Fourth Committee, 28th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session

The 28th meeting of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee is called to order. Today, the Committee will conclude its work for the main part of the 80th session of the General Assembly by taking action on seven draft proposals. First, under agenda item 49, entitled United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the committee has before it three draft resolutions. Second, under agenda item 50, entitled Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories, The Committee also has before it three draft resolutions. Third, on agenda item 121, entitled "Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly", the Committee has before it a draft decision on the proposed programme of work of the Committee for the Eighty-first session of the General Assembly. I first invite the Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 49, entitled United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The Committee shall now consider the draft proposals submitted under this item in the following order. Draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.16, entitled "Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East". Draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.17, entitled "Assistance to Palestine refugees". And draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.18, entitled Palestine Refugees' Properties and their Revenues. May I propose that, in line with past practice, we hear first the introductions of each draft resolution, and then general statements or explanations of vote before the vote on any or all of these draft resolutions. Thereafter, we would take a decision on each draft resolution one by one. After that, I would open the floor for explanations of vote after the vote and general statements on any or all of these draft resolutions. I hear no objection. It is so decided. While we will take decisions on the draft resolutions L.16 to L.18 in chronological order, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia to introduce draft resolution L.17.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the co-sponsors, Indonesia together with South Africa, is honored to introduce the draft resolutions under agenda item 49, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA, for the committee's adoption and recommendation to the General Assembly. Mr. Chair, in this 80th session, the General Assembly will decide on the renewal of UNRWA's mandate, a matter more crucial now than ever. The strong cross-regional support for UNRWA and the prevailing international consensus on its mandate clearly reflects the Agency's indispensable role in providing humanitarian and development assistance, basic services, emergency relief and protection for over 6 million Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in Jordan, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic. This also reflects UNRWA's proven contribution to regional stability as well as international peace and security. Mr. Chair, the co-sponsors present these draft resolutions at a time of profound hardship for the Palestinian refugees. They also come amid immense political, financial, operational, and security challenges to the continuity of UNRWA's lifesaving assistance. In submitting these draft resolutions, The co-sponsors appeal to all States to act responsibly in upholding humanity, thus confirming support for UNRWA's indispensable and irreplaceable mandate and its renewal. It is equally imperative to reaffirm the rights of the Palestinian refugees, including the right to return, just compensation and reparations, as enshrined in Resolution 194, which remain the foundation for the question of Palestinian refugees and a pillar of a just, lasting, and comprehensive solution for the question of Palestine in its entirety. Until such solution is realized, we urge all States to ensure the necessary political, financial, and operational support to UNRWA to maintain uninterrupted services in all fields of operation. In this connection, the draft resolution as contained in document A/C.4/80/L/17 entitled Assistance to Palestine Refugees, reaffirms the core principles regarding the plight and the rights of the Palestine refugees and UNRWA's mandate. In the draft, the Assembly acknowledges the Agency's commitment to the humanitarian principles, its stabilizing role in the region, and the tireless efforts of its staff in upholding the mandate. It further calls on donors to strengthen their support to UNRWA in light of the extreme challenges faced by the Palestine refugees. The draft also decides to extend the agency mandate till 30th of June 2029, without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 11 of General Assembly resolution 194 bracket 3. We call on all delegations to vote in favor of this important draft resolution to uphold our collective legal obligations and responsibilities towards the question of Palestine as part of the United Nations' permanent responsibilities until a just, lasting, and peaceful solution is achieved. Mr. Chair, the other two draft resolutions under agenda item 49, as contained in document L/16 and L/18, will be introduced by the delegation of South Africa. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia and now invite the distinguished representative of South Africa to introduce draft resolution L/16 and L18.

Thank you, Chairperson. Chairperson, it's an honor for South Africa to introduce, on behalf of the co-sponsors, two of the draft resolutions submitted under the agenda item 49, UNRWA. The draft resolution contained in document L18, titled Palestine Refugees, Properties, and their Revenues, recalls UNGA resolution 1943 subsequent relevant resolutions and the principle that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his or her property in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant provisions of international law. The Assembly unequivocally affirms that Palestine refugees are entitled to their property and income deprived therefrom in conformity with the principles of equity and justice. It reiterates a request to the Secretary-General to take all appropriate measures for the protection of Arab property, assets, and property rights in Israel, and calls upon Israel to render all facilities and assistance to the Secretary-General in the implementation of the resolution. The second draft resolution under this item introduced by my delegation is contained in document L.16, entitled "Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East". This draft is a comprehensive merger of General Assembly resolutions 78/73 on the operations of UNRWA and ES.10/25 of 11 December 2024, in support of the mandate of UNRWA. It addresses the main aspects of UNRWA's operations and the challenges it is facing in the fields of operations in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. Emphasis is given to recent developments pertaining to the grave situation of the Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip and the Agency's vital role. in alleviating their plight and that of displaced persons. This is in the context of the prolonged siege, mass casualties, mass destruction of homes and properties, mass displacement, starvation and famine inflicted by two years of the devastating Israeli military onslaught. The draft condemns the killings of 380 staff members and injuring of agency personnel in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. Moreover, it expresses deep concern about the attempts to discredit UNRWA, undermine and terminate its operations in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, despite its proven exemplary record of service and condemns the breaches of the inviolability of its premises. The Assembly also reiterates its calls on Israel, the occupying power, to cease obstruction of the Agency's work, comply fully with its obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and ensure the safety of UNRWA personnel and installations. It further underscores the findings of the ICJ in its advisory opinion of 22 October 2025 pertaining to the mandate and operations of UNRWA, and that Israel, as the occupying power, is obliged to agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the UN and its entities, including UNRWA. I conclude by reiterating on behalf of the co-sponsors strong support by Member States for these important draft resolutions, thereby sending a resounding message of abiding support for UNRWA and principled solidarity with the Palestinian refugees pending the achievement of a just solution in line with our obligations under international law. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. I open the floor to delegations wishing to make general statements or explain their vote before the vote on any or all of the draft resolutions contained in documents A/C.4/L.16 to L.18. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.

