General Assembly: 61st plenary meeting, 80th session

The 61st plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The General Assembly will now consider sub-item B of agenda item 3, entitled "Report of the Credentials Committee." The documentation under this item is listed in the Journal of the United Nations. I should like to note that since the meeting of the Credentials Committee, formal credentials in the form required by rule 27 of the Rules of Procedure were submitted by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Jamaica, Maldives, Mozambique, and Seychelles. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution entitled "Credentials of representatives to the eightieth session of the General Assembly", recommended by the Credentials Committee in its report. I may take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft resolution. It is so decided. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed 10 minutes and be made from their seats. I would like to give the opportunity to Ecuador.

Thank you, sir. The delegation of Ecuador thanks the Credentials Committee for its work, and we join consensus for the adoption of the resolution presented. Nevertheless, And in order for this to be reflected in the records, we'd like to underscore that the approval of the report of the Credentials Committee for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly cannot be interpreted as tacit recognition of Nicolas Maduro's regime by the Ecuadorian Government nor his representatives to the General Assembly. Thank you very much.

I think the representative of Ecuador. I now call on the representative of Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mr. President, I would like to welcome the work of the Credentials Committee and extend our gratitude to its chair, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Coly Seck, for the report of the committee. We were pleased to join the consensus on the resolution recommended by the Coordination Committee. However, I would like to express my delegation's reservation regarding those part of the report and resolution that could be construed as recognition of the Israeli regime. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Islamic Republic of Iran. I now call on the representative of Argentina.

President, my delegation wishes to underscore that we join consensus to adopt the report of the Credentials Committee for the 80th session of the General Assembly, and we reject the credentials put forward by Nicolás Maduro on behalf of the Government of Venezuela. So this should not be interpreted as recognition by Argentina of Nicolás Maduro's regime or his representatives appointed for the General Assembly. Argentina recognizes González Ruita as the legitimate president-elect, as Venezuela, recognizing the will of the Venezuelan people unequivocally expressed at the ballot box and supported by the votes. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Argentina. I now call on the representative of Paraguay.

Thank you very much, President. The Paraguayan delegation joined consensus. Nevertheless, we wish to clarify that the adoption of the report of the Credentials Committee by the General Assembly does not imply for Paraguay acceptance of the credentials presented by the representatives of Nicolás Maduro's regime on behalf of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Paraguay. I now give the place to the representative of Peru.

Thank you very much, President. Peru thanks the Credentials Committee for its work, and we joined consensus on the resolution on this. put to the General Assembly. In this context, I am taking the floor to request that we record the fact that the adoption of this report of the Conventions Committee for this session of the General Assembly should not be interpreted as tacit recognition by Peru of Nicolás Maduro's regime. As expressed before, we recognize Edmundo González Urrutia as President-elect of Venezuela, and this is grounded in strict respect for the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and a firm commitment to the promotion and defense of democracy, fundamental freedoms, and respect for human rights. Thank you very much.

I thank you, the representative of Peru. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested. May I remind members that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the first intervention and to 5 minutes for the second intervention, and should be made by the delegations from their seats. I now call on the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

President, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is taking the floor in exercise of our right of reply to underscore our categoric rejection of the statement made by the by the usual suspects following the adoption of draft resolution contained in document A/85/47. President, once again, a group of countries, that includes the United States of America, is isolated here at this General Assembly, which, by consensus and without a vote, decided to approve the report of the Credentials Committee. And through this document, the credentials of all United Nations member states, including the representatives of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Although this is an action that we expected, it is regrettable that a group of satellite states of the USA continues with their absurd position, questioning the credentials of the Venezuelan delegation, despite the overwhelming support and recognition from the international community of the constitutional and legitimate authorities of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, headed up by President Nicolás Maduro Moros. It must be recalled that the International Court of Justice, in this regard, stated that there is no general right to intervene to support the opposition in a contemporary state of international law. The court concludes that acts that constitute violation are unacceptable and the threat or the use of force are a violation of the principle of the prohibition of the use of force in international relations.

That was paraphrased by the interpreter.

This means that any attempt to reject or to disregard or challenge the credentials of the representatives of a country, merely because of differences that these delegations have with the policies of the government, would lead to chaos in international relations. President, the group of satellite states of the United States of America, and in particular the US regime itself, are disregarding the credentials of the Venezuelan delegation. This is very dangerous, and this involves including, one, imposing UCMs, two, engaging in overt and covert destabilization operations through the CIA, Three, seizing oil tankers. Four, murdering Venezuelan citizens on the Caribbean Sea. Next, imposing an air and naval blockade, threatening with the use of force, threatening armed attacks on land, destroying our republican government and robbing the natural resources of Venezuela. This is a raft of terrorist actions that are unacceptable, and They are what the White House calls "peace through strength" and they are flagrant violations of the United Nations Charter and all norms of international law. We must further underscore that all of these actions have been publicly recognized without any type of shame shown by the government of the United States itself that insists on their illusion of being an exceptional country above the law. President, the disregard by the US government to the legitimate representatives of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is part of a supremacist and profoundly racist policy that is all-encompassing. It is the hegemonic control that they are attempting to exert over the whole of the American continent. and the infamous Monroe Doctrine and now Trump's actions, and this is aggression against the Global South that will lead to the destruction of the United Nations, as recognized in the recently published National Security Strategy of this country. This is the plan that Washington has already stated to destroy this organization and everything it represents. To conclude, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wishes to warn this General Assembly once again about the risks that weigh today over sovereignty, the territorial integrity and political independence of our country, and the effect that a potential armed attack would have on regional and international peace, security and stability. This is why we launch an appeal to responsible members of the international community to pool their efforts and demand the Government of the United States of America to fully adhere to the United Nations Charter, both the letter and the spirit of the Charter, and to respect the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Thank you very much, President.

I thank the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item B of agenda item 3. The Assembly will resume its consideration of agenda item 13, entitled “Integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social, and related fields to take action on a proposal announced in the journal. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tajikistan to introduce draft resolution A/80/L.24.

