UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/en/sc/10068 The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question - Security Council, 10068th meeting — Security Council — 16 December 2025 Language: en Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record. --- SC · President [15:53]: Good morning. The 10068th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is the situation in the Middle east, including the Palestinian question. The agenda is adopted in accordance with Rule 37 of the council's Provisional Rules of Procedure. I invite the representative of Israel to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. I propose that the Council invite the Permanent observer of the observer State of Palestine to the United nations to participate in the meeting in accordance with the Provisional Rules of Procedure and the previous practice. In this regard, there being no objection, it is so decided. In accordance with Rule 39 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, I invite Mr. Ramis Al Akhbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item two of the agenda. I wish to draw the attention of the Council members to document S 2025 807, the report of the Secretary General on the implementation of security council resolution 2334. I now give the floor to Mr. Ramis Alagbarov. UN Secretariat · Deputy Special Coordinator · Ramiz Alakbarov [17:48]: Mr. President, members of the Security Council, today's briefing is devoted to the Secretary General's quarterly report on the implementation of the resolution 2334. Before turning to the report, allow me a few remarks. At the outset, I reiterate the Secretary General condemnation of Sunday's heinous terrorist attack on Jewish families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah in Sydney, Australia. I share in the grief of the Jewish community and stand with Jewish families worldwide as they mock the festival of Hanukkah, which celebrate light vanquishing darkness. Mr. President, turning to the situation in Gaza, the ceasefire remains fragile, as we have seen with continued attacks and strikes in Gaza. I welcome the ongoing efforts by the mediators to avert further escalation, support implementation of the current commitments, including the recovery and return of the last Israeli hostage, and to advance discussions on the next phase. Implementation or the Comprehensive Father in line with the UN Security 2803, the UN is doing its part to support the ceasefire and meet the staggering needs of the population. The UN's reenterization efforts are underway, distributing tents, blankets and our essential supplies, reaching people where they are. But conditions remain dire and the risk of hypothermia is increasing with the onset of the winter weather. Tragically, the first hypothermia related death, a two week old Newborn boy from Khanye was preserving and space with humanitarian partners including Frederick. I welcome the official reopening of the Alemba King Hussein Bridge crossing for the transfer of aid to Gaza following a deadly attack on Israeli soldier there in September. However, supplies for this route are currently kept at low levels. Large quantities of aid are prepositioned in warehouses in Jordan awaiting full resumption. I urge therefore Israel to enable the timely and at scale movement of life saving assistance through the. Mr. President concerning development. On 8 December Israeli authorities forcibly entered the Umer compound in East Jerusalem, seizing property and replacing the UN flag with Israeli flag. The Secretary General strongly condemned these actions and emphasized that the compound remains United nations premises and is unavailable and immune from any other formal interference. On 11 December Israeli cabinet decided to approve or regularize 19 settlements in the occupied bank. This includes the settlements of Ghanim and Kadim in the North Ordinance bank which has been evacuated by Israel in 2005. Mr. President, I will now turn to highlighting some of the Secretary General's observation on the implementation of the security council resolution 2334 of the year 2016 during the reporting period. I welcome the ceasefire in Gaza. Based on US President and the Gaza conflict and through the tireless mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States, the ceasefire offers a critical opportunity to halt the bloodshed and improve the humanitarian situation. I urge Israel and Hamas to fully implement the ceasefire, exercise maximum restraint and then higher to international law, including relevant UN resolutions. The ceasefire must be consolidated to enable recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. The United nations stands ready. I welcome the release of all living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and I am relieved that families are being reunited after long periods of anguish. I call for the immediate return of the remains of the last deceased hostage. The International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC has been indispensable, Including sexual violence and by the Republic of some families. I inequal condemn the killing and injury of civilians in Gaza, including children and women. While the ceasefire has largely held, periodic Israeli military strikes continue causing significant civilian casualties and extensive damages to home and infrastructure. Armed Palestinian attacks against Israeli soldiers have also continued. Gunfire and shelling, near withdrawal lines and attacks on civilians attempting to return home or access land have resulted in further loss of life. Such incidents must immediately cease. I am deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza where infrastructure damage is catastrophic. While hunger has improved due to increased aid and commercial food out of reach for most of the population, alongside with severe sources of clean water, medical care and shelter, humanitarian access remains restricted with eight convoys facing logistical and security obstacles. I call on all parties to respect humanitarian law and allow the full unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance. I condemn relentless Israeli settlement expansions in the west bank, including East Jerusalem, which fuels tensions, impedes Palestinian land access and threatens the viability of the contiguous and sovereign Palestinian state. The expanding settlement, including outposts, coincides with rising settler attacks, further entrenching the unlawful occupation and violating international law, undermining Palestinian self determination. All Israeli settlements in the west bank, including East Jerusalem and related infrastructure, have no legal validity and violate international law and UN resolutions. In 2025, settlement advancement reached its highest point since UN begin tracking in 2017. I urge Israel to abide by its obligation under international law. Reporting the International Court of justice opinion of 19 July 2024, which obliges Israel to cease all settlement activities, evacuate settlers and defend its unlawful presence in in the occupied Palestinian territory promptly. Escalating violence and tensions in the west bank are alarming. Israeli security operations in the Northwest bank caused high fatalities, population displacement and large scale destruction, especially in refugee camps. Continued Israeli security presence in camps contravenes obligations to end the unlawful occupation. I condemn rising settler violence across the west bank, which intensified during the olive harvest. Attacks have become more frequent and violent, often with the presence or support of Israeli security forces. Palestinian farmers have faced assault, harassment and obstruction from their lands. Olive trees are uprooted or burned and the entire harvest destroyed. These attacks deprive families of vital livelihoods and risk forcible displacement. Israeli authorities must prevent attacks, hold perpetrators accountable and ensure the safe access for farmers. I condemn continued armed attacks by Palestinians against Israelis. All violence against civilians, including terror, must cease immediately with perpetrators held accountable. I remain concerned about large numbers of Palestinians, including children, detained by Israel since 7 October 2023, including administrative detention without charge or trial. Reports of torture, ill treatment, including sexual violence and deaths in custody, are deeply concerning. Israel must use detention as a last resort for the shortest period, prevent ill treatment and end administrative detention of children. I'm appalled by officials glorifying violence and engaging in dangerous provocations. Incitement and inflammatory incitement to violence must stop immediately. I am deeply concerned by the Palestinian authorities prolonged fiscal crisis far destabilizing the economy, undermining trust, exacerbating insecurity and eroding social Israeli authorities masi economic measures that stability. I remain committed to supporting Palestinians in the conflict in line with international law, UN resolution and bilateral agreements pursuing a two state vision Israel and a fully independent, democratic, contiguous, viable sovereign Palestinian state, including Gaza, living side by side in peace and security based on pre1967 lines with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. I thank you for your attention. SC · President [27:35]: I thank Mr. Alagbarov for his briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. I give the floor to the representative of France. France [27:48]: Thank you, Mr. President. France condemned in the strongest terms the the horrific anti Semitic terrorist attack that has affected Australia. Nothing can justify such violence and we have presented our condolences to the victims, to their families and to the Australian people. Mr. President, grateful to the Deputy Special Coordinator, Mr. Ramiz Al Akbara for his briefing. A month ago, the council adopted resolution 2803 aimed at implementing the peace plan for Gaza presented by President Trump. This resolution endorsed the progress obtained over the past few months and in particular supporting the efforts of the us, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. The ceasefire, the release of hostages and resumptions still insufficient of humanitarian assistance. This is the first step which must be fully consolidated. The ceasefire