Good morning, colleagues. The United States wishes to deliver an explanation of vote on the six resolutions put forward today. The United States remains unwavering in its commitment to Israel's security, the demilitarization of Gaza, and President Trump's vision of peace and prosperity for the whole region, a vision backed by our partners in the region. Colleagues, year after year, this package of one-sided, anti-Israel resolutions is put before the committee. Today, just two days after the historic passing of Resolution 2803, wherein the UN Security Council overwhelmingly endorsed the President's comprehensive plan, today's exercise is more absurd than ever. These resolutions are a sideshow that now more than ever, serve only to distract from serious diplomatic efforts with the parties on the ground towards peace in the region. To support the latter, we should end business as usual in this chamber and embrace the fresh thinking and bold action through which President Trump ended the war in Gaza and achieved the historic Abraham Accords. President Trump, through his plan for peace, has presented us, all of us, with a historic opportunity that offers real hope for the people of Gaza. It offers hope for the wider Middle East to turn the page and usher in a new age of peace and prosperity. This also means turning a page in the region's history and doing things in a different way. In this respect, the United States opposes the renewal of the UNRWA mandate. As Secretary Rubio has said repeatedly, UNRWA became and has become a subsidiary of Hamas. All member states should be joining together in support of the plan for peace rather than wasting UN resources through days, days of considering these resolutions. Let us look to the future. The Security Council resolution adopted on Monday provides the path forward for concrete action by the international community and demonstrates its commitment to the project of peace. Thank you.

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

Mr. Chair. Israel welcomes the Security Council endorsement of President Trump's 20-point plan and the establishment of the Board of Peace under his leadership. The plan charts a viable path towards regional stability and prosperity through the disarmament, demilitarization, and deradicalization of Gaza, enabling deeper regional cooperation. Israel extends its hand to all regional partners seeking normalization, cooperation, and a shared determination to eliminate Hamas and its supporters from the region. However, any regional effort toward peace will falter unless we address the underlying drivers of incitement and violence that persist in Palestinian institutions. The Palestinian Authority's educational system rests on two mutually reinforcing pillars: First, the systematic delegitimization of the State of Israel and of Jewish presence anywhere in the land, the denial of Jewish history and holy sites, the erasure of Israel from maps, and the consistent demonization of Israel and of Jews. Second, the promotion of violent struggle to liberate the entire land, including the sovereign territory of Israel within the 1967 lines. Terrorism and those who perpetrate it are glorified as martyrs and heroes, with an unmistakable message: violence against Jews is both justified and expected. A sixth-grade Arabic language teacher's guide instructs that every child must learn that every inch of Palestine is ours. Teacher manuals direct educators to deny the Jewish historical connection to the land, asserting that antisemitism was invented to justify Zionism. An 11th grade history guide claims that Israel is an artificial entity rooted in fairy tales and legends. Alongside the denial of Jewish history is the celebration of violent liberation textbooks. including songs urging children, even second graders, to carry the ember of the revolution to Haifa, Jaffa, and Acre, cities within Israel's 1967 borders. Just last week in this hall, the Palestinian representative reaffirmed the objective of returning to cities and villages from 1948. locations inside Israel, asserting a right of return that would effectively erase the state of Israel. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority continues its infamous pay-for-slay policy, monthly stipends to terrorists and their families, with higher payments for more severe attacks. The PA hasn't stopped this policy in 2025. In fact, it is nearly doubling them. from $144 million in 2024 to $214 million in 2025, and the year isn't even over. By dedicating public funds, including international aid, to reward terrorism, the PA incentivizes violence, glorifies murder, and shatters any possibility of trust. This is the reality. In English, the PA speaks of two states. In Arabic, it incites its people for only one, from the river to the sea. Mr. Chair, we call on the international community to vote for a better future for both peoples and reject the extremist texts that are brought to the General Assembly year after year. For almost 80 years, the United Nations has repeated the same mantras, adopted the same resolutions, and overlooked the same truths. This paradigm has failed. It must change. A sustainable solution will emerge only when the Palestinian leadership accepts its responsibilities, ends terrorism, abandons the fantasy of reversing 1948, and recognizing the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and security. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Chair, I'm speaking on behalf of the Arab Group. The Arab Group affirms that the question of Palestinian refugees is a critical issue that affects the very essence of life, education, health, shelter. UNRWA is the only entity, because of its mandate and experience in this area, that can address the essential needs of the Palestinian people in the absence of any other institutional alternative that can carry out the same mission. The Arab Group holds that protecting the mandate of UNRWA and extending its mandate is an imperative based on UN resolutions so that the agency can continue its work as a key factor in stabilizing host societies as well as providing support to Palestinian refugees. Any attempt to undermine this mandate will have direct consequences on human security, the humanitarian situation, and the economy of the region. The resolution that has been submitted to us is based on robust elements, including respecting the agency's mandate, as well as providing elements allowing it to function, protecting its facilities, and allowing it to provide education, health care, and emergency aid. This demonstrates the international community's confidence in UNRWA. until we arrive at a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question under international law. Chair, the Arab Group calls on all delegations to vote in favor of this draft resolution in order to protect the system of humanitarian action and to send a clear signal that is to say the commitment and respect of member states to their commitments, their legal and moral commitments to the Palestinian people. and to the work of UNRWA and its mission. We call for support for this resolution to affirm the international solidarity with the humanitarian response and the protection of the rights of refugees to create an environment favourable to a just and comprehensive peace. Thank you.

Distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. I see no further requests for the floor. The committee will now proceed to take decision on the three draft resolutions submitted under agenda. I correct myself. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I was not planning to take the floor, but I feel it's necessary to do so to respond to the falsehoods that we have been hearing in this room for the past few days. Mr. Chair, as we gather today, now, Israeli illegal practices are being conducted on the ground in the occupied Palestinian territory. Confiscation of land, annexation, violations of the historic and legal status quo, of Al-Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem, demolition of homes, bombing and shelling civilians. These are facts, Mr. President, that are well documented. And these are violations of the UN Charter, of international law, of ICJ opinions. Also, in response to the attacks on UNRWA over the past few days, I say instead that in this room we need to thank UNRWA. We need to champion UNRWA. We need to salute it, not only for the courageous job UNRWA has done over the past two years under the most difficult circumstances in Gaza, under the aggression on Gaza. and providing essential services, food, shelter to children, women, elderly in Gaza, but also for the job that UNRWA has been doing over the past 75 years in providing education, healthcare, essential services, support, shelter to millions of refugees for more than seven decades. For what UNRWA has contributed to the regional stability, security and prosperity. For the brighter hope, brighter future and hope for generations. Of refugees. And this is why we say on what is irreplaceable as and is indispensable. And this is why we need to thank on what. And we can't when it comes to to the allegations on the in this on the neutrality allegations, we say that the Colonna report was crystal clear. ONRWA enjoys high levels of neutrality, of impartiality, something that the ICJ has confirmed, the highest court in the world. And therefore, through you, Mr. Chair, I call on everyone here in this room, all colleagues, to turn the words of support that we have been hearing over the past few days into actions. in voting yes to the resolutions, in supporting UNRWA's mandate, and in standing with the rights of the Palestinian people of self-determination and the right of statehood on the basis of the two-state solution. Colleagues, we count on you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Jordan. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd also like to thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my dear brother, the distinguished representative of Jordan, for his courageous words just now. Mr. Chair, let's move from emotions to reality. Okay, let's speak about the facts. We are all adults in this room. We understand what we are voting on. So allow me to say the following. The ICJ in July of 2024 explicitly said everything that we all know. Let us remind each other the ICJ is the highest judicial body in the international world. So, do we all abide by international law or not? If we do so, we do not have a choice to accept and pick and choose. Double standards has to be erased from the practice of the international community. The selectiveness has to be abolished from this organization. and the practices within. The same thing, the ICJ's advisory opinion in October of 2025 said clearly what everyone knows about UNRWA. UNRWA is a story of success in the time and in the history of this main organization. I could not have said it any better from what the distinguished representative of Jordan said. It is a UN agency that provides government-like services. Name me one agency, regional or subregional, that is able to provide and do and weather what UNRWA went through. Let us not talk about the Colonna reports, the OIOS investigation that was held, the ICJ is proving, all that is said and done, and we all know that, and you do not need a history lesson here. So the idea, the narrative that this committee and these agenda items are politicized against someone, this is not true. If illegal practices were not perpetrated, there would not be any agenda items discussing them. One plus one equals two, Mr. Chair. So again, colleagues, we've all listened to what you had to say for the past week. You've all witnessed what happened for the past two years. talking about abolishing the existence of Israel. The Arab peace plan of 2002 is very clear. It was endorsed by the Arab leaders. Let us stop spreading these fallacies. Let us stop spreading these false narratives in this organization. The word is yours, colleagues, at the end of the day. We urge you to vote in the right direction. And thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kuwait. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. Mr. Chairperson, at the outset, I would like to align with the statement delivered by Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Arab Group. And I cannot be more eloquent than my colleagues, distinguished colleagues from Jordan and Kuwait in relation to the resolutions on UNRWA. Voting in favor of the resolutions on UNRWA is a vote in favor of the United Nations. It is also a vote that upholds the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the organization that has been established post-war and that has witnessed the decolonization of lands that have been occupied for years. What remains occupied are the occupied Palestinian territory. The war on Gaza is only an episode in a very long series of atrocities and a manifestation of the illegal occupation of Palestine, something that has been already established by the ICJ. Time and again, the ICJ has not only exonerated UNRWA and upheld the relevance and centrality of its work in support of Palestinian refugees and also supporting the right of return, a corner principle of a peace process that leads to the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and peace and stability in the region. It has also upheld the sanctity of UN entities, including UNRWA, on the ground against attacks, unwarranted attacks. A vote in favour of UNRWA is a vote in favour of the principle of combating misinformation and disinformation and falsehoods. Accordingly, my delegation calls on and encourages all countries in the room today to vote in favour of those resolutions. It is also an acknowledgment that the question of Gaza is not delinked from the question of Palestine and the liberation of Palestine and the realization of its statehood. The only replacement for UNRWA, if any, it is going to be the realization of the state of Palestine, a contiguous state, a liberal state, an independent state on the borders of the 4th of June Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt. I see no further requests for the floor. The committee will now proceed to take decision on the three draft resolutions submitted under agenda item 49, one by one. We will begin with draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.16, entitled "Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East." I give the floor to the Secretary to announce the additional co-sponsors of draft resolution L.16.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The additional co-sponsors on the e-delegate portal of the Fourth Committee are reflected on the screen. Delegations not reflected on the screen wishing to co-sponsor draft resolution L16, entitled "Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East", please signify by pressing the microphone button now to be added to the list of sponsors. The additional co-sponsor co-sponsors for draft resolution L16 are Portugal, Djibouti, and Libya. And Comoros. I repeat, Portugal, Djibouti, Comoros. This concludes the list of co-sponsors for L16. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the Secretary. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution L.16, please signify. Those against? Abstentions.

The Committee is now voting on draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.16, entitled "Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East". Will all delegations confirm that their votes are reflected correctly on the screen? I can see Djibouti. Press the mic, but it might be from before.

Djibouti, do you want to...

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 144, against 11, abstentions 16. Draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.16 is adopted. We turn now to draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.17. entitled Assistance to Palestine Refugees. I give the floor to the Secretary to announce the additional co-sponsors of draft resolution L.17.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The additional co-sponsors on the e-delegate portal of the Fourth Committee are reflected on the screen, will be reflected on the screen, are now on the screen. Delegations not reflected on the screen wishing to co-sponsor draft resolution L.17, entitled "Assistance to Palestine refugees", please signify by pressing the microphone button now to be added to the list of sponsors. The additional co-sponsors for draft resolution L.17 are Sweden, Libya, Comoros, Portugal and Djibouti. I repeat very slowly, Sweden, Libya, Comoros, Portugal, Djibouti, and Denmark. This concludes the list of co-sponsors. Thank you, Mr. Chair and delegations, please unpress your microphone button.

I thank the Secretary. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favour of draft resolution L.17, please signify. Those against? Abstentions.

The Committee is now voting on draft resolution A/C.4/76. 80/L.17, entitled Assistance to Palestine Refugees. 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 149, against 10, abstentions 13. Draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.17 is adopted. We will turn now to draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.18, entitled "Palestine refugees' properties and their revenues". I give the floor to the Secretary to announce the additional co-sponsors of draft resolution L18.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The additional co-sponsors on the e-delegate portal of the Fourth Committee will be reflected shortly on the screen. May I ask the sound engineer to please project the co-sponsors on the screen? Now you can see the additional co-sponsors on the screen for L18. Delegations not reflected on the screen wishing to co-sponsor draft resolution L18, entitled Palestine Refugees, Properties, and Their Revenues, please signify by pressing the microphone button now to be added to the list of sponsors. The additional co-sponsors are Denmark and Portugal, and Libya, and Comoros and Djibouti. I repeat slowly, Denmark, Portugal, Libya, Comoros, and Djibouti. This concludes the list of additional co-sponsors. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the Secretary. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution L.18, please signify. Those against? Abstentions.