I have the honor to introduce, on behalf of the co-sponsors, the draft resolution A/80/L24, entitled International Year of Legal Literacy 2027. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to the rule of law, to human rights, and to empowering people with the knowledge they need to participate fully in society. I thank all delegations for their constructive engagement throughout the consultation. Your flexibility and support allowed us to reach a balanced and forward-looking text. Mr. President, legal literacy is essential to inclusive governance and access to justice. Too many people, especially women, children, and those in vulnerable situations, struggle to claim their rights, simply because they lack basic legal information. This resolution responds to that challenge. It reaffirms the right of everyone to education. It recalls that education must promote human dignity, strengthen respect for human rights, and enable all persons to participate effectively in a free and just society. It also highlights the role of education in fostering tolerance, understanding, and peace among all peoples. The text recognizes that legal, digital, Media and information literacy are increasingly essential skills in today's world. Legal literacy is therefore not only a matter of justice, but it is also a practical tool for navigating daily life. Mr. President, the resolution encourages states to strengthen national capacity for legal education and literacy. It also invites the UN system to provide technical assistance and capacity building upon request. Importantly, it takes note of the experience of Tajikistan, which declared 2024 as its National Year of Legal Literacy. Allow me to underline this point. Tajikistan initiative mobilized institutions, civil society, and communities across the country. It helped people understand their rights and responsibilities. It improved access to legal information, and it demonstrated that practical efforts in this field can make a real difference in people's lives. Our national experience has shaped and inspired the proposal presented to the General Assembly today. During the general debate of the 80th session, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon, proposed to declare the International Year of Legal Literacy. Tajikistan is pleased to share its experience through this resolution with the international community and to contribute to global efforts to strengthen the rule of law. Mr. President, by adopting this resolution, the General Assembly can help generate a global movement for legal awareness and legal empowerment. Legal literacy strengthens trust between people and institutions. It supports peaceful dispute resolution, and it enables full and equal participation in public life. To conclude, Mr. President, I kindly invite all Member States that have not done yet so to join as co-sponsors of the draft resolution. We look forward to its adoption by consensus. I thank you for your attention.

I thank the representative of Tajikistan. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/80/L.24. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Thank you, Mr. President. I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to the delegations listed on the L document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of L.24: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, China, Congo, Eritrea, Eswatini, France, Gabon, Georgia, Honduras, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sudan, Thailand, United Kingdom, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zambia. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor L/24, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. I see Andorra, Islamic Republic of Iran, Namibia, Nicaragua, Tunisia, Palau, Brazil, Kenya, Ecuador, Comoros, Niger, South Sudan, Timor-Leste. Samoa, Rwanda, Chile, Fiji, Algeria. That concludes additional co-sponsors. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/80/L.24, entitled "International Year of Legal Literacy 2027". May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/80/L.24? It is so decided. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes? which should in any case not exceed 10 minutes and be made from their seats. I give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Chair. The United States would like to thank Tajikistan for highlighting this important issue via a common-sense approach that restores the merits of international cooperation without burdensome and performative UN theater. As Member States are aware, The United States has taken a new approach this year in our approach to negotiations and to the large number of resolutions considered at the General Assembly. We have been calling out areas of wasteful and performative actions that do little to advance the cause of peace, security, and prosperity. Where we have seen instances of UN puffery, we have promptly voted against them. With this resolution, we appreciate that Tajikistan heard U.S. concerns and took the time to streamline and refine the resolution without adversely impacting the conversation on improving legal literacy. For this, we thank Tajikistan, and we urge other countries to follow this model when negotiating within the UN system. As President Trump recently convened the C5 heads of state in Washington, and as our Undersecretary for Political Affairs recently met with the C5 ambassadors at the ITUD conference in Baku, We are aware of the issue of increasing legal education and literacy is of vital importance to Tajikistan. The United States stands ready to partner with any nation willing to take a common sense approach to improving the skills of its people, promoting strong institutions, and building legal awareness for citizens with the aim of advancing their development. We thank Tajikistan for taking the time to articulate a clear need for its development trajectory without burying this vital work under a layer of bureaucratic, ineffective, and charged language around climate, gender, and sustainable development goals. We look forward to collaborating with Tajikistan on knowledge exchanges and seeing how best we can mutually cooperate to advance this important issue. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the vote. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 13. The Assembly will now consider sub-item B of agenda item 114, entitled elections of members of the Organizational Committee of Peacebuilding Commission. Members, we recall that, in accordance with resolution 60/180 of 20 December 2005, the Organizational Committee shall comprise of the following: seven members of the Security Council, including permanent members; seven members of the Economic and Social Council, elected from regional groups; five top providers of assessed contributions to the United Nations budget and of voluntary contributions to the United Nations funds, programs, and agencies, including a standing peacebuilding fund; five top providers of military personnel and civilian police to United Nations missions; and seven additional members elected to the Assembly giving due consideration to representation from all regional groups in the overall composition of the Committee. By the same resolution, the Assembly also decided that each of the five regional groups shall have no less than three seats in the overall composition of the Organizational Committee. Members will also recall that At its 78th session, the Assembly elected Poland and Uruguay as members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission for a two-year term of office, beginning on the 1st of January 2024. Consequently, the Assembly will need to fill the seats to be vacated by Poland and Uruguay whose two-year term of office expires on 31 December 2025. The Assembly will now proceed to the election of two members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission. By its resolution 60/261 of 8 May 2006, the Assembly decided that the members of the Organizational Committee shall serve for renewed terms of two years, as applicable. Accordingly, Poland and Uruguay are eligible for immediate re-election. Regarding candidatures for the two vacant seats, I should like to inform Member States that From among the Eastern European States, one candidate has been communicated, namely Croatia. From among the Latin American and Caribbean States, one candidate has been communicated, namely El Salvador. Members will recall that by its resolution 60/261, the Assembly decided that the rules of procedure and established practice of the Assembly for the election of members of its subsidiary bodies shall apply to its election of members of the Committee. For this election, rules 92 and 94 are applicable. Accordingly, the election shall be held by secret ballot. However, I should also like to recall paragraph 16 of Decision 34/401, whereby the practice of dispensing with the secret ballot for elections to subsidiary organs when the number of candidates corresponds to the number of seats to be filled should become standard, unless a delegation specifically requests a vote on a given election. In the absence of such a request, I might take it that the Assembly decides to proceed to the election on that basis. It is so decided. Since the number of candidates corresponds to the number of seats to be filled, May I take it that the Assembly decides to elect Croatia and El Salvador as members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission for a two-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2026? I hear no objection. It is so decided. I congratulate Croatia and El Salvador on their election as members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item B of agenda item 114? It is so decided.