must be fully respected by the parties and the massive delivery of humanitarian aid must be ensured throughout Gaza by the United nations and their partners. The last body of a hostage must be returned. It's also urgent to allow for the deployment of the International Stabilization Force, the disarmament of Hamas and withdrawal of Israel Israeli forces. In parallel, the establishment of a transition government in Gaza must lead to a return of a reformed Palestinian Authority in France intends to fully contribute to these efforts. At the same time, the situation in the west bank and the East Jerusalem is deteriorating, severely marked by an alarming intensification of violence. France would like to recall that the future of Gaza and the West Banker interconnected violence and the west bank compromise prospects for lasting peace and security for Palestinians and for Israelis. The success of the peace plan for Gaza and regional stability. Mr. President, I'd like to insist on five very worrisome developments currently underway in the West Bank. First of all, Israeli military operations are intensifying with with the launch of a major operation in the north, leading to the forced displacement of populations, particularly in refugee camps, and violations of human rights. The summary execution of two unarmed Palestinians by Israeli border guards in Jenin is a tragic illustration of this violence. This incident must be fully investigated. Secondly, the massive increase of violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians has terror and compromise the stability of the west bank as well as prospects for global comprehensive peace and security. France calls Israel to protect the Palestinian population and to punish the perpetrators of the violence. Thirdly, the recent approval by the Israeli government of 19 new outposts and the settler project E1 constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and a blow to the two state solution. We we reiterate our condemnation of expansion of settlements and our opposition to any form of annexation of the west bank, whether it's partial, total or de facto. Fourthly, the persistent threats against the work of UNRWA are unacceptable. In particular, the raid of its facilities in East Jerusalem in violation of the status of UN facilities. Any additional hindrance to the action of UNRWA which plays a central role for the Palestinian population, which would go against the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 22 October of 2025. We call on Israel to lift all obstacles to humanitarian aid and to cooperate with UN agencies. Conformity with this advisory opinion, including by opening all the crossing points and by ceasing to refuse in an arbitrary way the delivery of essential goods for the survival of the population delivered by the un. Fifthly, the persistent refusal by the Israeli government to restore to the Palestinian Authority its tax resets and renew the system of corresponding banks is unjustifiable. The weakening of the Palestinian Authority compromised its ability to implement reforms and assume its responsibilities in Gaza. As anticipated by Resolution 2803, its financial collapse would be serious threat to regional stability and to the security of Israel. Mr. President, to conclude, France reaffirms its commitment to this two state solution with the State of Palestine living in peace and security side by side with Israel. This is the only credible horizon for peace and security for everyone in the region in conformity with the New York Declaration adopted in September by a very broad majority in the General Assembly. Thank you. SC · President [32:59]: I thank the representative of France for the statement. And I give the floor to the representative. Representative of Algeria. Algeria [33:07]: Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank Deputy Special Coordinator Alak Barov for his briefing on the implementation of Resolution 2334. This resolution is a clear message of law and responsibility. It affirmed that the Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian Authority constitute violation of international humanitarian law. Yet what has followed is not compliance, but defiance. An open disregard not only for international law, but for the authority of this Council itself. President, this is the last meeting on the question of Palestine in which my delegation, the delegation of Algeria, participates. As an elected member of this Council, one might therefore ask, is it still worth repeating what is already written, what is already documented, and should I say, what has been ignored? The Secretary General has spoken. His report has spoken. The fact on the ground has spoken clearly, accurately, relentlessly. In the west bank, settlements have reached their highest Recorded level legislative steps have been taken to extend Israeli occupation law to settlements. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been forcibly displaced. More than a thousand military operations have resulted in the detention of over 860 Palestinians, among them at least 50 children. 50 children. Settlers. Terrorism has become a daily occurrence, averaging five incidents a day throughout this year. Just yesterday. Just yesterday, Israeli forces demolished two more buildings in Ramallah and in East Jerusalem. Thus, more than 1,000 demolitions have been carried out since October 2023. And in the few next days, 100 homes, Palestinian homes, are planned to be demolished. This is not an anomaly. It is not deviation. It is the routine. The routine of occupation. An occupation administered with precision and sustained by silence. Our silence. And so we must ask, Mr. President, what has this Council done to ensure the implementation of its own resolutions? The answer does not require debate. It requires honesty. Simply honesty. This Council did nothing. Nothing. Had such violations unfolded elsewhere, this chamber would have moved swiftly. Sanctions imposed, accountability mechanism activated. Perpetrators name and restrained. Here, however, the opposite has occurred. Protection. Yes. Protection instead of pressure, reward instead of restrain. It is not this climate of immunity, of impunity that has emboldened the Israeli occupying authorities to assault, just last week, the headquarters of unrwa, an act Algeria condemns strongly. UN premises are inviolable under international law. This is not subject of interpretation. It is. It is an obligation. Mr. President, I had also intended to speak of Gaza, but Gaza no longer needs description. Gaza needs protection. Despite the ceasefire endorsed by Resolution 2803. Catastrophe. Catastrophe persists. As we have seen in Lebanon and Syria. Israeli occupying forces continue to act, continue to bomb. As though ceasefire arrangement bind everyone except themselves. Since the ceasefire entered into effect, airstrikes have continued across the Strip, killing at least 356 Palestinians, Including women and at least. At least 50 children. Sorry, every life count. 58 children. And enduring more than 1000 others. Since the ceasefire entered into effect, nearly 600 violations were recorded. This is not a ceasefire. A ceasefire violated daily, ceases to exist. It becomes merely the management of violence, the normalization of death. Israel's genocidal war on Gaza continue. Continue unabated. And we therefore call upon the guarantors of the ceasefire. Yes, the guarantors of the ceasefire. To uphold their responsibility, to have the courage to uphold their responsibilities. Not rhetorically, but practically, not selectively, but fully. To ensure that the Israeli occupying power complies. Complies with its commitment in good faith, without exception and without delay. Mr. President, two years have passed yet for the Palestinian people. They have amounted to an entire age A period marked by a brutal aggression by the Israeli occupying forces. An aggression directed to existence itself in an attempt to annihilate, yes, annihilate a people. To approve them from their land and resurrect the tragedies of the Nakba with all the pain, the displacement and deprivation it carries. During this period, the price paid in Palestinian blood has been without precedent in the Middle East. In Gaza alone, more than 70,000 people have been killed and over 170,000 wounded. These are figures that bear witness to the scale of the tragedy. A tragedy that targeted children and women, journalists and humanitarian workers, doctors and relief personnel. A tragedy from which even United nations staff were not spare. It is among the darkest chapters humanity has known in this century. It is among the greatest tests of the conscience of humankind. Confronted with the enormity of this suffering and the magnitude of the catastrophe, Algeria, Throughout its membership in this Council, sought to stand by its Palestinian brothers and sisters, sought to spare no efforts to lift the injustice, yes, the injustice inflicted upon them. Yet it became painfully clear that the Israeli occupation enjoys impunity within this Council. This is a moment when the very legitimacy of the international system has come under question and effectiveness under doubt. Gaza. Gaza has led bear, as has Palestinian as a war the reality of an international order that no longer recognizes anything but false. A message echoing across the world, that the logic of power has become the principal driver of international relations at the expense of, of law, of justice and the principles upon which this organization, the United nations, was founded. In closing, Mr. President, as Algeria concludes its term in the Security Council, it reiterates again and again, as affirmed by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmajid Tabboon, and I quote, algeria will remain faithful to its commitment in support of our brothers and sisters in occupied Palestine. Algeria will spare no effort in defending their legitimate rights until full sovereignty is restored and free independent state of Palestine is established. I thank you. President [50:22]: I thank the representative of Algeria for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [50:32]: Thank you, Mr. President. We are grateful to the Deputy Special Coordinator of the United nations for the Middle east peace process, Rami Zalekbarov, for the detailed briefing on the situation on the occupied Palestinian territory. In the context of