General Assembly: 16th plenary meeting, 80th session

The sixteenth plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will continue its consideration of agenda item 64 entitled Use of the veto to hear remaining speakers in the debate. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.

President thank you for convening this assembly after the casting of veto by the United States on 18th September the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated to levels of suffering that defy comprehension famine has been officially declared on average No fewer than 25 children have lost their lives each day. Norway deeply regrets that throughout the course of this war, the Security Council has been hindered by one veto power time and time again to agree on a resolution demanding the immediate and unconditional removal of all barriers to humanitarian assistance entering Gaza. It has also fallen short of securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The Council has been prevented from acting to ensure international peace and security and has thus failed to protect civilians, failed to address the repeated violations of international humanitarian law committed in this conflict. President, Norway welcomes the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict announced by President Trump. We urge all parties to seize the opportunity to end this war for the sake of the Palestinian population and for the Israeli hostages. We commend the plan's call for immediate and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza through the UN and its agencies, the Red Crescent, and other international entities not associated with the parties. While President Trump's peace plan is an important first step, much remains to be done. The war must end, but the deeply rooted Israeli-Palestinian conflict must also be resolved. A return to the situation prior to Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October 2023 is neither viable nor acceptable. The occupation must end throughout all of Palestine, not only in Gaza, but also in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. And any solution excluding Palestinian participation and rights will lack legitimacy. It will not bring lasting stability. Only a negotiated two-state solution can provide a just and secure future for both Palestinians and Israelis. And I thank you.

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

President, Ireland deeply regrets the veto last week of a draft resolution on a ceasefire in Gaza by a permanent member of the Security Council. This resolution was supported by 14 of the 15 council members. The consequences of Security Council inaction have never been so grave. Since 7 October 2023, and the horrific attacks on Israel by Hamas, More than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and more than 167,000 have been injured. UNICEF has recorded that over 19,000 young people have been killed in Gaza over the past two years. This is an average of 28 children killed daily, the equivalent of an entire classroom every single day. And the IPC has confirmed the sobering reality that famine is currently occurring in Gaza. This is an entirely man-made famine induced by a conflict that has gone on for far too long and compounded by Israel's continued obstruction of humanitarian aid. It is a particular horror that as of last week, 2,531 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food, alongside over 18,500 injured. An immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid should be a universal demand. It is our hope that the peace proposal announced by President Trump this week can provide a basis for progress towards peace in Gaza and a wider settlement in the region, including a two-state solution as the only viable way forward. We know from our own experience in Ireland that any peace process needs to be inclusive. The Palestinian people, like the people of Israel, must be at the heart of any sustainable agreement that can deliver real, lasting peace. President, this is the sixth veto relating to the nearly two-year war in Gaza, and it is the 17th veto resolution overall in the three years since the veto initiative was agreed by this General Assembly. The veto can now only be considered as a means to protect geopolitical interests at the expense of global peace and security. Reform of the UN Security Council is urgent and long overdue. Ireland wants a council that truly reflects the diversity of the UN membership, and we are willing to support any model that is fair, commands consensus, and which allows the council to be more representative. It is also time to see progress on the shared commitment of UN member states in the Pact for the Future to intensify efforts to reach agreement on the future of the veto, including limiting its scope and use. President, as we speak, Israel is expanding its military offensive and the last lifelines for civilians in Gaza are collapsing. Last week, over 140 Member States endorsed the New York Declaration. We agreed to take collective action to end the war in Gaza and to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This urgent call must be heard. for only an end to the cycle of violence and a political pathway to the implementation of a two-state solution can provide lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka.