The Committee is now voting on draft resolution A/70/2018. C.4/80/L.18, entitled Palestine Refugees, Properties and their Revenues. 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 154, against 10, abstentions 8. Draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.18 is adopted. I now open the floor to delegations wishing to explain their vote after the vote or make general statements on any or all of the draft resolutions contained in documents A/C4/80/L/16 to L/18. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. President, and I thank you for convening today's fourth committee session. The Kingdom of the Netherlands voted in favor of the Operations of UNRWA Resolution and the Assistance to Palestine Refugees Resolution. We would, however, like to provide some further considerations. UNRWA neutrality-related issues are not yet solved, including host country textbooks with problematic content still being used in some of the UNRWA schools. And we need to be absolutely sure that incidents like when UNRWA staff members had to be dismissed as they might have been involved in the horrendous 7th of October 2023 Hamas-led attacks against Israel can never occur again. We strongly urge the organization to fully implement the recommendations from the Kholonah report as soon as possible. We would like to reiterate that all textbooks should be free from antisemitism and hate, and in full compliance with UNESCO standards. With regard to UNRWA's long-standing role and its mandate, the Kingdom of the Netherlands remains committed to provide humanitarian aid through various channels to those in need. We have, over the past two years, focused on reinforcing other professional mandated aid organizations in the Gaza Strip, pursuing diversification of the local humanitarian architecture. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aims at reducing the reliance on implementing capacity of one organization alone for humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip. We consider this over-reliance on one organization as undesirable. I thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Canada voted in favour of the resolution on operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in recognition of the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the essential role UNRWA plays in addressing it, and its broader mandate to support Palestinian refugees in the occupied territories and neighboring countries. UNRWA's delivery of services to Palestinians remains essential until such time as they can be transferred to empowered institutions. The resolution comes at a time when Israel's restrictions on UNRWA's operations in Gaza have impeded the delivery of lifesaving assistance. Canada has consistently called for parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and allow the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid. Canada supports the UN's central role in coordinating relief efforts and reiterates its grave concerns regarding attacks on humanitarian personnel and facilities.

Mr. Chairman, Honorable is the main provider of education, healthcare services, and of social services, not only in Gaza and in the West Bank, but also to the Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, and in Syria. UNRWA's work is essential for regional stability and for keeping the prospect of a two-state solution alive. Canada appreciates the contributions that the agency makes across all areas of its work. Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas for the terrorist attacks of the 7th of October. These claimed the lives of civilians, including Canadians. We continue to demand the disarmament of Hamas and its withdrawal from power in Gaza. We hail the continued efforts to implement reforms in terms of UNRWA's neutrality, namely the progress made with the implementation of the Kholoni recommendations. We remain determined to support UNRWA's accountability and effectiveness. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji.

Mr. Chair, thank you for the floor. Fiji voted no on the resolution to extend UNRWA's mandate under item 49, and I will still explain our position. This decision reflects serious concerns about UNRWA's ability to fulfill the fundamental principles expected of all UN agencies, funds, and programs, and that is neutrality, impartiality, independence, transparency, and integrity in line with the Kholon report. The allegations that UNRWA national staff participated in the October 7 attacks represent a profound breach of UN neutrality and independence. While we acknowledge the subsequent investigations and terminations, these events reveal systemic failures that cannot be addressed through incremental reforms alone. Additional credible reports of incitement of UNRWA educational materials and facilities raise fundamental questions about whether the agency has adequately safeguarded its humanitarian mandate from politicization and maintained its integrity. Educational institutions under UN auspices must never serve as vehicles for hatred or violence. This violates a core humanitarian principle of do no harm and undermines UNRWA's accountability to the population it serves. Mr. Chair, UNRWA has existed for over seven decades, longer than nearly any other UN refugee operation. What was established as a temporary mechanism has become a permanent institution, serving multiple generations. We must honestly ask ourselves whether UNRWA's continuation serves the cause of durable solutions or has instead become an obstacle to resolving the underlying political questions. The agency can no longer credibly claim to operate with the neutrality, impartiality and independence that are non-negotiable requirements for UN humanitarian operations. When an agency loses these credible characteristics, its mandate must be fundamentally reconsidered. Fiji believes that time has come for comprehensive reform. These are alternative arrangements in delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza right now. We support efforts to rebuild on this alternative arrangement as a way forward in delivering essential services with proper accountability, transparency, and adherence to UN principles, while promoting pathways to genuine solutions for Palestinian refugees and their descendants. Chair, let me be clear, this is not about abandoning humanitarian responsibilities. Fiji remains deeply concerned about the welfare of affected populations who depend on education, health care and social services. Any transition must ensure continuity of care, maintain the principles of humanity and non-discrimination and protect vulnerable communities. However, we cannot allow legitimate humanitarian concerns to prevent necessary institutional reforms. As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary and undertakes comprehensive reform efforts, UNRWA must be part of that examination. Accountability and integrity must be restored to UN operations. The current mandate perpetuates an unsustainable status quo. New arrangements must be developed that serve humanitarian needs while adhering to UN principles and creating space for political solution rather than foreclosing them. The UN Security Council resolution this week, 2803, endorsing the Gaza peace plan in line with President Trump's vision, is a step in the right direction. To conclude, Fiji stands ready to work constructively with all Member States and our partners to ensure that reforms serve both humanitarian imperatives and the highest standards of UN institutional integrity. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sweden.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Sweden remains committed to a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem as the future capital of both States, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. The Swedish Government remains committed to safeguarding the UN's and other international organizations' capacity to operate in Palestine and elsewhere. This is why Sweden today voted in favor of the three resolutions. At the same time, Sweden has been clear that the agency needs to address several challenges, including on safeguarding its neutrality. I want to stress that this position has not changed with our vote today. Finally, I would like to thank the UN and its personnel for their tireless work on the ground, often at the risk of their lives. We deeply regret the deaths of UN personnel and express our heartfelt condolences to their families. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden. I see no further requests for the floor. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 49. The Committee now resumes its consideration of agenda item 50, entitled Israeli practices and settlement activities. affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories. The Committee will consider the draft proposals submitted under this item in the following order. Draft resolution A/C.4/80/L/19, entitled "Work of the Special Committee to investigate Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories." Draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.20, entitled "Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan", and draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.21, entitled "The occupied Syrian Golan". May I again propose that we hear, in line with past practice, first the introductions of each draft resolution, and then general statements of explanations of vote, before the vote on any or all of these draft resolutions. Thereafter, we would take a decision on each draft resolution one by one. After that, I would open the floor for explanations of vote after the vote and general statements on any or all of these draft resolutions. I hear no objection. It is so decided. I first give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia to introduce draft resolution L.19.