the implementation of security council resolution 2334, it is with deep regret that we are compelled, following the briefer, to observe the fact that the long anticipated ceasefire in Gaza did not usher in alleviation of the plight of the residents of the west bank, where, in addition to frequent military raids, The Israelis have launched a military operation in Tubas and Jenin. Since late September, in the west bank of Jordan river, including East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces and armed settlers have killed more than 40 Palestinians. More than 800 were wounded. And in October, the settlers carried out more than 260 attacks, which broke the record since 2006. These attacks became a part of a systematic campaign not just to intimidate local residents, but also to strip them of means of existence. The settler raids targeting olive harvests, together with the flight of the drought and unlimited access of farmers, farmers and agricultural workers to their lands, have already resulted in the lowest harvests since 2025. And this is the main source of revenue for the residents of the West Bank. The plans for the construction of new Israeli settlements on the west bank are moving apace at a record tempo. In 2024, there were 26,170 70 housing units approved for erection. And in 2025 that number nearly doubled, reaching 47,390 units. In parallel, an illusion is being established of legal justification for this illegal expansion. On 12 December the Israeli ministerial cabinet decided to legalize the 19 settlements on the west bank to give them a legal status. The Israeli leadership also clings to the idea of the de facto annexation the west bank of the Jordan River. In the Knesset, a bill is under consideration to repeal the prohibition on Jews gaining access to land in this part of the opt. Against this backdrop, there's an ongoing practice of demolition of Palestinian units under the pretext of an absence of Israeli authorities granting permission which is virtually impossible to secure. Since late September, 152 Palestinian housing units were demolished and 24 of them incidentally had to be destroyed by the Palestinians themselves in order to avoid very high fines. This grotesque state of affairs reflects the true approach to the Palestinian people on the part of according to what the US colleagues assert is the only democracy in the Middle East. I also wish to draw attention to the reprehensible raid of Israel targeting the UNRWA facilities in east Jerusalem on 8 October. Such acts fly in the face of the United Nations Convention on Privileges and Immunities. We also wish to recall the advisory opinion of the ICJ dating 22 October 2025 relating to Israel's obligation regarding the presence and activities of the United nations, other international organizations and third states on the OPT. A General assembly of Resolution was adopted on 12 December. In support of that we support the ongoing interrupted work of the unrwa. UNRWA which is the only source to which there's no alternative for comprehensive assistance to the Palestinians both on the OPT and neighboring Arab lands. A large scale deliberate destruction of UNRWA facilities and the death of its staff must not remain unpunished. Mr. President, speaking of Gaza, there's a need to recognize that as part of the implementation of Donald Trump's plan it has been possible to stem the large scale bloodletting and hunger in the Strip. However, a lasting ceasefire has not been achieved. On the 10th since the 10th of October, Israel rained approximately 800 strikes down on Gaza as a result of which at least 386 people died. The Israeli side continues to position significant obstacles to delivery of humanitarian assistance. The flow of cargo cleared for Import only covers 35% of the needs and entire categories of objects are arbitrarily being prohibited under the pretext of there being dual use in nature. Under these circumstances, the responsibility for the implementation of the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Plan on Gaza lies with the United States and those states who publicly supported the adoption of security council resolution 2803. We trust that the future transitional structures in the enclave will be formulated while taking into account the views of Ramallah and the handover of authority to the P and A in the sector will take place in the foreseeable future. We believe that matters related to the future of Gaza need to be considered as being part and parcel of the main part of the OPT. A key role in General Trump's plan is set out for the ISF one month after the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2803. It remains unclear which states are willing to join this mission and we do not think this is this is rather this is not a coincidence. It is one matter to deploy specialists for a peacekeeping operation who will deal with ceasefire monitoring, deconfliction and facilitating the restoration of the Palestinian security forces. It is another matter to have a unit whose goal is to attempt through force to compel the Palestinian fighters to relinquish weapons. This objective is liable to transform the ISF into a party to the conflict with all of the intended consequences which multiplies security risks for the foreign contingents deployed there. One cannot expect the ISF to achieve the impossibility, the impossible. We urge mediators to focus on seeking comprehensive to launch comprehensive negotiations to resolve the issue of disarmament of Palestinian groups and withdrawal of Israeli units from Gaza. The whole world has witnessed the horrors of a military attempt at military solution over the past two years. That time is ripe for real diplomacy on the ground, real diplomacy which has nothing to do with loud proclamations real diplomacy which requires compromise and calm. Russia had and continues to embrace a principled position of Palestinian Israeli settlement over the course of the wave of the recent outbreak of conflict escalation. We called for immediate unconditional comprehensive ceasefire with the delivery of safe and unimpeded humanitarian assistance. In accordance with the well known guiding principles. We call for the launch of the peace process on a universally recognized international legal basis, including a two state solution which will usher in the creation of an independent viable state of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with the capital at East Jerusalem coexisting in peace and security with Israel. At the same time, we consistently advocate uncompromising efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in all of their forms and their manifest stations. For this reason, we vehemently condemned the barbaric extremist attack targeting Sydney during the commemorations of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah on the 14th of December as a result which results of which innocent civilians, including a Russian compatriot, died. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the dead and we wish a speedy recovery to those who have been injured. Thank you for your attention. President [58:22]: I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of China. China [58:30]: Thank you, President. I wish to begin by expressing our condolences to the victims of the mass shooting that struck Sydney, Australia and expressing our solidarity with the bereft families and those injured. I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Mr. Alex Barov for his briefing. When the Middle east peace is in turmoil, the world cannot be at peace. The Palestinian question remains at the very heart of the challenges in the Middle East. The latest outbreak of the Gaza conflict has brought unimaginable suffering to both Palestinian and Israeli civilians and triggered severe spillover effects across the Middle East. While the first phase ceasefire agreement in Gaza has been reached, the prospect of peace remains distant. The historical injustices endured by the Palestinian people persist. The Palestinian question should never be relegated to the margins. The international community must further build consensus and take more proactive actions to advance a political solution. First, violent conflict must not resume. A comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza must be secured. Over the past two months, frequent violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza have resulted in the death of over 300 civilians. Reaching a ceasefire agreement must entail the complete cessation of all hostilities, not merely a downgrade from intense conflict to a low intensity attacks. Any reckless violation of the agreement could jeopardize and ultimately collapse the tenuous ceasefire China calls on all parties Israel in particular, to immediately fulfill their obligation. Their commitments under the ceasefire agreement refrain from actions that could escalate tensions and work towards achieving a genuine, comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. Relevant mediating parties should take concrete steps to ensure the implementation of this ceasefire agreement. Second, the suffering of civilians must not continue. Urgent action is needed to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Winter storms have brought torrential rains, inundating numerous temporary camps and placing hundreds of thousands of displaced people under severe threat. Israel's continued restrictions on access to essential supplies are impeding, guiding the efforts of UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies to deliver critical assistance. Last week the UN General assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution supporting the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice which clearly affirms Israel's obligations as the Occupying Power to ensure humanitarian supplies to Gaza and to cooperate with UNRWA and other relevant agencies. China urges Israel to earnestly fulfill its obligations under international law, open all border crossings, lift access restrictions on humanitarian supplies and support the work of the UN and other aid agencies. Third, the situation in the west bank must not be overlooked. Unilateral actions in violation of international law must cease immediately. The Occupying Power continues to advance settlement policies, demolish Palestinian homes, condone settler violence resulting in massive civilian casualties and