Thank you, President. Sri Lanka expresses its appreciation to the President of the General Assembly for calling this meeting pursuant to GA resolution 76/262. Sri Lanka notes that the draft Security Council resolution S/2025/583 of 18 September 2025 submitted by the 10 elected members was not adopted due to the use of the veto. Sri Lanka is deeply concerned on the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza and has expressed the view that the United Nations and all related parties must continue to work towards an immediate ceasefire, enable adequate humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and ensure the release of hostages of all parties. Sri Lanka wishes to highlight the mandate of the United Nations Security Council to maintain international peace and security and to cooperate in solving international problems in promoting respect for human rights and notes with concern the inability to carry out its mandated functions due to the use of the veto. Sri Lanka recognizes the Palestinian people's inalienable right to their own state. We also believe that legal, security and humanitarian concerns of both Israeli and Palestinian people need to be addressed. The time has come for the international community to stop being a mere spectator and to act decisively to end the suffering of millions. Sri Lanka believes that Security Council draft resolution S/2025/583, which called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties and demanded the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, reflected the wishes of a majority of the international community. This has been made ever more necessary since the joint urgent call by the FAO, UNICEF, WFP and WHO for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to curb deaths from hunger and malnutrition. According to reports, more than half a million people in Gaza are trapped in famine, starvation and other preventable deaths. Sri Lanka recalls the 2015 code of conduct elaborated under the framework of the accountability coherence and transparency group to not vote against credible draft security council resolutions that are aimed at preventing or ending serious international crimes and believes that the failure to take necessary measures by the United Nations to address concerns in situations such as those described in the security council resolution s slash 2025 583 not only poses a serious threat to peace and security of all nations, but also affects the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations and its mechanisms. Sri Lanka reiterates the urgent need for the United Nations to respond effectively to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and urges all Member States to uphold the Charter of the United Nations. Only through such collective resolve can the organization address the critical humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza and fulfill its mandate to maintain international peace and security. President, in this context, we welcome the recent efforts by the United States, along with other relevant stakeholders, on working towards a ceasefire proposal and express hope. that all parties will take this opportunity that will bring peace and end the suffering. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey.