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, it is an honor for Namibia, along with Cuba and other co-sponsors, to introduce the draft resolution submitted under agenda item 50, Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs in the occupied territories. This draft resolution is submitted for the Committee's endorsement following consideration of the relevant reports inter alia by the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories in A/80/365 and the Secretary-General's A/80/399 and A/80/443. In the reporting period, Israeli illegal policies and practices regrettably escalated in the very manifestation. The defiance of the General Assembly and Security Council longstanding demands that Israel, the occupying power, ceases its grave breaches and comply with international law. In the Gaza Strip, despite the recent ceasefire agreement, the situation tragically remains catastrophic after two years of devastating Israel's siege and military onslaught, a situation described in the earlier as hell on earth, a copolytic and a moral stain for humanity. Illegal settlement activities and associated illegal policies have dramatically increased in the past two years, despite the ICJ's rulings. The Special Committee's latest report highlights, amongst others, ongoing violations, including settlement activities and construction of the wall, the blockade of Gaza, and the excessive use of force against civilians. These actions have resulted in widespread suffering, forced displacement, and denial of fundamental rights of the Palestinian people and other affected communities. Despite such authoritative findings, and constant calls on Israel, the occupying power, to cease its grave breaches and respect for rule of law, as stressed by the Special Committee, Israel continued to engage in such conduct and to enjoy impunity, including by being shielded from sanctions and by continuing to receive arms supplies. Absent accountability, Israel is becoming more defiant. The Secretary-General's report in A/80/399 stresses inter alia that Israel's actions violate obligations of Israel to respect Palestinian people's rights to self-determination. The draft resolution presented under this item addresses these systemic violations that continue to deprive the Palestinian people of their fundamental rights, causing untold human suffering and threatening regional and international peace and security. All states have a duty to act in the face of this ongoing injustice. A special committee has stressed upholding international law and ensuring accountability for violations rests squarely on member states. A failure to do so weakens the very core of the international legal system and sets a dangerous precedent, allowing atrocities to go unchecked. Hence the need for continued relevance and necessity of accountability mechanisms. On behalf of the co-sponsors, I present and urge delegations to support the draft contained in document A/C/80/L/19 entitled work of the Special Committee to investigate Israeli practices affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs in the occupied territories. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia. Now I invite the distinguished representative of Cuba to introduce draft resolutions L20 and L21.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, it is an honor for Cuba to present, alongside Namibia, the draft resolutions that appear in documents L/20 and L/21 under agenda item 50. The text of these two draft resolutions are based on the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly in relation to this agenda item at its 79th session. the appropriate technical updates have been made. The draft resolution contained in the document with the title "Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan" recalls all the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and of the Security Council. It also recalls the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice dated 19th of July 2024. Moreover, the text reaffirms the inadmissibility of the of territory by force and the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention to the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and to other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including the occupied Syrian Golan. The text underscores that the total cessation of Israeli settlement activities is essential to move towards a two-state solution on the basis of pre-1967 borders. This process includes putting an end to settlement construction and expansion, the demolition of Palestinian houses and structures, the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, and putting an end to all acts of violence committed by settlers against the Palestinian civilian population and their The draft resolution recalls that the ICJ has determined that Israel's measures and legislation impose and serve to maintain an almost entire separation between settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. That is a violation of Article 3 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Moreover, the text recalls that Israel has the obligation to provide full redress for the damage caused by its internationally wrongful acts. The draft resolution also demands accountability measures in accordance with international law, including specific measures against extremist settlers and against the entities and organizations who support them, bearing in mind the continued failure to comply with demands to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities. Chair, the draft resolution entitled the Occupied Syrian Golan expresses the grave concern of the General Assembly at the fact that the Syrian Golan, occupied since 1967, has remained under Israeli military occupation. Moreover, the text once again reaffirms the illegal nature of the decision made by Israel on 14 December 1981 to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration in the occupied Syrian Golan. The text recalls the previous resolutions of the General Assembly. these, inter alia, demanded that Israel put an end to its occupation of the Arab territories. It told Israel to cease to modify the physical character, the demographic composition, the institutional structure, and the legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan. It was also demanded that Israel cease establishing settlements. The text also calls upon Israel to cease imposing Israeli citizenship and Israeli identity documents on Syrian citizens of the occupied Syrian Golan. Israel was also called upon to cease repressive measures against the people of the occupied Syrian Golan. It is unacceptable to acquire territory by force, this pursuant to international law and the UN Charter. The Israeli occupation of the Syrian Golan, the military occupation that has prolonged, despite the demands made by the international community for its cessation. It runs counter to the principles of the UN Charter and international law that Israel remains, and it has done since decades, in the occupied Syrian Golan, in violation of the human rights of this people. The Israeli practices and conducts designed to control and take hold of resources of the occupied Syrian Golan run counter to the resolutions of the General Assembly and those of the Security Council pertaining to the permanent sovereignty of the Arab population of the Syrian occupied Syrian Golan over its natural resolutions. Foreign occupation, expansion policies and aggression, the creation of settlements and annexation by force of territories such as the Syrian Golan are practices that violate international instruments and norms and have a negative impact on the human rights of the Syrian people. We express the hope that Member States will support these important draft resolutions and that they will urgently adopt international measures whose goal is to put an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and all acts Arab territories occupied since 1967, including the Syrian Golan. That will guarantee the realisation of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and independence. Let us champion a just, lasting and peaceful solution to decades of injustice. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Open the floor to delegations wishing to make general statements or explain their vote before the vote on any or all of the draft resolutions contained in documents A/C.4/80/L/19 to L/21. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Thank you, Chair. The vote of Member States in favor of the resolutions that have been submitted to us today is another occasion to reaffirm the unwavering commitment to international law and the UN Charter 80 years after its adoption. The imminent adoption of these resolutions is an important moment that puts the legitimacy of international law in their most noble form. and stands against the logic of occupation and force and domination of territory. My country's delegation would like to express its entire rejection of the attempts of the Israeli entity to exploit events in the governorate of Soueidah, which is entirely under the purview of Syrian internal affairs, without any link, without any care for humanitarian concerns. You can't give what you don't have. The allegations of Israeli occupation under a spurious logic, for example, humanitarian interventions in Souweida, aim to hide the aggression and continued violations by Israel of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria since December 8th of last year. These attempts are part of the attempts of Israel to exploit my country's current transition And this is obvious to all. We condemn in the strongest terms the provocative turn demonstrated today by the Prime Minister of the Israeli occupation, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs. In several areas where the Israeli army has infiltrated or has carried out incursions in the south of Syria, which is an extension of their policy of Israeli aggression against Syria and its people. We reaffirm that Souweida is an integral part of the Syrian state, and that all measures concerning security or civilian protection fall entirely under the competency of Syrian authorities, who have drafted a roadmap to resolve the crisis in Souweida and presented it to the Security Council. Therefore, this is in no way the concern of the occupying power, which is trying to simply hinder all efforts towards stabilization and peace within the region. The Israeli allegations about humanitarian concerns entirely contradict what Israel has done in occupying the Syrian Golan and displacing its original inhabitants, not to mention pillaging their natural resources. in addition to the sectarian violence it tries to incite today and its efforts to divide the Syrian people. All of this is part of its destructive policy that aims to perpetuate instability in Syria and throughout the region in order to further its expansionist and colonial agenda. Thank you.