displacement. Settlement activities violate international law and Council Resolution 2334 shrinking Palestinian living space and reroading the foundations of the two state solution. We call on Israel to immediately cease all settlement activities, curb settler violence and refrain from undermining the governance foundations of the Palestinian Authority. This includes the prompt return of withheld tax revenues and the removal of restrictions imposed on the Palestinian economy. Fourth, justice and fairness must prevail. The two State solution must be implemented without delay. Implementing the Two State Solution Establishing an independent state of Palestine is the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian in question. Any arrangements concerning Gaza's future must be guided by the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine. Any attempt to alter Gaza's territorial or demographic composition must be firmly rejected. One month has passed since the Security Council adopted Resolution 2803. The relevant country should act with a sense of responsibility toward the Palestinian people, the Security Council and the international community by providing timely updates to the Council and ensuring the Council's close and sustained attention and effective engagement. The international community must redouble its efforts to advance the two state solution, support the early establishment of an independent state of Palestine and facilitate its full membership in the un. President China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights. Recently, President Xi Jinping has on multiple occasions comprehensively articulated China's position and proposals for resolving the Palestinian question and announced that China will provide US$100 million in assistance to Palestine to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support its recovery and reconstruction. China will continue to work with the international community to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian crisis and make unremitting efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question at early date. Thank you President. SC · President [1:04:50]: I thank the representative of China for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United states. United States of America [1:04:57]: Thank you Mr. President, and thank you, Deputy Special Coordinator Al Akbarab. Before I begin, I want to pause to remember those killed and injured on Bondi beach this weekend celebrating Hanukkah. This attack must be called for what it Anti Semitic terrorism. President Trump and the US Government will continue to combat anti Semitism wherever it occurs, including here at the United Nations. Last week, Ambassador Waltz traveled to Jordan and Israel, where he had the honor of spending time with the mother and father of Police Sergeant Rand Gaville, the last remaining hostage in Gaza. There, Ambassador Waltz learned of Rand's heroism while off from work on medical leave. He saved dozens of lives before he was ultimately injured in a firefight and dragged to Gaza on the back of a motorbike. The world knows that Hamas and its affiliates knew the location of every hostage and President Trump was clear as part of the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, every hostage must come home. Rand's body must be returned to his parents and siblings. Now. We cannot move forward until he is home. Ambassador Waltz also had the opportunity to visit a warehouse run by the Jordan Hashemite charity organization where aid procured with American taxpayer money sits in warehouses. Some of it is at risk of expiring. However, due to US Advocacy, humanitarian aid is transiting the Allenby Crossing again with World Food Program track passing through on December 10th. We will continue to work with our partners in Jordan and Israel to fully reopen the Jordan Corridor for the more effective government to government route. This corridor is the most efficient and accountable route for providing much needed aid to Gaza. The United States supports the need for clear security arrangements after a terrorist kill to Israelis on September 18th at the Allenby Crossing. All parties must work to address these security issues so that the Corridor can return to its prior level of operation. This Council should also acknowledge that humanitarian aid has surged since the ceasefire began. The efforts of the United States and our partners are improving the humanitarian situation on the ground. Over 30,000 commercial and humanitarian trucks have entered Gaza bringing food, shelter and medicine. All thanks to the efforts of President Trump and the Civil Military Coordination center, known as the cmcc, we continue to work with the UN and others so that supplies can reach those in need without diversion to terrorists or looters. With the USG and other donor support, the World Food Program is providing approximately 2 million hot meals daily within Gaza and it is operating more than 200 bakeries. A successful vaccination campaign inoculated tens of thousands of children, protecting them from daily disease. Since October, the U.S. government obligated an additional $330 million to WFP and other NGOs to continue emergency food and shelter assistance. It also provides for field hospital support and to address water and sanitation needs. All of these improvements are the result of the hard work of the United States and our partners at the cmcc. We call on all in the Council today to contribute to our efforts with the CMCC and the International Stabilization Force. As Secretary Rubio stated, UNRWA is a subsidiary of Hamas. UNRWA operates under the absurd framework that treats Hamas like any other actor and it rejects any reasonable standards for accountability or the vetting of its staff or partners. Colleagues, we have been clear the United States opposes these quarterly briefings on ANSCR 2334 as they only distract from pressing threats to international peace and security. Resolution 2803, not 2334, charts the path towards a stable, safe and prosperous Middle East. We are working with partners to stand up the International Stabilization Force and train fully vetted Palestinian police, not rehashing decades of failed policies. This Council should recognize and end its outsize focus on an outdated resolution. The United States remains focused on keeping Israel secure and the Gaza and West bank stable. President Trump has been perfectly clear that the United States expects the violence in the west bank to end and that the United States will not allow the annexation of the West Bank. Perfunctory meetings like this one today are a distraction. The United States and its partners in the region will continue to focus on improving the situation on the ground day in and day out. Thank you. SC · President [1:10:45]: I thank the representative of the United States for the statement. And I give the floor to the representative of denmark. Denmark [1:10:52]: Thank you, Mr. President. And let me also thank Deputy Special Coordinator Alec Baure for his briefing. I would like from the outset to express Denmark's condemnation of the recent terrorist attacks in Sydney. We stand not only with Australia, but also with the entire Jewish community in rejecting all forms of terrorism and anti Semitism. Mr. President, nine years ago this Council took a decisive step in adopting Resolution 2334. The international community declared Israeli settlement a violation of international law and called for their immediate halt. It was an act of real solidarity in an effort to safeguard the two state solution. Today, however, we face a situation of expanded settlements, intensified settler violence and widespread displacement. Our failure to make real progress on this issue has long been deeply troubling. If we do not act decisively, it will soon be irreversible. The conflict in Gaza has rightly drawn the attention of the international community for more than two years. But support to Gaza must not come at the expense of our focus on the situation in the west bank, including East Jerusalem. Mr. President, let me highlight four critical points. First, all settlement expansions must be halted immediately and any attempt at de facto annexation prevented. Continued expansion of Israeli settlement, legalization of outposts, seizure of Palestinian land and implementation of the E1 plan are threatening the territorial integrity of a future Palestinian state. Denmark strongly deplores all settler takeovers and demolitions, including in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem. We urge Israel to immediately hold these measures and recall the attempts to change the demographics demographic composition of the Occupied Palestinian Territory to forcible transfers and deportations are prohibited under international humanitarian law. Denmark is also appalled by the forcible raid of UNRWA's premises in East Jerusalem on 8 December and remind Israel of its obligations to respect the inviability of UN premises as underlined by the icj, including in his most recent opinion, Israel is under an obligation to cooperate in good faith with the United Nations. Second, Mr. President, we must prioritize the protection of civilians. More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West bank since 7 October 2023. We are now hearing reports of an average of five settler attacks a day, the highest level in nearly 20 years. We call on Israel to ensure the protection of civilians in the west bank and the wider Occupied Palestinian Territory in accordance with its obligations under international humanitarian law. Third, Mr. President, we must continue to support reform and revitalization of the Palestinian Authority and secure reunification of Gaza and the west bank, including East Jerusalem under their rules. While the Palestinian Authority is focusing on its reform efforts, resources are urgently needed. We once again call on Israel to immediately release all withheld tax revenues and to renew the relevant bank agreement on a long term basis. We must prevent the development of parallel structures that might inhibit reunification of Palestinian and Palestinian self determination. Inclusion of the Palestinian Authority in all matters relating to their territory is essential. Fourth, we welcome the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza which was recently endorsed by security council resolution 