The Assembly will resume its consideration of agenda item 123, entitled Strengthening of the United Nations system, to take action on a proposal announced in the Journal. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway to introduce draft resolution A/80/L.26.

Madam President, 2024 was among the most violent years in three decades. 2025 has followed suit. There are few signs that this trajectory will ease in the air ahead. The situation in occupied Palestine is a particular point in case. In Palestine, despite some recent positive developments, The obstruction of humanitarian aid still prevents essential food and basic necessities from reaching a population in desperate need. Civilians are paying the highest price. Respect for humanitarian principles is eroding. The most fundamental tenets of humanitarian law are under pressure. So, Madam President, United Nations and the wider multilateral system were built to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. Central to this vision is fidelity to international law, overseen by the International Court of Justice. However, this system does not act in and of itself. Only when we, as Member States, make active use of the tools at our disposal can the system fulfill the promises on which it was built. One of the tools offered by the multilateral system is advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice to clarify specific legal questions that arise. In December last year, Member States turned to the Court to seek clarity on fundamental issues pertaining to the provision of life-saving humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Palestine. We commend the Court for acting swiftly and rendering its advisory opinion on 22nd October this year. President, in Norway's written and oral submissions to the Court, we highlighted the particular and long-standing responsibility of the United Nations in relation to the question of Palestine. This responsibility originated in the mandate and the 1947 partition resolution, but also in early initiatives to provide relief following the large-scale displacement of Palestine refugees in 1948. Those efforts laid the foundation for what would become the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA. We welcome the Court's recognition of UNRWA's indispensable role in providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance and essential services to civilians in Palestine. President, we, the Member States of the United Nations, have an obligation to ensure the necessary conditions for safe and effective humanitarian operations. We cannot accept impediments that hinder humanitarian access and disrupt planned operations, be they in Palestine or anywhere else. This is why Norway, together with a cross-regional group of dedicated states, to which we owe our greatest gratitude, comprising Chile, Egypt, Guyana, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Malaysia, Namibia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, and Spain, is presenting this resolution to the UN membership, and I also wish to thank all the co-sponsors. At its core, this is a resolution in favour of our international legal order, the wider multilateral system, and specifically our United Nations. President, the advisory opinion of 22nd October provides valuable and important clarifications, specifically on Israel's obligations in and in relation to Palestine. Sadly, recent developments highlight the urgency and relevance of the Court's clarifications. We recall, in particular, the recent condemnation by the Secretary-General of the unauthorized entry of Israeli authorities into the United Nations Sheikh Jarrah compound held by UNRWA, located in occupied East Jerusalem. As stated by the Secretary General, this is in clear violation of Israel's obligations to respect the inviolability of United Nations premises as detailed by the Court in its advisory opinion. President, in closing, let me underline the following: The resolution which is now before the membership is not directed against any state or entity. Instead, it is conceived to protect the most fundamental humanitarian norms and principles that we, all of us here, have set out to protect in the name of human dignity and the UN Charter. The foundational imperative that commands all of us to alleviate suffering based on humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence does not only underpin this resolution, but transcend borders and begs for our unified and unwavering support. It is on this basis I urge all member states to vote in favor of this draft resolution, and I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway to introduce draft resolution A/80/L26. We shall now proceed to consider that draft resolution. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Thank you, Madam President. I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to the delegations listed on the L document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of A/80/L/26: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Colombia, Djibouti, France, Iceland, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, San Marino, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor L.26, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. I see Comoros, Sudan, Senegal, Belize, Gambia, That concludes the additional co-sponsors. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/80/L26. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote before the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes. which should in any case not exceed 10 minutes and be made from their seats. I give the floor to Israel.

Madam President, Israel has called for a vote on this resolution because it is one-sided, deeply flawed, and weaponizes the advisory opinion function of the International Court of Justice. It does not advance peace. It does not strengthen international law. It does not reflect the reality we face on the ground. Let me be very clear. We believe in the rule of law and the peaceful and just resolution of disputes. But here, in this chamber, politics has overtaken justice. producing an advisory opinion and a draft resolution so disconnected from fact and law that they cannot be taken seriously. Nowhere is this clearer than in the way this resolution treats UNRWA. This text asks us, Israel, to place its trust in an agency whose infiltration by Hamas is not hypothetical or disputed, but documented and extensive. To understand the human cost, consider just one name among many: Yonatan Samerano. Yonatan was murdered and kidnapped by a Hamas terrorist. His body was paraded into Gaza on an UNRWA vehicle. The man who kidnapped him was an UNRWA employee, a so-called social worker. When that terrorist returned home, he was not met with accountability. He was not met with justice. He was met with a UN paycheck. This is the agency you ask Israel to cooperate with in good faith? For years, the world was told these were isolated incidents by a few bad apples. We all heard Mr. Lazzarini. for many, many years claiming that. But the evidence tells a very different story. In April 2025, Hamas personnel files, including recruitment lists, training rosters, and administrative records, revealed that more than 1,400 UNRWA employees in Gaza were active members of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. One in eight. But this is only one layer. The terrorists of October 7th were not just on UNRWA’s payroll. They were those shaped in its classrooms. They learned in schools that glorified martyrs and taught children to hate Israelis and Jews. This is not a few bad apples. The poison goes straight to the core and the Be’er well itself can be saved. That is why UNRWA has, in practice, become a subsidiary of Hamas, not an agency contaminated at the edges, but one compromised at every level. Instead of confronting this reality, some here at the UN still try to defend UNRWA, instead of demanding reform They offer cover. Israel supports genuine humanitarian assistance, but we will not and we cannot work with an agency that employed and continues to employ jihadist murderers, refuses responsibility, and takes no meaningful corrective action. Let me be clear: UNRWA is not indispensable. in the delivery of humanitarian aid. I just came from Israel a few hours ago. We met NGOs who are working in Gaza today. But here, the Secretary General and others repeat that UNRWA is irreplaceable. UNRWA is not irreplaceable. Humanitarian aid can and is being delivered by organizations that are not compromised. Others in the international community are beginning to recognize this. In January, Israel led the way and banned UNRWA for its ties to terror. Today, other nations are considering terrorism sanctions because the evidence is undeniable: UNRWA is compromised. These are the measures that should follow such findings: sanctions, suspension, and cutting funding. Not renewed mandates and not demands that Israel walk hand in hand with them. It will not happen. We are done with UNRWA. We urge every member state, take the next step. Stop funding an agency infiltrated by terrorists. Impose sanctions. Stand with the victims. Act in the name of truth, justice, and victims. If that were not enough, the resolution goes further still. Look at it. It endorses a text that mentions October 7th in only two sentences across 70 pages. The worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust is given 28 words buried among 3,090 words. This is not balance; it is a distortion of reality. The same silence appears in the resolution’s treatment of Hamas. It barely mentions Hamas. Shameful. A resolution that cannot name Hamas cannot claim to promote justice. It promotes a one-sided narrative totally disconnected from reality. Madam President, to all those Member States: If you vote in favor of this resolution, you are voting to weaponize the ICJ for political ends. You endorse a text that fails to condemn Hamas for its massacre. Israel urges Member States to vote against this resolution. Madam President, We share the hope that stability in our region will be maintained. Our last hostage, Ran Gvili, will be returned home for proper burial, and we will move forward into a new era of peace and stability. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.