President, I thank you for convening this meeting. pursuing to GA resolution 76/262 following another veto cast in the Security Council on 18 September by a permanent member. The draft resolution in question called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian assistance. Its veto is deeply regrettable for three reasons. First, It reflects arbitrary exercise of the veto. Second, it disregards the overwhelming support in the Council, with 14 members voting in favour. Third, it blocks implementation of measures that reflect the clear will of the international community and are consistent with the Council's own prior resolutions and ICJ provisional measures and opinions. For years, Turkey has advocated for a reformed, more representative, democratic, accountable, and effective Security Council. This veto only underscores the urgency of that cause. Mr. President, the scale of human suffering in Gaza over the past two years is unconscionable. This war is livestreamed. The world is watching the images of civilians deliberately targeted, Hospitals reduced to rubble, children forced to walk long distance simply to find water, and desperate people attacked as they queue for humanitarian aid. We have a collective responsibility to act. We reiterate our strongest condemnation of Israel's grave and systematic violations of international law and international humanitarian law. We equally condemn its destabilizing military actions across the wider region, and most recently in brotherly Qatar. These reckless attacks, including targeting a mediator in the ceasefire talks, only deepen instability and insecurity across the Middle East. Mr. President, international community must uphold the very principles it has established. a permanent ceasefire in Gaza is the only viable path to end this crisis and prevent further suffering Turkey welcomes ongoing diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire and remains actively engaged in supporting these initiatives we appreciate the efforts and leadership shown by the United States in securing a deal Turkey will contribute to the process for the establishment of a just and lasting peace in Gaza that will be accepted by the parties. Ending the cycle of violence and achieving durable peace can only be realized through a political solution, and the two-state solution remains the sole credible and viable path. The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the Two-State Solution held on 22 September in this hall reaffirmed the unequivocal support of the international community for this vision. We welcome the recent recognition of Palestine and urge other states to follow suit. Turkey will continue to stand firmly with the Palestinian people in achieving a political solution based on the two-state vision and put in 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent, sovereign and geographically contiguous state of Palestine. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Mr. President, as of now, the catastrophic situation in occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza Strip, is worsening out of control beyond imagination. Since outbreak of the conflict between Palestine and Israel in Gaza Strip, hundreds and thousands of the Palestinian people, including women and children, have been killed. and Gaza Strip has literally turned into living hell due to Israel's genocidal attack. In spite of the consecutive resolution adopted at the tenth emergency special session calling for unconditional and immediate ceasefire, stopping hostility, and protecting innocent civilians, Israel continued to launch barbaric military operation against innocent Palestinian people and block the facilitation of the humanitarian assistance. It is urgent for international community to implement immediate and effective measure to end Israeli indiscriminate mass killing and hold those responsible accountable for violation of international law against the Palestinian people and the other Arab nationalities. Mr. President, the Security Council must carry out its duty as the principal organ of the United Nation which has mandate for maintaining international peace and security. However, at the Security Council held on 18 September, United States cast a veto again on the draft resolution calling for immediate and unconditional ceasefire under hypocritical pretext of the right of self-defense of Israel. By doing so, United States has once again revealed its true color. as a peace destroyer, regardless of whether global peace and human life are in grave danger or not. It is well known that the United States has systematically blocked peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question, as well as establishment of independent state of Palestine. Today's Palestine issue is not a simple matter of armed conflict, but rather a critical issue directly linked to ensuring international peace and security and realizing international justice. If the United States continues to exercise its veto power to incite Israel's massacre, as it does now, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip will worsen, and it will face greater anger and resistance from the international community. The humanitarian disaster in Gaza Strip must be ended without further delay through immediate ceasefire and Palestinian issue must be urgently resolved in accordance with the resolution of UN Security Council to establish independent state based on the border of 1967. In conclusion, my delegation once again expressed our unwavering support and solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle to regain their legitimate national right, including establishment of independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful, Mr. President, it is deeply regrettable that for the sixth time in recent months, the Security Council have been unable to adopt a resolution to halt the brutal aggression against the Palestinian people. owing to the repeated abuse of the veto by the United States. Such obstruction not only stand in stark contrast to the overwhelming will of international community, which has consistently affirmed its support for justice, peace, and inalienable right of the Palestinian people, but also directly contradict the very commitment to peace seeking role that the United States repeatedly claimed. while in practice shielding the occupying aggressor and enabling the continuation of grave violation of international law. For nearly eight decades, the Israeli occupying regime has pursued illegal and criminal policies, escalating in the past two years into systematic and indiscriminate bombardment that have killed tens of thousands of civilians, including women and children. These acts constitute grave violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, amounting to the ethnic cleansing, unlawful blockade, starvation as a method of warfare, settlement and apartheid policies, settler terrorism, land confiscation, home demolition, and attacks on Iran and on Islamic and Christian holy sites, leaving Gaza in ruins. These actions also represent genocide and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Indeed, the United States Independent International Commission of Inquiry has officially confirmed that the Israeli regime has committed genocide in the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr. President, despite all these grave realities, it remains that the case of Security Council has been paralyzed in the face of this crisis by repeatedly shielding Israeli regime criminal authorities from accountability. Washington has enabled the continuation of grave breaches of international law, undermined the Council credibility, eroded the foundations of multilateralism, and abdicated its Charter based due to maintain international peace and security. The international community cannot remain silent in the face of such dramatic situation. Instead, it is imperative particularly for the members of the Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities under Charter 7 of the Charter. by adopting urgent and binding measures to halt the bloodshed, ensure accountability, and protect the Palestinian people and other nations in the region who continue to face threats to their lives and independence from Israeli war machinery. We therefore call upon the Security Council to, one, adopt and enforce an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. 2. Ensure the lifting of all Israeli restrictions and blockades on humanitarian aid in compliance with international humanitarian law. 3. Reject and denounce any schemes involving annexation and forced displacement on the settlement in third countries. 4. condemn Israeli repeated acts of aggression against nations in the region, including Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Qatar, and Iran. Five, approving the admission of the state of Palestine as a full-fledged member of the United Nations. Six, compel Israel to withdraw its occupying forces from the Palestinian occupied territories, Lebanon, and Syria, and end its ongoing aggression and violations. 7 impose binding punitive measures on Israel in accordance with the chapter 7 so that this regime and its principal supported the United States understand that the International Community will not tolerate genocide crimes against humanity or aggression with impunity Mr. President, Islamic Republic of Iran retrace that ending genocide and occupation in Palestine and establishing an independent state of Palestine with full UN membership is both the demand of the international community and responsibility of all member states without exception. The inalienable right of the Palestinian people, including self-determination and justice for crimes committed against them, must be upheld. We firmly believe that the only sustainable path to resolving this historic crisis is a solution that guarantees the full enjoyment of these rights free from foreign intervention, coercion, or external domination. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland.