2803. Following the long awaited ceasefire in Gaza. More aid is now coming in. However, we are still far from meeting the tremendous needs on the ground. We are concerned by the continuous restriction by Israel, including on dual use items, and call for the opening of more border crossings, including Rafah, and continued access for international NGOs. INGOs play a crucial role in delivering humanitarian assistance throughout occupied Palestinian territory. We are deeply concerned by Israeli registration requirements set to take effect on 31 December, which will limit Ingo's ability to operate in Gaza as well as the West Bank. We call on Israel to ensure the rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in line with international humanitarian law. Mr. President, in closing, these demands are not new. They're rooted in resolutions passed by this Council. Nor, regrettably, is the information in the sobering briefing we have received today. What must change is how we react. Denmark stands ready to work with all Council members to this end to pave the way for a future of two states living side by side in peace and security. I thank you. President [1:16:11]: I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of Sierra leone. Sierra Leone [1:16:18]: Thank you, Mr. President. I thank specialists Deputy Special Coordinator Ramiz Alagbaroff for his briefing on the Secretary General's report on the implementation of Resolution 2334. We note the Secretary General's observations, including continued non compliance with key obligations, particularly ongoing settlement activity and the lack of steps to reverse negative trends on the ground. At the outset, Sierra Leone condemns the recent attack in Sydney, Australia during the Jewish celebration of Anaku. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victim. Mr. President, at the outset of a tenure, we called Sierra Leone's long lasting engagement on this agenda item, including our first intervention in the council in 1970 on the plight of the Palestinians and the need to pursue peace through conciliation and reconciliation. We also now recall a last statement in our first tenure in 1971 supporting cancel action grounded in the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by conquest. Those principles remain relevant today for Sierra Leone. The situation in the Middle east, including the Palestinian question, remains fundamentally a matter of justice and the application of the Charter of the United nations and international law. Our position has been consistent. We support a just and lasting peace through a negotiated two state solution that guarantees Palestinian self determination, ends the occupation and ensures Israel's security. Today, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains grave. The Secretary General's reporting confirms wide scale devastation of civilian infrastructure, alarming levels of malnutrition and continued impediment to humanitarian action access. We reiterate the obligation to facilitate safe, rapid, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access at scale required and we stress the duty to respect and protect United nations and humanitarian personnel, medical workers and journalists, including UNWA and other UN agencies whose humanitarian mandates and immunities must must be respected. We are equally concerned by the development in the west bank, including East Jerusalem, marked by increased settler violence, settlement expansion, demolition access restrictions and inflammatory rhetoric. These trends undermine the conjuguity and viability of a future Palestinian state. In line with resolution 2334, settlement activity must cease and steps must be taken without delay to prevent violence against civilians and ensure accountability for perpetrators. We note positive developments in recent months attributable to sustained international engagement, including mediation effort and the comprehensive plan endorsed by Resolution 28, which helped reduce hostility, enabled humanitarian oppression and supported the release of hostages. While the ceasefire is largely holding and there are signs of stabilization in Gaza, reports from the west bank including the demolition, displacement and movement restriction remain deeply troubling. We also welcome diplomatic efforts to restore a credible political horizon, including the high level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and implementation of the Two state Solution culminating in the adoption of the New York Declaration aimed at advancing the two state solution through meaningful international collaboration. As Sierra Leone concludes its tenure on the Security Council, we underlined five points. First, we iterate our support for a just and lasting peace in the Middle east grounded in international law, the protection of civilians and a negotiated two state solution with an independent, viable and contiguous state of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security. This requires a negotiated settlement in which the rights, aspirations and security of both Israelis and Palestinians are recognized, respected and safeguarded in accordance with a Charter and relevant United nations resolution, including by ending settlement, expansion, demolition, incitement and all actions that undermine prospect for peace. Second, we stress the imperative of compliance with international law and relevant General assembly actions, including General Assembly Resolution ES 1024 of 18th September 2024 which addressed the International Court of Justice Advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. These resolutions call for an end to action that harms civilians and undermine the two state solution and for affirmative steps to reverse negative trends. Third, Security Council resolutions, including recent resolution 2803 must be implemented in good faith. We underscore the expectations set out in that resolution, including that the ceasefire be respected and strengthened, that civilians be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law and humanitarian access be fully enabled and unimpeded that the transitional arrangements lead within a defined time frame, a unified and legitimate Palestinian governance over the occupied Palestinian Territory. The cessation of hostilities must be consolidated into durable calm and coupled with credible steps to revive a political process that ends the occupation and restores a viable path to peace. Fourth, integral to the credible political process is the admission of the State of Palestine as a full member of the United nations and the finalization of its statehood. The security of Israel and its full integration in the region must also be safeguarded. The viability of the two state solution requires that both people see a future of hope, dignity and mutual security. Fifth, the reconstruction of Gaza must also be addressed with urgency and integrity. Gaza's recovery cannot be deferred nor pursued in ways that entrench displacement or fragmentation. Reconstruction should restore basic services and livelihoods, support the safe, voluntary and dignified return of civilians consistent with international law and advance unified and legitimate Palestinian governance within an agreed time frame. Mr. President Sialo live with the hope that the Palestinian question will resolve without further delay. The Security Council and the international community must continue to consolidate efforts to achieve a permanent and complete cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the west bank, address the humanitarian crisis and advance a credible political process. The Security Council must remain seized of this matter and act with unity and resolve. I thank you. President [1:24:43]: I thank the representative of Sierra Leone and I give the floor to representative of Panama. Panama [1:24:50]: Thank you, President. Panama is grateful to Mr. Ramis Alagbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for presenting the quarterly report on the implementation of Resolution 2334, which offers a detailed and worrisome stock taking of the situation on the ground both in Gaza and on the west bank, including East Jerusalem. Before beginning, I would like to express on behalf of the government and people of Panama condemnation of the attack that took place in Australia during this Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, a holiday of peace. We would like to send our deepest condolences to the victims of of the families whose holidays were marked by terror and extremism. The situation in the west bank, including East Jerusalem, Mr. President, continues has continued to deteriorate over a long period of time. The most recent figures demonstrate sustained increase in violence, forced displacement and demolitions. This year over a thousand people people have been displaced from Area C due to demolitions due to as a result of lack of construction permits, permits that have become practically inaccessible to the Palestinian population. We'd like to reiterate the protection of the civilian population must be a priority at all times in line with international law, including international humanitarian law. Mr. President. As far as Gaza, the the ceasefire enforced since October, achieved thanks to the efforts mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, and supported by countries in the region, as well as endorsed by Resolution 2803 adopted by this Council, has allowed for a relative drop in the intensity of hostilities and a certain humanitarian improvement. However, the situation remains fragile. The most recent report reports indicate that there are continued civilian victims, destruction of infrastructure persists and over 90% of the population remains displaced, living in extremely precarious conditions. The humanitarian situation continues to be critical, recently aggravated by severe climate conditions that have led to the collapse of structures that had already been damaged, flooding in medical facilities and new waves of displacement. Panama values and supports the efforts of the United nations and its partners to step up assistance, including reopening of health care services, provision of food and support to the displaced population. However, these efforts continue to be inadequate in the face of the scale of the needs. Bearing this in mind, Panama underscores that it is essential to maintain the presence and support support of the United nations and its specialized agencies in this new opportunity for peace in Gaza and the West Bank. We reject any action that affects the inviolability of UN facilities and those of its agencies and we reiterate that the privileges and immunities of the United nations must be respected without any exception. Mr. President, the comprehensive recuperation in Gaza requires that Hamas has no role in its future. A sustainable peace the rebuilding of the Strip and restoring a dignified living conditions for the civilian population in Gaza are incompatible with the presence of groups that use extremism. The future of Gaza must be under the leadership of reformed Palestinian leadership, a unified one capable of guaranteeing security for its own population and for its neighbors. Panama reiterates that Gaza and the west bank, including East Jerusalem, are integral parts of a future Palestinian state and that the only viable, sustainable and humane solution will be the one that allows for the people of Israel, Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace, security and dignity in line with international law and the relevant resolutions of this Council. Thank you. SC · President [1:29:13]: I thank the representative of Panama for his statement. And I give the floor to the representative of the uk. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:29:20]: Thank you, President. I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Alak Barof for briefing us today. 2025 has been a year of unimaginable suffering for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, for hostages and their families and for the wider region. Yet there is cause for renewed hope. Thanks to the tireless diplomatic efforts of the US, Qatar, Turkey and Egypt, we have a ceasefire 47 more hostages returned to their families and a 20 point plan for Gaza offering the chance of a peaceful future for the region. We call on all parties to uphold the ceasefire and fully implement security council resolution 2803. Israel must lift all barriers to aid without delay and let international NGOs operate freely. At least 14 people are reported to have died since last week due to harsh winter conditions and flooding. We need medical supplies, shelter, materials and fuel delivered into Gaza now. UK funded tents have entered Gaza to provide urgent shelter for families. This provides a lifeline for 12,000 vulnerable civilians. It is also vital that the remains of the final deceased hostage Rangavilli are returned to his family. Hamas must disarm and unequivocally renounce violence as we build a better future for Gaza. Palestinians must remain at the heart of transitional governance and amidst progress on Gaza, we must not lose sight of the West Bank. It faces an unprecedented crisis which risks undermining the 20 point plan and regional peace. So that context I'd like to make three points. First, this year has witnessed an unprecedented rise in settler violence against Palestinians with 260 attacks in October alone. We condemn all such attacks. President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu have committed to tackling settler violence. This must translate into concrete actions to protect Palestinian civilians and hold those responsible to account. We were shocked by reports of Israeli authorities entering unaware compound on the 8th of December without authorization. UN premises are inviolable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international law. UNRWA plays an indispensable role supporting Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza and in the region. Second, we reiterate our firm opposition to settlement policies that violate international law and any form of forcible annexation. The reported approval of 19 new settlements in the west bank, continued evictions of Palestinian families in Silwan and East Jerusalem and the expropriation of the entire acropolis of Sebastia and surrounding lands take us further away from peace. Third, the economic situation in the West bank bank remains on a cliff edge. We call on Israel urgently to release withheld tax revenues, increase shekel transfer limits and confirm a longer term extension for correspondent banking relationships to avert economic collapse. President the year ahead offers a chance to turn the page on two years of tragedy and charter court towards peace. The UK will work with all our partners to implement resolution 2803, promote West bank stability and develop an irreversible pathway towards a two state solution. I thank you. SC · President [1:33:36]: I thank the representative of the UK for his statement and I give the floor to the Representative of Pakistan, Thank you. Pakistan [1:33:47]: President Pakistan joins colleagues in strongly condemning the heinous attack in Sydney at a religious gathering. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of victims and wishes speedy recovery to the injured. Pakistan unequivocally condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations. We also thank Deputy Special Coordinator Ramese Al Akbaro for his sobering briefing. The Palestinian people have endured decades of illegal occupation marked by dispossession and denial of their inalienable rights. Over the past two years this suffering has escalated to an unprecedented scale. In Gaza, more than 70,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, with communities destroyed and essential systems collapsing. Despite the bleak reality, the international community has sought to preserve the possibility of peace. A high level conference in July and the General Assembly's endorsement of the New York Declaration established a multilateral pathway to revitalize the two state solution. President Trump's leadership and persistent efforts resulted in the peace plan and the Shem El Sheikh summit mobilizing regional and international actors around urgent priorities namely ending the bloodshed, maintaining the ceasefire, responding to the humanitarian catastrophe, reuniting families with detainees and hostages and reopening a credible political process towards Palestinian self determination and statehood. Pakistan acknowledges the facilitation of the United States States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey in this regard. These efforts culminated in the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2803 which Pakistan supported as part of the Group of Eight Arab and Islamic countries engaged in this process and in full alignment with the position of the State of Palestine and the Arab countries. All these efforts reflect a shared recognition that the status quo is untenable and that only a political horizon grounded in international law can offer a way forward. No resolution of the Security Council can be unilaterally declared outdated. They remain relevant and in force until they are implemented. Pakistan's position remains principled and consistent. The Israeli occupation of the Occupied Palestine territory must end and the Palestinian people must be enabled to exercise their inalienable right to self determination through the establishment of an independent sovereign state of Palestine. President the role of unravel remains crucial and cannot be allowed to be undermined by unwarranted and unfounded criticism. On 12th of December the foreign ministers of eight Arab Islamic countries reaffirmed the indispensable role of UNRWA in safeguarding the rights and well being of Palestinian refugees. The ministers condemned and the storming of the UNRWA headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem by Israeli forces. As this attack represents a flagrant violation of international law and the inviolability of UN premises and it violates the advisory opinion of the ICJ of 22 October 2025. The Secretary General's latest report on the implementation of Resolution 2334 paints an alarming picture. During the reporting period, Israeli authorities advanced over 6,300 housing units in the occupied west bank, including East Jerusalem, with a significant concentration in Area C and sensitive areas such as E1. It underscores that settlement activity in 2025 has reached the highest levels since the United nations began systematic tracking. These actions, as reinforced by the July 2024 advisory opinion of the ICJ and identified in Resolution 2334, have no legal validity and are a violation of international law as they continue to entrench the occupation and undermine the viability of the two state solution. Looking ahead, Pakistan wishes to highlight following points. First, Resolution 2803 must be implemented in full and in good faith. The momentum generated at Sherm el Sheikh must be successful, sustained. The central role of the Palestinian Authority is indispensable. The second phase must be implemented without delay. Second, all settlement activity must cease immediately in line with Resolution 2334. Any attempt to alter the demographic, legal or historical character of the Occupied Territories, including around Al Haram Al Sharif, is illegal and must be reversed. Third, the ceasefire must be fully respected with no unilateral military actions. The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza remains essential. Fourth, full safe and unbedded humanitarian access must be guaranteed. Fifth, reconstruction should begin without delay with no annexation, forced displacement or fragmentation of the Occupied Palestinian land. Sixth, accountability is indispensable as without justice and respect for international law there can be no durable peace. And finally, a time bound and irreversible political process anchored in relevant UN resolutions must lead to the establishment of sovereign, independent and contiguous state of Palestine on the basis of pre1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. That is the best guarantee for durable peace in the region. It is high time to turn promises into action and to speed up this process. Pakistan's solidarity with the Palestinian people remains unwavering. We stand firmly with them in their legitimate struggle for dignity, justice and self determination and for the realization of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international legitimacy. I thank you Mr. President, President [1:41:33]: I thank the representative of Pakistan for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of Guyana. Guyana [1:41:42]: Mr. President, at the