Colleagues, this is the wrong time for this flawed, one-sided resolution. Serious efforts are underway to rebuild Gaza in a way that will end the rule of Hamas terrorists, bring normalcy and dignity to the people in Gaza, and bring peace and prosperity to the Middle East. This resolution exemplifies how Even following President Trump’s landmark peace agreement and the historic passage of Security Council Resolution 2803, the General Assembly continues its decades-long pattern of unfairly targeting Israel. The United States rejects the politicized conclusions in this non-binding advisory opinion. It bears noting that advisory opinions are exactly that: They are not binding. They are not a basis for legislature. Notwithstanding the fact that the ICJ's ruling was factually baseless and devoid of judicial restraint, the General Assembly's abuse of advisory opinions as a political tool makes a mockery of international law. This resolution also ignores the reality on the ground today and the positive developments of the past few months. As a result of President Trump’s consequential and historic leadership and the support of our partners, the war in Gaza has ended, a ceasefire remains in effect, and aid is flowing at substantially increased levels. 47 of 48 hostages have returned home, and the United States is committed to securing the return of the remains of Rongveli, the last hostage. The Security Council endorsed President Trump's comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, adopting Resolution 2803 by a 13 votes in favor, zero against, and two abstentions, with the support of Arab and Muslim partners. Israel, and the Palestinian Authority. That resolution brought unity and hope. This performative text only sows division and impedes peace. Irrelevance is only one fault of many. UNRWA is a subsidiary of Hamas. It is completely penetrated because UNRWA operates under frameworks that treat Hamas like any other actor and rejects any reasonable standards for accountability or vetting for its staff or partners. That this resolution would imply that Israel is in any way compelled to work with such an organization is simply wrong. The idea that any nation could be compelled by the General Assembly to work with any organization is a gross infringement on sovereignty. UNRWA is unaccountable, corrupt, and irredeemably compromised. It will play absolutely no role going forward in Gaza. The United States continues to work to surge humanitarian aid for Gazans. Over 800 trucks entered Gaza each day on average between October 10 and December 9. The availability of food continues to increase, and critical services are being restored. In other words, this resolution is utterly irrelevant. The United States will continue to forge ahead, implement Resolution 2803, and advance President Trump’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous Gaza, which is no longer a launchpad for terrorism and where Gazans can determine their own destiny, free from terrorist rule and violence. The United States will vote against this resolution. We urge all delegations ready to play a serious and constructive role in the region’s next chapter to do the same. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United States. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Cuba will vote in favor of draft resolution L/26, and this is in line with our unshakable solidarity to the just cause of Palestine. Nevertheless, we wish to underscore our concern over the drafting of preambular paragraph 13. Everyone is aware of the role the United States have played in this conflict, the responsibility for the genocide against the Palestinian people, lies directly with the government of Israel, but also with their accomplice, the government of the United States, who have provided political, financial, military, and diplomatic support unconditionally to the occupying power in a constant and uninterrupted manner and have blocked repeatedly with abuse of their right to veto at the Security Council efforts of the international community to put an end to the massacre perpetrated by Israel. We reiterate that the Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide of 1948 punishes the perpetrators as much as the accomplices. If the United States government wishes to show real political will, they should stop blocking Palestine joining the UN as a member state, which is supported by a the vast majority of the international community. What's more, it would recognize, this would recognize Palestine as an independent state. The text presented addresses a key question for this noble people who have suffered for decades the most brutal crimes ever experienced by the human race. The disastrous humanitarian situation that affects the Palestinian population requires without a doubt urgent action from the international community. For decades, Israel has blatantly violated its obligations and has disrespected the values that this organization has built on. It's obvious the contempt of the government of Israel for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, and calls for peace from the international community. In Gaza, Israel is violating the ceasefire agreement with impunity. Since it was signed, more than 367 Palestinians have been murdered and 953 have been injured by Israeli forces. Israel must comply with the conditions that they accepted in the ceasefire group. agreement and enable the free and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Indiscriminate attacks by Israel have destroyed homes, hospitals, schools, and essential infrastructure that the population needs. Entire families have been expelled from their homes. They have fallen victim to forced displacement, and their right to live on their own land has continuously being denied. Israel is using hunger as a weapon of war, deliberately depriving Palestinians of water, electricity, medication, fuel, and basic humanitarian aid. In this regard, the work of UNRWA is extremely important. We reject the prohibition by Israel of the activities of this body on their territory and contacts with its authorities. President, history will harshly judge the attitudes of complicity in favor of the aggressors to this conflict and the repeated attempts to protect Israel, shield them from international legal scrutiny. Defense of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people is a matter of principle for Cuba. We will not tire in advocating for Palestine to join as a fully fledged member of this organization, and this is something that has been blocked by a complicit veto. President, we reiterate that any ongoing initiative to put an end to this conflict should in any circumstance be implemented in a way that violates the rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination or to exist as an independent and sovereign state. In no case should Palestinian ownership be ignored or minimized. We should not deviate from the goal of achieving full, just, and lasting peace. Gaza belongs to Palestinians. True peace cannot be built upon violations of the most fundamental principles of the rights of a people. the violation, rather, of the rights of a people, including their right to self-determination and to have an independent sovereign state. We are closely following the efforts of states that in good faith participated to seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis. We recognize the active role of various member countries of the non-movement, and we are cautious when it comes to the terms of the peace agreement. and also the imprecisions and omissions in its content and timeframe. We trust, nevertheless, in the intelligence, bravery, and capacity of resistance shown by the Palestinian people to defend their legitimate right to a broad, just, and lasting solution that puts an end to the crimes that they have suffered for decades and makes their just aspiration for a future of peace and dignity a reality for present and future generations. continue to demand a permanent ceasefire, whose ultimate guarantee will be the adoption of concrete and comprehensive measures that enable Israel to withdraw from occupied Palestinian territories, which is an essential condition to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. We have heard the last speaker, an explanation of vote before the vote. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/80/L26, entitled "Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Obligations of Israel in Relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations, and Third States in and in Relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory." A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution A/80/L.26, please signify. Those against? Abstentions?