Mr. President, thank you for convening this meeting. Iceland deeply regrets the impasse in the Security Council that we have witnessed for most of almost two years now, and the Council's failure in adequately addressing the situation in Gaza. Where we have needed urgent action, an immediate ceasefire, unconditional humanitarian aid, and dignified release of all hostages, We have seen the veto used repeatedly. No resolution on this issue has been adopted for over 14 months. No resolution and the draft vetoed on September 18th was the second draft proposed by the E10 to be vetoed this year. It is highly regrettable that the Security Council failed once again to live up to its mission. Mr. President, we welcome the announcement by U.S. President Trump on Monday on a plan for brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. We support any initiative that will bring about the much needed ceasefire for the people of Gaza, the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian access, and resumption of the unhindered distribution of aid to the people in need in Gaza, in line with international humanitarian law, and the release of all hostages. Iceland has repeatedly condemned the horrendous terrorist attacks on Israel on 7 October two years ago and demanded the release of all hostages. Simply put, there is no excuse for terror and Hamas has no role in the future of Palestine. But there is no excuse either for the collective punishment of millions of Palestinians. To quote my foreign minister, starvation, bombardment, forced displacement, these acts are cruel, inhumane, and illegal. Mr. President, Iceland recognized Israel in 1948 and Palestine in 2011. Our position remains clear. Both peoples have equal rights to self-determination. Lasting peace depends upon it. We have seen renewed momentum here in New York, first in July and again last week at the leaders meeting on the two-state solution. The only viable path to peace is right there before us, where Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and mutual recognition. We are aware of the criticism surrounding these efforts. Extremists and spoilers on both sides have for too long stood in the way of peace. It is regrettable that the current government of Israel continues to reject the idea of those two peoples living side by side, each in a state of their own in peace. When Israeli officials call for annexation or the expulsion of Palestinians, they are not defending Israel's security. They are calling for violations of international law and, in the long term, the weakening of Israel's security. The future state of Palestine must be built on the foundations of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The Palestinian Authority must accelerate political and institutional reform with support from the international community, and Iceland stands ready to support this journey. Israel must end its stranglehold on PA finances and the Palestinian economy by releasing withheld clearance revenues and facilitate banking relationship with Palestinian banks. Mr. President, we need to ensure an immediate ceasefire, unhindered access and distribution of aid to civilians in Gaza, and the unconditional and dignified release of all hostages. These are all needed, and they are all needed now. But there will not be any future either for Palestinians or Israelis without a just, lasting and sustainable peace. Just, lasting and sustainable peace means an end to Israel's continued illegal occupation of Palestinian land. Just, lasting and sustainable peace means an end to Hamas and other groups waging their terror on innocent Israelis. Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve a future where life is valued, Peace is pursued and coexistence is possible. It is the only acceptable outcome. We must not fail in our endeavor to reach it. We must not give up on pursuing it. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iceland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.

Thank you, President, for convening this meeting. The veto initiative is a vital mechanism for promoting greater transparency and accountability of the Security Council. Australia has a longstanding record of supporting restraint in the use of the veto, and we reiterate that position today. We must ensure the Security Council remains effective in the maintenance of international peace and security. President, the catastrophic situation in Gaza has gone on for far too long. Australia welcomes President Trump's plan to bring peace to Gaza after almost two years of conflict and a devastating loss of civilian life, and we echo the call for all sides to agree to its terms. It is unacceptable that civilians are starving and humanitarian aid provided by the international community is not reaching them. And for this, the Israeli government must accept its share of responsibility. Israel must abide by international law and allow rapid, sustained, and unimpeded flow of aid to those in desperate need. We reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist organization Hamas, its horrific attacks on 7 October 2023, and its ongoing acts of terror. Hamas must release all hostages, disarm, and have no role in the future governance of Gaza. All parties must comply with their obligations under international law, and every effort must be made to end the suffering and safeguard innocent life. President, a ceasefire in Gaza is well overdue. Australia urges all parties to engage seriously with President Trump's plan and to work to bring its vision into reality without delay. Together with our partners, Australia will continue to support all efforts to end the war, provide humanitarian assistance and work towards a just and sustainable two-state solution. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua.