outset Guyana condemns the attacks in Sydney during a Hanukkah gathering. We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and People of Australia, I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Al Akhbarov for presenting the Secretary General's report on the implementation of Resolution 2334. The report confirms again that the provisions of Resolution 2334 continue to be openly violated, infringing on the rights of the Palestinian people and undermining the achievement of the two state solution. Having examined the report, I wish to highlight four elements that are particularly concerning to my delegation. First, Guyana has noticed a growing proclivity by actors on the Israeli side to advance legal measures to extend settlement activity in the occupied West Bank. We have taken note, for example, of the introduction to the NASA of two private bills extending Israeli law to occupied Western west bank settlements. Though these bills did not advance beyond preliminary readings nor received government support, it is important to take note of the enabling culture that encourages lawmakers who wish to pursue objectives that collide with Israel's international legal obligations. Guyana therefore urges Israel to abide by its obligations as an occupying power as stipulated in international law, including its obligation not to annex any of the territory under occupation. We reiterate our appeal for Israel not to further the implementation of the E1 settlement plan, which would further reduce Palestinian territory. We also underscore that the Israeli legislative measures of which I speak continue to come with extremely high cost to Palestinians whose properties are subject to demolitions and seizures or who face heavy fines for refusing to comply with demolition orders. Second, on the issue of violence against civilians, regrettably, despite the achievement of a ceasefire deal in Gaza, hostilities continue with ongoing airstrikes, shelling and gunfire. Hundreds of casualties have been recorded since the start of the ceasefire. Our anticipation had been that the ceasefire would have led to the silencing of the guns in Gaza and a flood of humanitarian relief for the ailing population, creating the conditions for recovery and reconstruction. The Secretary General's as well as other credible reports, however, make it clear that the reality on the ground still requires drastic improvements, especially now that winter conditions have begun and last week's torrential rains, which brought heavy flooding to Gaza. Guyana calls on the parties to the ceasefire agreement to fully comply with the commitments undertaken for the protection of civilians and to advance Gaza's recovery. The full restoration of public law and order throughout the Strip is also important for this objective. Mr. President. While eyes are trained on Gaza, violence against civilians in the occupied west bank continues unabated and at increasingly alarming levels. With the operation started by the Israeli security forces in January still ongoing, these operations have resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, loss of property and livelihood, and led to the forcible displacement of thousands of Palestinians. This Council must take active steps to protect the civilian population in the occupied west bank and to halt the mounting violence. My third observation concerns the provision in resolution 2334 for the parties to refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric. The peace we seek in the occupied Palestinian Territory can be helped or hindered by messaging, particularly from key figures involved in the conflict or actors with strong influence. Guyana therefore urges responsible messaging on issues related to the Israeli Palestinian conflict in compliance with Resolution 2334. And fourth, the persistent fiscal crisis faced by the Palestinian Authority is in no small measure attributable to Israel's withholding of revenue and the sword of Damocles. It consistently hangs over correspondent banking agreements. If the PA and Palestinian institutions are to be strengthened enough to be able to build a viable Palestinian state, a strong economic base is foundational. In this context, Member States and international corporations must halt all ongoing trade with illegal settlement, since such trade enables the humanitarian crisis driven by Israel's decades long occupation. The Security Council should therefore consider how to address this aspect of Resolution 2334. Mr. President, as this is the last mandated meeting on the Palestinian question for 2025 and for Guyana's current term as an elected member of the Council, allow me to offer brief reflections on this file on the Palestinian Question. From the very beginning, our conviction was and remains that strong political will is the key ingredient for moving the needle on the question of Palestine. In cases where it is lacking but needed, that political will can be encouraged and the Council and the United nations as a whole have ways and means to achieve this. It is our responsibility to combat the impunity with which all the actions directly impeding the resolution of the Palestinian Question are carried out. To do anything less would be to consent to entrenched impunity. The Comprehensive Plan for Ending the Conflict in Gaza is a positive step in this direction. As we have said before, however, its implementation must be steeped in international law and safeguarding and promoting the rights of the Palestinian people must be its centerpiece. The sustainability of the peace that emerges from this plan would be determined by how closely it adheres to these two factors, the rule of law and Palestinian rights. The central role of the United nations on both aspects must be safeguarded, including by upholding the ICJ's advisory opinion on Israel's obligations in relation to the Organization. On this note, Guyana strongly condemns Israel's actions against UNRWA's property in East Jerusalem as a flagrant violation of international law, particularly in Light of the pronouncements by the ICJ on this matter, I conclude, Mr. President, by appealing to the entire United nations membership to apply a simple but profound rule of thumb to all actions pertaining to the Palestinian people. And that is because all people everywhere are born equal. The aspirations we have for our own people should not be different to the aspirations we have for the Palestinian people, for Guyana. That is certainly what has always guided our engagement on the Palestinian question. This will continue to guide us even as we conclude our tenure on the Security Council until Palestinians are free in an independent state, living in peace and security alongside Israel. SC · President [1:49:55]: I thank you. I thank Diana for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of Republic of Korea. Republic of Korea [1:50:03]: Thank you, Mr. President. I also thank to Deputy Special Coordinator Al Akbarob for his sobering briefing at the outset. Let me extend Korea's sincere condolence to the victims of the terrorist attack in Sydney targeting civilians celebrating Hanukkah. Mr. President, Korea's term in Security Council started two years ago in the aftermath of the horrible terrorist attack by Hamas and amid the massive military response by Israel. Since then, the Republic Korea, along with other members of the Council have strived to establish concrete measures to minimize suffering on ground. We now have a ceasefire in Gaza thanks to efforts by the mediating countries, us, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. Yet our sense of responsibility has not been relieved as the humanitarian situation remains dire, attacks continue and winter sets in. For over two years too many people in Gaza have been killed and maimed, including countries women and children. With the entire Strip totally threatened and humanitarian aid still restricted, those living are still experiencing unimaginable daily indignity. Israelites has also suffered greatly. Hostages were released, but not all of them returned home alive and one body is yet to be recovered. We understand that the most atrocious terrorist attacks in Israel's modern history left unforgettable trauma on all Israelis. Mr. President, under this backdrop, today we meet again to discuss the implementation of Resolution 2334, a landmark resolution adopted nine years ago affirming the principled position of this Council. This resolution clearly provides that the status quo is not sustainable and that significant steps are urgently needed, end of quote, to stabilize the situation and to reverse negative trend on the ground. Unfortunately, however, harsh reality on the ground contradicts the unequivocal provisions of this Council's resolution. Indeed, contrary to paragraph one and two of this resolution, Israel has been rigorously expanding its settlements across the West Bank. Paragraph 6 calls for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians. However, we continue to witness unacceptable settler violence. Despite paragraph 7, we also continue to encounter provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric both by Israel officials and Palestinian armed groups. It is also concerning that the work of UN agencies, including unrwa, is being constantly impeded. The possible entry of Israeli authorities into the UNNRA headquarters last week exemplifies at its Commissioner General mention blatant disregard of the obligation with regard to the inviolability of all UN premises. Mr. President, it is deeply regrettable that during our Council membership we could not reverse this negative trend. However, in the same period we could hear the ever growing voice of the overwhelming majority of the international community calling for an urgent transition from world to peace and from confrontation to coexistence. The international conferences on the Two State Solution held in July and September were crucial occasions to reconfirm the wide support of globe for the two state solution. The adoption of Resolution 2003 last month also demonstrated with common determination to bring the war in Gaza to an end and to move forward a new chapter. Mr. President, this meeting is the final mandated meeting on Palestinian question during our term in Security Council. Thus, let me reiterate our basic but most important positions on this vital issue. First, the Republic of Korea