The Assembly is now voting on draft resolution A/80/L.26. entitled “Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third States in and in relation to the occupied Palestinian territory”. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 139, against 12, abstentions 19. Draft resolution A/80/L.26 is adopted. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed 10 minutes and be made from their seats. I give the floor to the Syrian Arab Republic.

Thank you, Madam President. It is my pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of Arab states hosting Palestine refugees and UNRWA: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and my own country, Syria. We welcome the adoption of this decision today that comes in the wake of the latest Israeli escalation against UNRWA in this regard. We strongly condemn the raid by the Israeli occupying forces last Monday on UNRWA headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah, in occupied Jerusalem. We condemn the seizure of its equipment, the removal of the United Nations flag, and the raising of the Israeli flag. This step is aimed at confiscating the headquarters, thereby turning it into a new settlement. We condemn the measures undertaken by the occupying forces against UNRWA, including the cutting off of water and electricity from its facilities, restricting UNRWA's capacity to deliver services and humanitarian assistance to displaced persons and refugees. These measures are a blatant violation of the most basic rules of international law, including the Convention on United Nations Privileges and Immunities. They also constitute a defiance of the advisory opinion issued by the ICJ on the 22nd of October. Our states call upon the international community to put maximum pressure to bear upon Israel to compel the occupying power to honor its international obligations and repeal measures undertaken against the United Nations and its agencies. We call upon member states to raise their voices unequivocally in rejection of Israeli practices and measures. They must be condemned. Israeli unilateral practices must be opposed. The occupation must go back on these decisions as they constitute a dangerous and destructive precedent that cannot be accepted nor built on. Israeli practices target what UNRWA symbolizes, namely the right to return and reparation for Palestinians in accordance with international law. This is an attempt to deprive the Palestinian people from its rights and vital services, those that were upheld by international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, namely 194. We warn against the devastating consequences of illegal Israeli measures against UNRWA and its institutions, which provide irreplaceable and indispensable services to more than 6 million Palestinian refugees. We call upon the international community to shoulder its legal and moral responsibilities to reject Israeli practices and measures undertaken against UNRWA. We call upon the international community to provide adequate financial and political support to UNRWA so that it can, in turn, fulfill its duties. Madam President, We welcome last week's GA decision to renew UNRWA's mandate for three additional years. We thank countries that have voted in favor of the resolution. We stress the vital and unique role undertaken by the UNRWA in alleviating the suffering of Palestinian refugees and the provision of vital services to millions of people in the five areas of operation, in accordance with the GA mandate. Madam President, Our countries have carefully taken note of Mr. Ian Martin’s report in the framework of the ONUS strategic assessment. In this regard, we wish to stress that we had sent a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 8 October 2025 expressing our official position on this report. We welcome the positive elements included therein, namely on the role of UNRWA and the need to preserve its mandate, as well as proposals on alternatives to address challenges faced by the Agency. However, host countries wish to register their strong dissatisfaction over recommendations included therein, namely, calls for transfer of UNRWA responsibilities to host states, which is a departure from the legal mandate of UNRWA pursuant to Resolution 302 of 1949. Madam President, our countries shoulder the vast majority of the burden as we've hosted Palestine refugees since their displacement for decades and due to the deprivation of their right of return. Any plan aimed at transferring UNRWA functions to host countries is categorically rejected. We stress the following: First, our full attachment to the mandate entrusted by the GA to the UNRWA, which enjoys the overwhelming support of the international community. It must continue to shoulder its functions in an unimpeded manner in the five areas of operation. Second, we reject any additional responsibilities imposed upon host states when it comes to UNRWA activities. This is a violation of international justice and a burden we cannot shoulder. Third, we reject any proposal that undermines the UNRWA mandate and restricts its role. We reject any comparison between UNRWA and other United Nations organizations that are of a different nature. Fourth, we stress that the UNRWA is not a political agency, but rather a humanitarian one that was established to provide care to Palestinian refugees until a just and comprehensive solution is found to their question, namely their right to return and reparation in accordance with resolution 194. Fifth, we call upon donor states to shoulder their legal and moral responsibility. by providing adequate and sustainable funding to UNRWA, by expanding the donor base and consolidating core funding allocated from the UN budget. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. I now give the floor to Singapore, followed by Japan and Bulgaria.

Madam President, I take the floor to explain my delegation's vote on resolution A/AT/L.26, which we have just adopted. Singapore has consistently attached the greatest importance to international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We voted in favor of this resolution after careful and thorough consideration to show our respect for the International Court of Justice, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, as well as international law more broadly. My delegation appreciates the efforts by the penholders of this resolution to provide a summary of the advisory opinion. Nevertheless, we wish to stress that the summary of the advisory opinion in the resolution cannot replace the advisory opinion, which should be read in its entirety and in context. For example, operative paragraphs 4 (a) and 4 (b) of the draft resolution which are based on paragraphs 177 and 179 of the advisory opinion, should be read together with paragraph 184 of the advisory opinion, where the Court reiterated that as a general rule, the way in which a subsidiary organ established by the General Assembly is utilized depends on the consent of the State or States concerned. and that States possess a sovereign power of decision with respect to the acceptance of the headquarters or regional office of an organization within their territories. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Singapore. I now give the floor to Japan.