Mr. President, we meet once again in this Assembly to hear the routine excuses of the United States, which once again voted against a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. For years we have borne witness to the annihilation of a nation. Thousands of children, women, men and older persons have been massacred under the bombs of an occupying state which has turned the destruction of Gaza into its national project. Journalists, humanitarian workers and doctors are being murdered. An entire people is being deprived of water, food, medicines and energy in full view of the entire world. This unceasing extermination of innocence, which some term a war, is an ethnic cleansing in Palestine, a crime against humanity. Since we're not talking about equal sides, we're talking about a people under occupation and an occupier committing a genocide. President, this assembly must continue to demand permanent unconditional verifiable ceasefire bringing an end to the massacre and guaranteeing unimpeded access for humanitarian Aid while Gaza is becoming a cemetery the Security Council which is responsible for maintaining International peace and security continues to be held hostage by the exceptionalist and obstructionist pol politics of the United States due to this immoral veto which continues to enable the genocide and the crimes of Israel in the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories. Every veto encourages Israel to press on ruthlessly with its massacre. It is a further obstacle to peace. It is a blank cheque for Israel's impunity. We reiterate that the Security Council must shoulder its responsibility entrusted on it in the Charter. It must do so urgently and without double standards. President, while the United States continues to abuse the veto, we hear of the recent recognition by various European states of the state of Palestine. This is a first step to start to rectify the historic injustice and the terror that the Palestinian people have been subjected to. Now, beyond words, if we truly want to be consistent with the two-state solution, There must also be an end to complicity in the suffering and genocide in Palestine and an end to any political, military and economic support for the state of Israel, which is the occupying and genocidal power. President Nicaragua, which has fought to defend its sovereignty and has prevailed over foreign aggression, reaffirms the urgent need for peace in the Middle East. Our position has been and will remain unswerving here. We reiterate our steadfast solidarity with the state of Palestine, with its inalienable rights to self-determination without conditions or any pretext, and its right to return to have an independent, sovereign, fully recognized state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders. in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions. This is the only possible solution for just and lasting peace in the Middle East. We once again condemn this genocide in Palestine, the barbaric policy of denying the Palestinian people. We condemn all of the savage, brutal massacres that are being carried out and now prolonged before the watching eyes of the world. We condemn the state of Israel at the same time as condemning the policies and practices of the colonial, imperial, neo-colonial and fascist powers. We denounce the criminal blockade on Gaza as a form of collective punishment prohibited under international law. We demand its immediate lifting. President, the Palestinian people continue to heroically resist this barbarity and massacre without, which is unprecedented and unsparing in nature. The conscience of humanity is at stake here. History will remember the pain and suffering of Palestinian people before and all of the accomplices through their action, omission, and silence. Nicaragua will always stand on the side of light, truth, peace, and justice for the freedom of Palestine. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nicaragua. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I would like to thank her excellency, the president of the general assembly, for holding this meeting in line with, um, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, General Assembly Resolution 67/268 in light of the dangerous circumstances witnessed by the Palestinian cause and the Middle East, Mr. President, in line with the principled and clear commitment of His Royal Highness Mohammed VI, Head of Al-Quds Committee, and his concern due to the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territory, Morocco renews its call today for more international mobilization to save the region from this downward spiral that it is being dragged into. We call on the international community to prioritize the following four points. First, immediate ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table. within a just solution. Second, to ensure access of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank without any conditions or obstacles. Third, promote the vital role of the UNRWA. Fourth, implement the clear road map that is quite comprehensive for the reconstruction as adopted by the emergency Arab summit under the authority, under the sponsorship of the Palestinian Authority and with the support of the Arab and Islamic world, and in line with the instructions of His Royal Highness, we believe that the two state solution is the one and only way to bring about constant and comprehensive and durable peace in the Middle East in this vein. Morocco reiterates the following first they need to open New Horizons for political solution and put a clear and specific timetable that um ensures the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people second establishing an independent Palestinian state along the lines of 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital and Gaza will be part and parcel of that Palestinian state third include the economic aspect in the peace process because there will be no peace without common prosperity. Fourth, promote support to the Palestinian Authority under the leadership of His Excellency President Abu Mazen to strengthen its institutions and respond to the aspirations of the broadly Palestinian people to ensure cohesion, development and peace. And finally, to establish durable institutions based on international law with mutual respect. To that end, Morocco stresses its principled commitment to defend the sanctity of the sacred institutions, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which has a special place in the heart of His Royal Highness in his capacity as head of the Al-Quds Committee. And this is in line with the continued diplomatic Moroccan effort. committee undertakes so many activities to save the cultural identity of Al-Quds, supporting the rights and legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital along the lines of June of 1967. Thank you, Mr. President.