I see no further request for the floor. I correct myself. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Chair, I would like to make this statement on behalf of the Arab Group. The Arab Group underscores that this agenda item on Israeli practices and Their settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan, is one of the most important items on the agenda of this committee. The United Nations has issued multiple reports in the general debate, the reports of the Secretary General, as well as the Special Committee on the Investigation of Israeli Practices. And these reports have demonstrated that there is incontrovertible evidence regarding the large-scale violations of the rights of civilians, as well as confiscation of territory as part of colonial expansion, and the destruction of dwellings and restrictions on freedom of circulation of civilians. We would like to reiterate that these practices are a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Fourth Geneva Convention, as well as relevant Security Council resolutions, including the resolution focusing on the illegality of the settlements, as well as the illegality of any demographic change on the ground carried out by the occupying power. These draft resolutions demonstrate an international, unwavering commitment to address these violations and to protect civilians. These resolutions highlight the need to put an end to colonization and to uphold international law in the occupied territories and to avoid any unilateral measures that would undermine international law and mean to put an end to these violations. We highlight the importance of the role of UNRWA and other UN entities in providing essential services as well as humanitarian aid in increasingly complicated circumstances due to the Israeli practices and the activities of settlers. We highlight the importance of supporting these resolutions And we ought to clearly reject these practices and these violations of international law while underscoring the importance of the rights of Palestinian people and other Arab peoples. We must protect legitimacy and credibility of the UN and give it a chance to arrive at a just and comprehensive solution. We call on all delegations to support the draft resolutions in accordance with this agenda item to protect the legitimacy, the international legitimacy, and the rights of the Palestinian people and Arab peoples under occupation, as well as to create an environment that is conducive to justice based on international law and the occupation. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. I see no further requests for the floor. The committee will now proceed to take a decision on the three draft resolutions, one by one. We will begin with draft resolution A/C.4/80/L/19, entitled "Work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People." and other Arabs of the occupied territories. I give the floor to the Secretary to announce the additional co-sponsors of draft resolution L19.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The additional co-sponsors on the e-delegate portal of the Fourth Committee are reflected on the screen. Delegations not reflected on the screen wishing to co-sponsor draft resolution L/19, entitled "Work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories", please signify by pressing the microphone button now to be added to the list of sponsors. I see Comoros. This concludes the list of additional co-sponsors on L-19. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the Secretary. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution L-19, please signify. Those against? Abstentions.

The Committee is now voting on draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.19, entitled "Work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories". 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 87, against 17, abstentions 62. Draft resolution A/C.4/80/L/19 is adopted. We turn now to draft resolution A/C.4/80/L/20, entitled "Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan." I give the floor to the Secretary to announce the additional co-sponsors of draft resolution L/20.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The additional co-sponsors on the e-delegate portal of the Fourth Committee are reflected on the screen. Delegations not reflected on the screen wishing to co-sponsor draft resolution L20, Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan, please signify by pressing the microphone button now to be added to the list of sponsors. I see Portugal. Comoros, Djibouti, so I repeat slowly, and Libya. Portugal, Comoros, Djibouti, and Libya are the additional co-sponsors for draft resolution L20. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the Secretary. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution L.20, please signify. Those against? Abstentions.

The Committee is now voting on draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.20, entitled "Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan". 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, 146. Against, 11. Abstentions, 14. Draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.20 is adopted. We will now turn to draft resolution A/C.4/80/L/21, entitled "The Occupied Syrian Golan." I give the floor to the Secretary to announce the additional co-sponsors of draft resolution L/21.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The additional co-sponsors on the e-delegate portal of the Fourth Committee are reflected on the screen. Delegations not reflected on the screen wishing to co-sponsor draft resolution L21, entitled "The Occupied Syrian Golan", please signify by pressing the microphone button now to be added to the list of sponsors. I see Oman, Comoros, Mauritania, This concludes the list of additional co-sponsors. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the Secretary. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution L21, please signify. Those against? Abstentions?

The Committee is now voting on draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.21, entitled "The Occupied Syrian Golan". 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 favor 146, against 6, abstentions 18. Draft resolution A/C.4/80/L.21 is adopted. I now open the floor to delegations wishing to explain their vote after the vote or make general statements on any or all of the draft resolutions contained in documents A/C.4/80/L.21 at l19 2l 21 I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic shukran.