Thank you, Madam President. I also thank Norway and other Member States for their initiative. We appreciate the effort by ICJ in clarifying Israel's obligation under international humanitarian law. Japan voted in favor of the draft resolution. This underscores not only our long-standing position, but also our conviction that still dire humanitarian situation in Gaza demands urgent, principled action. We have consistently urged Israel to fully comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law and to cooperate closely with international organizations, including UNRWA, so that aid can be reached to those most vulnerable. In this regard, recent reopening of Al-Nabi King Hussein crossing is a welcoming development. These resolutions should meaningfully contribute to ongoing efforts to advance humanitarian and recovery work, as well as a future roadmap for peace in Gaza. Japan once again commends the diplomatic efforts of the concerned countries, including the United States. which led to the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2803. In our view, the resolution adopted today must be read in the light of this landmark Security Council resolution. And in this regard, the GA resolution should have included a clear reference to Resolution 2803. Madam President, after two years of darkness, the people of Gaza and the region deserve nothing less than a genuine and enduring peace, not another cycle of violence. Preserving the ceasefire is therefore essential, and Hamas must swiftly return the body of one remaining hostage and lay down its arms, ensuring that atrocities such as those committed on October 7 can never occur again. Steady movement toward the next phase of the peace plan must follow. Japan will not stand idle. Our contribution to life-saving humanitarian assistance, early recovery, and reconstruction will continue for the people of Gaza, people who have endured unimaginable suffering. Japan will play its part in implementing President Trump's comprehensive plan. This includes the deployment of Japanese experts to a transitional governance mechanism. Through these efforts, Japan will remain firmly committed to supporting international endeavors toward the realization of a two-state solution, because in the end, only that vision can bring a lasting peace in the region and beyond. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. I now give the floor to Bulgaria, followed by Italy and Canada.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, Bulgaria remains committed to the efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Middle East and to the promotion of the rule of law both nationally and internationally, recognizing that a global system founded on respect for and adherence to international law is vital for achieving lasting peace, security, economic development, and social progress. We also reiterate our strong support for the International Court of Justice and its essential role as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Bulgaria remains committed to this goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, coexisting peacefully and securely. But we strongly believe that the only solution to establishing lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East countries continues to be the opening of a political horizon for the peace process, emphasizing that diplomacy is the only way forward. Unfortunately, given the current political context, we are not convinced that the resolution just adopted will facilitate the achievement of this comprehensive goal, and that is why Bulgaria abstained. Its adoption falls short from enabling consensus building within the main UN bodies. Bulgaria welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which could be the first step towards lasting peace and security in the region. We look with optimism toward a brighter future for the Middle East region, including the stabilization of Gaza and the well-being of its people with governance free from any Hamas involvement. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bulgaria and now give the floor to Italy.

Madam President, Italy voted a yes on the draft term under consideration today. Such a vote is the logical consequence of the decision taken by Italy to vote in favor of the resolution adopted on December 19th, 2024, requesting for an advisory opinion of the ICJ on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states. As a country firmly believing in multilateralism and in a rules-based international order, Italy is strongly committed to the international rule of law. The ICJ, the world's highest judicial body, is the essential pillar of such international legal order, including when it renders advisory opinions. Within this context, Italy fully recognizes the consultative competence of the International Court of Justice to make legal determinations on matter of international law with regard to questions posed to it by the General Assembly, as it is the case today. The ICJ advisory opinion recognized that Italy is bound to ensure that the population of occupied Palestinian territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies, and services. Israel also has specific obligations toward the UN and its agencies stemming from Article 105 of the UN Charter to ensure full respect for the privileges and immunities accorded to the United Nations, including its agencies and bodies, and its officials in and in relations to the occupied Palestinian territory. Requesting Israel to abide by the obligations outlined by the Court It in no way weakens Italy's solidarity with Israel vis-à-vis the horrific, brutal terrorist attack of 7 October 2023, nor Italy's long-standing firm commitment to Israel's security. Quite the opposite. We are convinced that it is exactly through the full respect of international law that peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians can be achieved. With a view to UNRWA, we share the view expressed by the Court that Israel has an obligation to ensure full respect for the inviolability of the premises of the United Nations, including those of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. At the same time, we believe that the Agency must continue on the path of reform outlined in the Colonna report, committing to definitively dispel, beyond any doubt, any accusation of connivance with Hamas. Finally, we would have appreciated to see in the resolution an explicit mention of the Security Council resolution 2803 endorsing the United States-backed comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, which constitutes now the only game in town, a positive development for the Gaza Strip and the necessary reference framework to solidify the ceasefire and to further build on it in order to reach a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Italy. I now give the floor to Canada, followed by the Russian Federation and Romania.

Madam President, the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where famine is occurring and where most of the population has been internally displaced, remain of deep concern to my country. Throughout this conflict, Canada has consistently called on both parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid. Canada also continues to support the central role of the United Nations, including UNRWA. in coordinating relief efforts, and reiterates its grave concern regarding strikes on humanitarian personnel and facilities. Canada equally support the International Court of Justice, a critical role in the peaceful settlement of dispute and its role in upholding the international rule-based order. And we emphasize that all states have an obligation to respect and ensure respect for their own international humanitarian law obligations. It is for these reasons that Canada voted in support of this resolution today.

Madame President, since October 2023, Canada has been committed to transferring more than $400 million in international aid to deal with the current crisis. We are determined to support the ramping up of humanitarian aid, stabilization efforts, and recovery efforts after two years of devastating conflict. Canada continues to condemn the terrible terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October 2023 that claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people, including Canadian nationals. Canada is determined to reach the objective of a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians are able to live side by side in peace and security. Canada applauds and unreservedly supports the ceasefire recently agreed on between Israel and Hamas, which constitutes the first phase of an overall peace plan. We express our profound gratitude to the United States, to Egypt, to Qatar, and to Türkiye for their diplomatic efforts, their tireless diplomatic efforts that enabled us to reach this agreement. It is clear that we must also make the most of this momentum to increase humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza City and the whole of the Gaza Strip so that humanitarian aid can be delivered to those that need it. Canada stands ready to play its role and do its bit. Thank you.

I thank the Distinguished Representative of Canada. I now give the floor to the Russian Federation.