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

Mr. President, we align ourselves with the statement delivered by the permanent representative of Denmark on behalf of the 10 elected members of the Security Council, including Pakistan, who jointly tabled the draft resolution that was vetoed. And that's the reason we are here today. We greatly appreciate the role played by Denmark in coordinating the E10. President, we meet at a moment of deep concern and anguish. The Security Council, entrusted with primary responsibility to safeguard peace, once again failed to act when Gaza needed it most. A resolution intended to halt the carnage and deliver humanitarian relief was blocked, leaving millions to their unfortunate fate. For the elected ten members of the Council, this was no routine diplomacy. It was an urgent effort to answer the cries of the people trapped in bombing, in the rubble, famine and despair. The failure to move forward was bitterly disappointing. But paralysis in one chamber must not mean incapacity across the United Nations or across the international community. For the truth is stark, Gaza has been pulverized, Families huddle under broken concrete, searching for children who will never return. Hunger stalks every street. Famine has already taken hold in Gaza City and threatens to engulf Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah. More than 66,000 Palestinians, the vast majority women and children, have been killed. Homes, schools and hospitals have been deliberately wiped out. This is not war. It is the erasure of a people's future. And Israel, the occupying power, must be held fully accountable. The anguish of Palestine has rightly been at the very heart of this year's general debate. Amid devastation, the voices of conscience have grown louder. The convening of the two-state solution conference, the recognitions of Palestine by more states, and the rising calls worldwide for a ceasefire and a durable solution of the Palestinian question offer rays of hope in this darkness. President, the recent consultations held by President Trump with the Arab and OIC leaders, the announcement of a plan by the US are noteworthy developments that have been widely welcomed. We hope cautiously but sincerely that such initiatives can help deliver what is most urgently needed, an immediate ceasefire, an end to the war, unfettered humanitarian assistance and above all a credible political horizon towards Palestinian statehood Pakistan is part of these consultations will work to ensure that efforts are judged not by promises but by results stopping the killing ending the occupation reuniting families rebuilding Gaza and guaranteeing protection and dignity to the Palestinian people. Let me note in this regard that in a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt welcomed President Trump's efforts, including his announcement that he would not allow the annexation of the West Bank. and the leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to work with the United States to end the war in Gaza through a comprehensive deal, one that ensures unrestricted delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid, prevents displacement of the Palestinians, secures the release of hostages, achieves full Israeli withdrawal, rebuilds Gaza, and creates a path for a just peace on the basis of the two-state solution, under which Gaza is fully integrated with the West Bank in a Palestinian state in accordance with international law, as key to achieving regional stability and security. In line with those commitments, and at the risk of repetition, let me today from this podium make five urgent calls. One, an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire across all occupied Palestinian territories. Two, the lifting of the blockade and allowing unfettered humanitarian access. Third, the release of all hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Fourth, a complete end to forced displacement, settlements, and any designs for annexation. 5th a credible time-bound political process in line with international legitimacy to establish an independent sovereign and contiguous state of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. President, the Palestinian people are the masters of their own destiny and it's very clear That destiny is freedom. Palestinians can no longer be denied their right to self-determination. Peace cannot be postponed any longer. Pakistan will remain steadfast in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We will stand with all those who seek peace. We will stand with all those who strive for justice. Only through decisive and principled action can we restore faith in humanity and achieve the long-coveted peace in the Middle East. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. We have had the last speaker in this debate. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 64. The meeting is adjourned.