of violence that has been unleashed in the Middle East in recent days. Above all, we call for countries to refrain from measures that affect civilians, in line with our constitutional policies principles reflected in our foreign policy, Mexico reiterates its peaceful vocation, giving priority to dialogue and diplomacy to solve disputes above military options. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. We have heard the last speaker for this meeting. The remaining speakers in the debate of this item will be heard this afternoon. The meeting is adjourned.