Thank you Mr. chair The delegation of my country would like to thank all the delegations that voted today in favor of the draft resolutions under agenda items 49 and 50, including a resolution on the occupied Syrian Golan. And we especially thank the delegations of Cuba, Maldives, Indonesia, and South Africa for presenting this draft resolution. The member states demonstrated their broad support for these resolutions and thus reaffirmed the principle of not taking over other territory by force while trampling on the rights of peoples. And they have sent a clear message to Israel, that is, end the occupation of Palestinian territory and the occupied Syrian Golan in accordance with international law and international legitimacy. Syria reiterates its inalienable right to recover the entirety of the occupied Syrian Golan and underscores that all decisions and measures taken by Israeli occupying power aiming to change its natural characteristics as well as its demographics or to impose its laws, authority, and administration on these territories are null and void and have no legal effect under international law and the relevant UN resolutions, especially Resolution 497. 97 of the Security Council. Reality remains unchanged. The Golan was, is, and remains Syrian and Arab, and it will inevitably return to the Syrian homeland sooner or later. We also count on the continued support of the member states to the just cause of the people under occupation. In this regard, we hope that the states will provide their support through a vote in favor of the draft resolution on the Syrian Golan presented by our brother country of Egypt at this General Assembly next year -- next month on December 2nd. In conclusion, we would like to once again sincerely thank you, Mr. Chair, as well as the members of the Bureau and Secretariat of the Committee for their significant efforts to guarantee the quality of our work, the smooth organization, and the professional nature of our debates; the Secretariat for providing their facilities and for their efforts to prepare the documents of the Committee. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to explain our vote on draft resolution L20 relating to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan. The United Kingdom voted yes on this resolution as an expression of our longstanding position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. Expansion of settlements undermines prospects for peace and must cease immediately. We have witnessed with grave concern how an increasing number of Israeli settlers have systematically used harassment, intimidation and violence to pressure Palestinian communities to leave their land. We have seen further appalling incidents of settler violence during the olive harvest. We call on Israel to hold those responsible to account. We reiterate our clear position that any attempt to alter the geographic or demographic make-up of the occupied Palestinian territory through the use of force and outside of a negotiated solution is wholly unacceptable and illegal. However, I wish to make clear the UK's position that states are bound by common article 1 of the Geneva Conventions only to ensure that individuals within their own jurisdiction respect the conventions. Mr. Chair, the UK is clear that the occupation must be brought to an end through a negotiated solution, premised on a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. This state must be made-up of unified Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in line with 1967 lines and agreed land swaps, under the effective control of the Palestinian Authority, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states. Peace must include a just, fair, agreed and realistic settlement for refugees. And tackling settlement expansion and settler violence is vital to protecting this two-state solution. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to explain Canada's vote on draft resolution L21. Canada's longstanding policy has been that it does not recognize permanent Israeli control over territories occupied in 1967, including the Golan Heights. In the aftermath of the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, the Syrian Transitional Government has taken important steps towards a stable political and economic future for Syria and its people. Canada recognizes the Syrian Transitional Government's commitment to work with the international community to ensure Syria does not pose a threat to its neighbors, including Israel. Notwithstanding, Israel's continued occupation of the Golan Heights, including its use to launch strikes into Syrian territory, undermines Syria's sovereignty and jeopardizes its prospects for stability. Canada calls on Syria and Israel to continue negotiations. For these reasons, Canada voted in support of this resolution today. Canada reaffirms its support to the.

Syrian people and the continued efforts of the Syrian authorities to restore an era of stability and sovereignty after almost 14 years of civil war. Canada is categorical in its view that the respect for sovereignty and international law is crucial for arriving at a just and lasting peace in Syria and in the region. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My delegation wishes to make an explanation of vote of the draft resolution L19. We have closely observed the situation in Gaza, including the recent diplomatic efforts such as the 20-point framework proposed by the President of the United States. These initiatives contribute to broader multilateral attempts to establish mechanisms for regional stability and de-escalation. In this context, we voted in favor of the draft resolution L19, as it promotes addressing military and political issues in the occupied territories. This vote underscores Timor-Leste's commitment to the United Nations Charter's principles of international peace, justice, and the rule of law. The Israel-Palestinian conflict requires a balanced approach that acknowledges the sovereignty and security needs of all parties. Israel, as a United Nations member state, holds the right to proportionate self-defense against credible threats, though this does not imply endorsement of all its actions. Such recognition supports dialogue that addresses legitimate concerns, fostering equitable progress. Sustainable peace requires strategies that contribute to resolving governance, security, and institutional challenges. The MLSP endorses efforts to reduce the influence of non-state armed groups in Gaza, which fuels ongoing violence. Strengthening the Palestinian Authority's governance is essential to consolidating authority, enhancing security, and enabling negotiations over a two-state solution that allows both Israel and Palestinians to achieve self-determination, development, and peaceful resolutions. To advance these objectives, the list of calls for structured process of confidence building measures involving incremental verifiable actions. This should include facilitated dialogues, principal concessions on issues like settlements and borders, ceasefires, improving humanitarian access and joint monitoring. Prioritizing cooperation will build trust and support comprehensive peace agreements. Any peace process must uphold impartiality, transparency and fairness to maintain credibility. Biased frameworks risk undermining participation and effectiveness. Inclusive mechanisms that integrate diverse perspectives, ensuring accountability and respect all communities' rights, are vital for legitimacy and broad support. The Middle East remains committed for multilateral efforts based on international law, human dignity, and mutual security, recognition, and coexistence for Palestinians and Israelis. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the State of Palestine, I express our sincere gratitude to all Member States that supported the important resolutions adopted under the two agenda items the Committee has just voted on. This includes, under agenda item 49, the resolutions concerning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, renewing its critical mandate, sustaining and supporting of its indispensable role in all five fields of operation, and reaffirming the rights of the Palestine refugees in accordance with international law and the relevant resolutions, including Resolution 194. UNRWA is a fabulous and a successful story of multilateralism, and it is perhaps the most successful story in the history of the United Nations. We salute it, and we thank you for renewing its mandate. And under agenda item 50, the resolutions concerning Israeli practices and settlement activities, renewing the work of the special committee to investigate Israeli practices, and reaffirming the international community's firm position on the illegality of Israel's settlement policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, as well as in the occupied Syrian Golan, and reaffirming the illegality of the Israeli occupation and the imperative of bringing it to an immediate end and realizing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and to the sovereignty and independence of their state. We are grateful to the delegations of Cuba, Namibia, Indonesia, and South Africa, as the main sponsors of these important resolutions and for presenting them to the Committee on behalf of the many co-sponsor states, to whom we are also grateful. We express our deep appreciation for their longstanding principled support for Palestine and solidarity with the Palestinian people. And also I would like to thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their statements on behalf of the Arab Group, calling all states to vote in favor of all resolutions. Likewise, we are grateful to all states that voted in favor of these resolutions, once again, by a resounding majority, a further contribution towards upholding international law, including humanitarian obligations, and advancing a just solution this historic injustice. The vote results reaffirm the international consensus on core aspects of the Palestine question and rights of the Palestinian people, including the Palestine refugees. This comes at a time of the most grave challenges and crisis faced since the start of the Nakba 77 years ago. Nowhere is this situation more dire than in Gaza, where Israeli's genocidal onslaught has caused untold human suffering amidst unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and where our people, the majority refugees, look to the international community for the sustenance and protection that will ensure their very survival, including by ensuring unimpeded humanitarian flows through the UN humanitarian system, of which UNRWA is the main pillar. You have demonstrated that the imperatives of stopping the bloodshed and supporting the international efforts to sustain the ceasefire are not in contradiction with the imperatives of international humanitarian law and human rights law and support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. You have rejected Israel's cynical campaign to eliminate UNRWA, the rights of the Palestinian refugees, and the international lifeline of support to them pending a just solution. You have again rejected settlements and annexation.