Madam President, The Russian Federation notes the growing practice of requesting advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice of the UN. The advisory opinion from the court about the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the UN, other international organizations, and third states on occupied Palestinian territory demonstrates the ability of the chief judicial body in the UN system to provide authoritative legal guidance. In this regard, the Russian Federation supported today's draft resolution. We are convinced that amid what was established with the assistance of international mediators, the ceasefire regime in Gaza, that is, the adoption of this document sends the correct signal about the need to take appropriate action to rectify the humanitarian situation in the sector and ensure the smooth work of UN entities there. Having said this, we call upon all delegations to pragmatically approach the institution of advisory opinions. It is important to consider that they do not create, and in principle, they cannot create international legal obligations per se. This is a key tool for clarifying existing norms, fostering their uniform understanding and application. The provisions of today’s resolution serve this goal in the specific context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Separately, I wish to emphasize the staunch support by the Russian Federation to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. This entity remains the sole mechanism to which there is no alternative, which has a specialized mandate on one of the most sensitive issues, which is the plight of the Palestinian refugees. We note the fact that the document references the New York Declaration on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and the implementation of the two-state solution. We are convinced that there is no alternative to a negotiated settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which will lead to the creation of an independent, unified, and viable State of Palestine within 1967 borders, living in peace and security with Israel. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to Romania, followed by Sweden and Germany.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Romania voted in favor of this resolution in line with our longstanding position on supporting international law and the International Court of Justice. We understand the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and we reiterate the urgency of implementing the next phases of the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza by all parties. Today's resolution encapsulates this, and we reiterate our position: We need two viable states to live alongside by side. But we also need to see on the ground a reformed Palestinian Authority to take full control of Gaza. What happened on October 7, 2023, must never repeat. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Romania, and I now give the floor to Sweden.

Madam President, Sweden voted in favour of the resolution on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and would like to take this opportunity to reconfirm our unequivocal support for the International Court of Justice as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and our full respect for its independence and the functions assigned to it under the Charter of the United Nations and its Statute. Our vote in favour of this resolution also reflects Sweden's firm support of the broader UN system and humanitarian organizations in their essential efforts to address the needs of the civilian population. Sweden remains committed to safeguarding their capacity to operate in Palestine and elsewhere. Sweden has been clear that UNRWA needs to address several challenges, including on safeguarding its neutrality. Sweden's established position on the agency in the longer term has not changed with this vote. Sweden remains clear that Hamas must be disarmed and that Hamas cannot have a place in the future governance of Gaza. We thank Norway for their hard work on this resolution. Support for the ICJ is critical. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden. I now give the floor to Germany, followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Madam President. In line with our longstanding and unwavering commitment to international law and the International Court of Justice, Germany voted in favor of this resolution. This has not been an easy decision for us. We must again stress the continued and paramount importance of urgent UNRWA reform. We note the steps already taken, including the ongoing implementation of recommendations by the Independent Review Group. However, and let me be clear, these steps do not suffice. More substantial reforms are urgently required, and they need to happen now. We will continue to follow this process closely and engage constructively to ensure that neutrality, transparency, and accountability remain at the core of UNRWA's work. Let me also highlight, in conclusion, that organizations other than UNRWA have an important role to play in providing assistance to Gaza. I thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Madam President, we would like to thank Norway for its efforts in presenting this draft resolution. Having voted in favor of the resolution, my delegation would like to deliver an explanation of vote on the resolution. Judge Tladi, in his declaration appended to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice rendered on 22nd October 2025, eventually points to the context of this advisory opinion. He states, I quote, "There are no more words to describe the horrors in Gaza. The word Apocalyptic, exceptionally grave, disastrous, and catastrophic have all been used to describe the current situation, and all seem to pale in comparison to what is unfolding before our very eyes. Almost daily, we are confronted with gut-wrenching accounts of victims and survivors and images of unimaginable suffering.” Indeed, the same denotes the surrounding circumstances of adoption of this resolution and connotes our responsibilities in the face of the ongoing genocide against Palestinian people. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a responsible founding member state of the United Nations, voted in favor of the present resolution and participated in the written and oral advisory proceedings established as per resolution 79/232, That is related to the very sui generis question of Palestine. The importance we have attached to this process is deeply rooted in our respect to the status of the Court, the United Nations, and the rights of Palestinian people emanating from their right to self-determination, as well as to the rule of law at the international level. The Court's concerns are clear. which include the need to ensure essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, and medical supplies to Palestinian people, to respect the prohibition on forcible transfer and deportation of Palestinian people, and to respect the prohibition on the use of starvation as a method of warfare, all of which are being willfully disregarded by the Israeli regime. And unfortunately, the situation has exacerbated ever since, whereby each and every obligation pronounced by the Court is not only being openly disregarded by the Israeli regime, but new modus operandi is being devised by the regime to willfully violate international law and intensify its brutal commission of genocide. Just a few days ago, the Israeli regime again violated the inviolability of UNRWA, premises, thus breaching obligations under international law governing the privileges and immunities of the United Nations. This situation reminds us again that the adoption of the present resolution in relation to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice does not absolve the international community from its obligation to prevent and stop the commission of egregious crimes, including genocide. Decisive responses on the part of the international community as a whole is urgently needed to immediately stop the regime from waging further carnage and catastrophe and genocide against Palestinian people. Madam President, our affirmative position and support to the present resolution attests to our continued support of Palestine, the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian people, as well as to defend the United Nations, highlighting the importance of exercise of functions of UNRWA. Without any prejudice to the foregoing, I would like to state the following: Our vote is accompanied by and should be understood in tandem with our principled positions, observations, and reservations. We reiterate that our vote for the present resolution and the provisions thereof is without prejudice to our principled positions, including regarding a viable solution to the question of Palestine, which is known to all. We maintain our reservation to any provision of the resolution that might be construed as contrary to our principled positions, including with respect to the New York Declaration of the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine. In particular, my delegation disassociates itself from preambular paragraph 4 of the resolution. Along similar lines, while we support any initiative or measure acceptable to Palestinian people, which could stop the genocidal war of the Israeli regime, ensure eviction of occupying forces, unimpeded entry and delivery of humanitarian assistance, freedom of Palestinian prisoners, and the realization of the fundamental rights of Palestinian people. We would like to submit our reservation in particular to any provision of the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration referred in the draft resolution that are contrary to our principled positions. Our vote and provisions of the resolution should not be deemed as prejudicing in any manner the long-standing position of the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning the question of Palestine, and shall not be explicitly nor implicitly construed as a recognition of the Israeli regime. I thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the vote. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 123. The Assembly will resume its consideration of agenda item 72, entitled Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance. and its sub-items A to D, to hear the remaining speakers in explanation of vote after the vote. Before giving the floor for explanation of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanation of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed 10 minutes and be made from their seats. I give the floor to Mexico, followed by Iraq and Argentina.