supports the Two State Solution as the only viable path toward a just and lasting peace in the region. We believe that the establishment of Israeli settlement in the Occupied Palestine territory has no liberty and that all settlement activities was a seized immediately. Second, settler violence is unjustifiable under any excuse and perpetrators must be held fully accountable. Any other violent actions, including terrorist attacks by Palestinian armed groups, must also stop. All actors in the region, mostly flying from provocative actions and rhetoric. Third, Gaza must not return to its previous conditions. Both parties must halt military actions and abide by ceasefire agreement readily affirmed in Resolution 2803. Hamas must lay down its weapons and Israel must withdraw from Gaza. Based on the standards, milestones and time frames under the resolution 2803, humanitarian aid in cooperation with all UN agencies must be ensured at scale. The reconstruction and development of Gaza must commence as passion and the entry of dignified shelter must be prioritized. In this regard, we command the efforts by the US to implement the details of Resolution 2803, including the composition of the BOP and the deployment of the ISF. A journey in process to advance political horizon between Israel and Palestine must resume. The Lord of Palestinian Authority as the legitimate representative of Palestinian people should be guaranteed. We support the reform and revitalization of Palestinian Authority and object to any measure that undermines its viability, such as the withholding of tax revenues. These principles have been repeated numerous times. The Republic Korea sincerely hope that this Council will soon have meaningful discussions to realize this common aspiration and will continue to do our part both within UN and beyond. I thank you. President [1:58:18]: I thank the representative of the Republic of Korea for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia. Somalia [1:58:26]: Thank you, Mr. President. I also want to thank Mr. Ramirez Alakprof, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and the head of the Humanitarian session for and also welcome the Secretary General's report on the implementation of the security council resolution 2334 of 2016. The report once again provide a clear and deeply concerning assessment of developments on the ground and underscores the widening gap between the Council's decisions and their implementations. Resolution 2334 is unambiguous. It reaffirms that the establishment of settlement by Israel in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under the international law. Yet nearly nine years after its adoption, settlement expansion continues unabated at an unprecedented scale, particularly in the Area C and East Jerusalem. These actions systematically undermine the viability, continuity and sovereignty of the future Palestinian state and erode the prospects for a negotiated two state solution. Somalia remains deeply alarmed by the scale and the pace of settlement activity, land confiscations, demolitions and forced displacement of Palestinians, including women and children. Such practices violate the international humanitarian law and international human rights law and risk UN amounting to a forceful transfer. This must cease immediately. At the same time, my delegation is gravely concerned by the escalating violence across the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The loss of civilian life and excessive use of force and settler violence against Palestinian civilians and the destruction of homes and infrastructures continue to fuel instability and despair. Civilians must never be targets. All parties must respect their obligations under international law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and accountability. Mr. President, the humanitarian situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza Strip, remains catastrophic. While we acknowledge recent steps that led to increased humanitarian access, these measures remain insufficient given the scale of the destruction, displacement and human suffering. We call for the full, safe, sustained and embedded delivery of humanitarian assistance, including through all available crossings, and stress the essential role of United nations and its agencies, particularly UNRWA, in alleviating human suffering. Resolution 2334, also called calls for affirmative steps to reverse the negative trends on the ground. This requires more than rhetoric from the Security Council. It requires concrete actions by the Occupying Power, meaningful accountability for the violations and consistent international engagement to preserve the political horizon. It also requires the rejection of incitements, inflammatory rhetorics and all acts of violence, including acts of terror, against the civilians. We underscore that the continued failure to implement Resolution 2334 weakens the credibility of the Security Council and send this a dangerous message of impunity. The Council must uphold its responsibility and ensure that its resolutions are respected and fully implemented. To conclude, Mr. President, we call on all parties to demonstrate a genuine political will to halt unilateral actions that undermine peace and to recommit to a credible political process. We further call on Israel to release all withheld revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. My delegation reiterates its steadfast support for the realization of an independent sovereign state of Palestine with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. In accordance with international law and relevant United nations resolutions, Somalia will continue to stand firmly with the people of Palestine in their legitimate struggle for freedom, dignity and self determination. I thank you. President [2:03:32]: I thank the representative of Somalia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Greece. Greece [2:03:38]: Thank you, Mr. President. I thank the Deputy Special Coordinator Ramis Al Akbaru for his sobering briefing. Let me start by expressing our full condemnation of attacks against Jewish communities worldwide, including recent attacks in Manchester and Sydney. We condemn in the strongest possible terms all forms of anti Semitism and hate, intolerance, racism and xenophobia, including anti Muslim hatred. Mr. President, a month ago this Council adopted security council resolution 2803 which constitutes a crucial step towards advancing peace, security and stability in the region. Building on the 20 point peace plan mediated by the US and regional partners, it provides a renewed impetus for efforts aimed at permanently disarming Hamas and extremist actors as a synec vano precondition for a sustainable peace and stability in Gaza. It also lays out a path for restoring Palestinians self determination and achieving a viable two state solution. We need to step up the implementation of the peace plan so as not to lose the current momentum. And we call on all parties to abide by its provisions fully and in good faith. Turning to the Security Council Resolution 2334, which frames today's discussion, let me outline the following points. Implementing policies that contravene Resolution 2334 lead to rising tensions and instability in the West Bank. They also have no legal validity and constitute a flagrant violation of international law. They constitute a serious impediment to the creation of contiguous sovereign and and viable Palestinian state. The construction of additional settlement units and outposts, land confiscation, demolition of Palestinian homes and displacement of Civilian populations all undermine the prospects for peaceful coexistence based on mutual recognition. Against this backdrop, we are deeply alarmed by the sharp surge in settler violence in the west bank, including attacks targeting Christian communities. We call for the protection of the Palestinian population in the occupied territories, including the Christian communities, and the preservation of the status quo of the holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem. Should the situation in the west bank continue to unravel, it could further erode the prospect of a two state solution. Equally concerning is the ongoing economic strangulation faced by the Palestinian communities resulting from withheld tax revenues and constrained financial flows. The economic viability of the west bank is indispensable not only for the livelihoods of Palestinians, but for the broader peace process. We therefore call for the immediate release of withheld revenues and for the restoration of a functioning Palestinian financial and banking sector. It is a prerequisite for meaningful self governance and sustainable recovery. Mr. President, the role of the UN and its agencies, UNRWA in particular, remains central and the SDICJ recently reaffirmed. Reaffirmed? In its advisory opinion a few weeks after the overwhelming General assembly vote reaffirming the Agency's mandate, Greece reiterates its full support for unres. Essential work, international solidarity and coordinated humanitarian assistance must remain steadfast, especially during winter, to alleviate suffering and uphold human dignity, particularly as harsh winter storms and low temperatures place vulnerable groups at risk in the Gaza Strip. We take heart in the continued and targeted efforts of the UN and its partners to deliver assistance. Such assistance must continue and be allowed to flow without dependence. Equally, we look forward to the convening of the upcoming conference on the reconstruction of Gaza announced by Egypt. Greece is ready to assist. Mr. President. In his history of the Peloponnesian War, the ancient Greek historian Thucydides describes the symbolic resilience of the olive tree and Greeks. The olive tree carries through the ages the powerful messages of resilience and peace. Extending an olive branch instead of uprooting the tree is in fact an act of wisdom. We remain unwavering in our conviction that the two state solution is the only viable way to ensure peace, justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. And we call on all parties to summon the political courage needed to advance along the second phase of the 20 point peace plan. I thank you. Slovenia · President [2:09:35]: I thank the representative of Greece for the statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Slovenia.