I thank the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine. I see no further requests for the floor. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 50. The Committee will now resume its consideration of agenda item 121, entitled "Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly." Delegations may recall that under this item, the Committee discussed its working methods at its 11th meeting. The summary of the discussion was circulated to delegates via e-delegate. and subsequently transmitted to the President of the General Assembly in her capacity as Chair of the General Committee pursuant to paragraph 25 of General Assembly resolution 79/327. Today, we will consider the proposed programme of work for our 81st session in accordance with General Assembly resolution 58/316. The proposal is contained in document A/C.4/80/L/15 entitled Proposed Program of Work and Timetable of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee for the 81st Session of the General Assembly. In keeping with past practice, this proposed program of work was prepared in consultation with the First Committee Secretariat to avoid parallel meetings between both committees. The Bureau also drew carefully on the experience of the current and previous sessions of the Fourth Committee to maximize the use of available conference services and ensure efficiency. I note that the programme is provisional. The Bureau of the 81st session will finalize and adjust it as necessary. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt the proposed programme of work as contained in document L/15? It is so decided. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 121. In accordance with our program of work, we shall now turn to agenda item 137 entitled Program Planning. Members will recall that the Committee already discussed at its ninth meeting the relevant programs for which the Committee for Program and Coordination could not provide conclusions or recommendations. The summary of the discussion was submitted to the Fifth Committee Chair. The Committee has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 137.

With that, we reach the end of the main part of this session of the Fourth Committee. The Committee will meet once again in spring 2026 to consider the report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, as well as to have an interactive dialogue on special political missions and to appoint its Bureau for the 81st session of the General Assembly. I wish to take this opportunity to share a few thoughts on our work in recent weeks. We held a total of 28 official meetings and we successfully completed consideration of the wide array of agenda items assigned to the Committee. This year, we welcomed countless senior officials, including the President of the General Assembly, Under-Secretaries-General and Assistant Secretaries-General from various departments of the United Nations. Many Member States were represented by officials from capital, and permanent representatives. And all delegations showed great interest in seeing the international community continue to grapple with the important political and decolonization matters submitted for this Committee's consideration. During this main part of the 80th session, the Committee adopted 34 draft resolutions and six draft decisions. At this session, the Fourth Committee continued to meaningfully contribute to United Nations debates on decolonization issues, on mine assistance, peace, security and international development, global communication, outer space, and the effects of atomic radiation. I wish to emphasize the fact that, in spite of restrictions imposed by the liquidity crisis, not only did we manage to get through all of our work, but we managed also to consider a new agenda item. Our distinguished rapporteur, together with the secretariat of the Fourth Committee, will present a report on the agenda items covered and the action taken for consideration by the General Assembly. The report will recommend our draft resolutions and decision to the General Assembly for their adoption. This year, in view of the liquidity crisis and to make report submission more simple, we will follow the practice adopted by other committees and will present a consolidated report on all agenda items. The General Assembly will examine the report containing our resolutions and decisions in December. Once the specific date has been confirmed, the Secretariat will inform members of it through the UN Journal and through the e-delegate portal. The Secretariat will also prepare and circulate a list of the signatures of the reports of the committee to the plenary. These will reflect the results of the action taken by the Committee on each draft resolution. This document will be published under the code A/C4/80/INF/3, and that will be able to be used as a reference in the plenary session of the General Assembly. Before adjourning the meeting, I wish to express my gratitude to all delegations for their co-operation, understanding and the support that they have provided to me as I have discharged my mandate as Chair of this Committee. I am indebted to all of you for the constructive approach and the flexibility that you have shown throughout this session. All of these traits have facilitated our work and have allowed us to forge ahead effectively, as the Assembly was hoping we would. In this vein, I wish to convey my hearty gratitude to all delegations that coordinated informal consultations, consultations which ultimately led to the adoption of the various draft resolutions which we considered. Particular thanks go to Joaquin Perez Estaran from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Ms. Marie Raus from Belgium, Ms. Anna Krecznicka and Natalia Jaworska-Debska from Poland, Dr. Rafi Akram, Chair of the Working Group as a Whole on Outer Space, and from Morocco and Mr. Eduardo Sanchez and Ms. Sarah Nikinen from Finland and Mexico respectively. I also wish to take this opportunity to pay a much deserved tribute to our exceptional vice presidency comprising Ms. Joseline Kinshwaka of Burundi, Mr. Noel Novicio of the Philippines and Mr. Rafael Rupacher from Austria and our distinguished rapporteur Mr. David Naki from Hungary. They will present the committee's report to the Assembly on our behalf. Huge thanks go to the members of the Bureau for their support, and I convey my gratitude to you for your invaluable assistance. I also wish to recognize the USG of the General Assembly, DGACM, Mr. Moise Sabelion, for the vital support provided by his department and the departments and offices that have supported our work throughout this session. The committee expresses its Hearty thanks to the interpreters. They have welcomed our occasional requests for additional time to conclude the consideration of specific agenda items. Despite the fact that ultimately we did not use all of the additional minutes that they kindly granted to us, it was a source of great comfort to know that the interpreters were ready and willing to support us should the need arise. And so, thank you to all of you. I also wish to extend particular thanks to conference officers, sound technicians, editors, translators, and all other personnel that worked with great devotion here in room 4 and in the wings to guarantee that our meetings were able to function smoothly and efficiently. We hugely appreciate all their work. With that, I conclude our work in this main part of the 80th session. The meeting is adjourned.