Thank you, Madam President. As for the consideration of L.3 and L.27 on Wednesday 10th of December, I wish to express the profound concern of my delegation over the growing trend of presenting draft resolutions that complicate themselves between each other and that don't encourage any kind of negotiation. For several years, this has been replicated in the First Committee, and we have already faced this same situation more than once in plenary. The substantive issue of the resolutions is relegated and the forum is being turned more and more into an arena for disruption and antagonism rather than a place for negotiation, to the detriment of diplomacy and the collaborative spirit that should prevail here. What's more, there are implications for each motion and vote on procedure that has very little to do with the substantive issues contained within the drafts. We hope that in the future, we will not prioritize competing resolutions over negotiations in good faith in order to preserve and strengthen the exercise of multilateral diplomacy. Thank you very much.

I thank Mexico. I now give the floor to Argentina.

Thank you very much, President. We wish to make an explanation of vote on draft resolution L/27 entitled “The strengthening of international cooperation and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster” that we voted in favour of, and L/3, “The ongoing legacy of the Chernobyl disaster”. that we wish to underscore that while we do share the spirit of both drafts, we regret that the conflict in Ukraine is making a common approach to this substantive issue more difficult. As we have reiterated before, for the Argentine Republic, the 2030 Agenda is made up of non-legally binding aspirations that each State in the essence of its sovereignty has the right to interpret and pursue freely. That's why we disassociate ourselves from the language contained in the draft resolutions in this regard. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Argentina. I now give the floor to the Russian Federation, followed by China and Belarus.

Madam President, first, we voted against Ukraine's draft resolution because we cannot support the content of the document, nor what the Ukraine initiated, that is the procedural manipulation. The Ukrainian politicized draft resolution has nothing whatever in common with strengthening international cooperation in order to address the emergency in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It seeks solely to shift the focus of the resolution and to undermine the long-standing consensus effectively promoting this work. We are deeply disturbed at the destructive line taken by the Ukrainians, who, instead of engaging in constructive engagement, have tried to sow chaos into the activities of the Organization. This is the latest attempt to distort our common history. Such steps will not lead to anything good. Second, Russia abstained from the voting on the draft resolution. on the protection of humanitarian personnel and on the security of humanitarian personnel. This is due to our long-standing position on the International Criminal Court, mentioned in the resolution. From one year to the next, this judicial entity has continued to degrade. There's nothing left of it from the high ideals of justice which was aimed at in the creation of the Rome Statute by states. Given the foregoing, we distance ourselves from PP/38 and OP/9 of the resolution A/80/L80, and we do not consider ourselves to be bound by these provisions on the ICC. We would ask for our position to be reflected in the official record of this meeting.

I thank the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to China.

President, China voted in favor of the amendment to the resolution tabled by Belarus A/80/L.35 and voted against the draft resolution tabled by Ukraine A/80/L.27. I'd like to explain China's voting positions as follows. The resolution on long-term consequence of the Chernobyl disaster clarifies the international cooperation under the auspices of the UN in response to the Chernobyl disaster, involved the spirit of multilateralism and humanitarian principle of neutrality, impartiality, independence, and has played a positive role in mitigating consequences of the accident. This year, the countries concerned tabled parallel draft versions of the resolution to the GA. The draft tabled by Belarus is a technical update to the resolution adopted by the General Assembly in 2023. China believes that under the current circumstances, the Belarusian draft is prudent and constructive. It is conducive to supporting the UN in continuing to play a coordinating role, to the international community cooperating on the basis of scientific and objective approach, and to the people of the affected regions overcoming the negative impacts of the accident as soon as possible. Even so, China voted in favor of the Belarusian amendment. Ukraine tabled a parallel draft amendment without sufficient consultation with other member states, especially those most affected by the accident, which is not conducive to reaching consensus and demonstrating solidarity among all parties. In view of this, China. had no choice but to vote against it. The Chernobyl nuclear accident caused significant damage to Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, and other countries, the effects of which have not been fully eliminated. China calls on the countries concerned to focus on the economic and social development needs of the affected regions and people, and China will continue to support the UN in playing a coordinated role in addressing the consequences of the accident. Thank you, President.

I thank China. I now give the floor to Belarus, followed by Vietnam.

Thank you, Madam President. The delegation of the Republic of Belarus supported the resolution on the security and safety of humanitarian personnel of the United Nations A/80/L.18. We voted for that. However, Belarus distances itself from PP.38 and OP.9 of this resolution, which mentions the International Criminal Court and the Rome Statute. We would ask for Belarus’s position to be reflected in the official records of this meeting, and I thank you.

I thank Belarus, and I now give the floor to Vietnam.

Madam President, Vietnam would like to make this statement in explanation of its vote regarding draft resolution L/27. Our vote stems from Vietnam’s principal positions on supporting all efforts to ensure nuclear safety and security and to promote international cooperation to address the transboundary impacts of nuclear accidents or radiological emergency. This includes support for international efforts to study, mitigate, and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, with the utmost priority to continue assistance and the international cooperation aiming at achieving the sustainable development of affected regions. We believe all member states should continue efforts in raising awareness and enhancing international cooperation to ensure nuclear safety and security. to ensure nuclear safety and security, and promoting cooperation among those affected in addressing the transboundary impacts of nuclear accidents or radiological emergencies. For that reason, we were prepared to support both draft resolutions L3 and L27, and voted in favor of draft resolution L27. We regret that consensus could not be achieved on this important issue and underscore the need to restrain from politicizing humanitarian and technical issues to allow rooms for exchanges and cooperation to find agreeable solutions. I thank you.

I thank Vietnam. I now we have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the vote. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 72 and its sub-items A to D. The meeting is adjourned.