(Resumed) The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question - Security Council, 10243rd meeting

The 10,243rd meeting of the Security Council is resumed. I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to more than three minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. The flashing light on the microphone will prompt speakers to bring their remarks to a close after three minutes. I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting, and congratulations to Greece on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. Mr. President, during this debate, an overwhelming majority of speakers recognized a fundamental reality. Israel's continued aggression, occupation, and destabilizing activities across the region pose a grave threat to regional and international peace and security. The Israeli regime has repeatedly demonstrated that it has no respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter. The situation in Palestine remains dire. Despite the announced ceasefire, the Israeli genocidal regime continues its aggression and violations with impunity, while Gaza remains devastated and subjected to continued military attacks, and the Palestinian people endure immense suffering. At the same time, in the occupied West Bank, this occupying regime continues to expand its illegal settlements intensify settler violence and terrorism, and pursue unlawful measures aimed at annexation and the dispossession of Palestinians of their land. In this context, I would like to emphasize the following points. First, an immediate and permanent end to Israeli aggression and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire must be ensured. accompanied by the complete and unconditional withdrawal of all Israeli occupying regime from Gaza, the guarantee of the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of sustained humanitarian assistance, and the full protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel. Second, no arrangement in Gaza is legitimate if it subordinates Palestinians' right to external imposed security. And any arrangement or framework must fully respect Palestinian inherent rights, independence, and self-determination. The Palestinian people must be enabled to exercise their legitimate right to self-determination and establish an independent, sovereign and viable state of Palestine, with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital and accorded full membership in the United Nations. There is no sustainable solution while occupation, settlement expansion, forced displacement, and violations of Palestinian rights continue. Third, the Israeli regime must end its aggression and violations across the region. Israel must stop its daily violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, and comply with the Security Council Resolution 1701. Likewise, Israel must end its incursion and military aggression on Syrian territory, withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan and other occupied areas, and respect Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. Fourth, accountability for serious violations of international law, in particular international humanitarian law, is indispensable and is a legal imperative. Over the past three years, the Israeli regime has committed grave international crimes against the peoples of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and my own country. including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. Together, the United States and the Israeli regime have waged two unjustified and unwarranted wars of aggression against Iran, in flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the most fundamental principles of international law. They have crossed all red lines. and committed war crimes by deliberately targeting civilians and critical infrastructure. The aggressors, together with all those who enabled, supported, or facilitated their heinous crimes and acts of aggression, must be held fully accountable under international law. Fifth. The Security Council must act decisively to address the root causes of this tragedy and impunity, compel Israel to fully comply with its obligations under international law and relevant UN resolutions, and bring an end to the decades-long injustice inflicted upon the Palestinian people. Selective condemnation and politically motivated conditions must never be allowed to replace the consistent, impartial, and unequivocal enforcement of international law. In conclusion, Mr. President, I categorically reject the baseless and politically motivated allegations directed against my country by some speakers, including certain members of this Council. These allegations deliberately distort the facts disregard the root causes of the current situation and seek to reverse the roles of aggressors and victims. As we have said many times, the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf is the direct consequences of the war of aggression launched by the United States and the Israeli regime on 28 February 2026, and the subsequent unlawful and aggressive US actions, including a maritime blockade. Before that date, the Strait of Hormuz remained open, and maritime traffic proceeded normally. Those who remain silent about this blatant aggression while rushing to accuse or blame Iran expose their double standards and hypocritical behavior that undermined the credibility of this Council. Iran remains committed to safe and secure navigation. Iran is the victim of the blatant act of aggression and has exercised its inherent right of self-defense to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and protect its people and vital interests in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Any claim contrary to this is entirely unfounded and devoid of merit. Our position is crystal clear. The only viable solution for the restoration of normal and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is an immediate and permanent end to the U.S. aggression, credible guarantees against its repetition, respect for Iran's sovereign right, and the complete lifting of the maritime blockade and all other unlawful coercive measures. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Mr. President. On 7 October 2023, Israel suffered the deadliest terrorist attack on its soil in its modern history. This vicious attack by Hamas and other terrorist groups three years ago was repeatedly condemned by Iceland. Three years later, Israeli society is still dealing with the consequences of this fateful, horrible event. Palestinians have also suffered its consequences. The war against Hamas in Gaza and the military incursions in the West Bank left tens of thousands dead and more than 2 million Palestinians affected and in need of assistance. Mr. President, I will make four points. First, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical and demands our immediate attention. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, with many essential items still unable to reach those who urgently need them. Israel continues to delay, obstruct and prevent the work of UN agencies, including UNRWA, as well as key international non-governmental organizations operating in Gaza. We heard this clearly in Mr. Alakbarov's statement yesterday morning. Iceland is a long-standing supporter of UNRWA. We believe its role is indispensable. At a time of such profound humanitarian needs, sustaining this work is not optional. It is an urgent responsibility. Second, the unprecedented settlement expansion and escalation of settler violence across the West Bank must stop. Settler violence and crimes persist with impunity. They are fueled and enabled by inflammatory rhetoric and permissive government policy, with government ministers making electoral promises to redouble government support and expansion of illegal settlements. This trajectory is not simply changing the reality on the ground. It is steadily eroding the territorial and political basis for a viable Palestinian state. Third, for the two-state solution to have a meaningful chance of succeeding, sustained support for the Palestinian Authority is vital. Iceland's support is steadfast, and we recognized the State of Palestine in 2011. It is imperative to ensure Palestinian ownership and agency over the state-building agenda. The future State of Palestine must be built on the foundations of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and we consider this a fundamental principle. Therefore, we are deeply disappointed with the postponing of the upcoming Palestinian elections until 2027 and expect the PA to reconsider its decision. We have repeatedly stated that Hamas has no role in the future of Palestine and must, along with other terrorist factions in Gaza, be decommissioned. However, while the defiance must not be tolerated, it must also not be permitted to prevent the implementation of the peace plan that is so badly needed. Last but not least, Mr. President, more political will is needed. Almost one year has passed since this Council adopted resolution 2803, endorsing the 20-point comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza and the role of the Board of Peace in its implementation. Some of the plan's key objectives have been achieved. All the hostages were released. A ceasefire has been in effect, although an imperfect one. But the full promise of Resolution 2803 remains unrealized. We call for more progress towards the peace and relief it pledged for Palestinians in Gaza, and full implementation of the peace plan. It has also been just over a year since the New York Declaration was adopted. Although we seem very far from its objective of a future two-state solution, it nevertheless remains the only viable path to sustainable peace and security for both peoples. Our goal is and must be two peoples living side by side in peace, prosperity, and mutual recognition. For this, the cycle of violence must end for Palestinians, Israelis, and beyond. Violence begets violence, and we have seen alarming surges in anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments across the world. We must join hands in breaking this vicious cycle. Finally, Mr. President, on the latest regional escalation, the recent deadly attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi forces against civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping passing through the Red Sea are of great concern. These are in grave violation of international law and must cease immediately. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Iceland for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Mauritania.

In the name of God, most compassionate, most merciful. Mr. President, At the outset, I would like to thank Greece as President of the Council for this month for convening this important meeting. Mauritania reiterates once again its commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, in particular with regards to the settlement of conflict by peaceful means, such as mediation and good offices. We also reiterate our commitment to support all the just causes throughout the world, including the Palestinian question. Mr. President, the question of Palestine is the essence of the conflict in the Middle East and has been so for close to 80 years. We have experienced multiple crises and wars, and we continue to suffer the horrors of war and the impact of devastation and expanding conflict. The atrocities that have taken place in the occupied Palestinian territory, and in particular in Gaza during the last three years, have led to the martyrdom of more than 74,000 Palestinians and 175,000 have been injured, mostly women and children, in addition to tens of thousands of missing persons. And hundreds of thousands of displaced persons. Accordingly, the entire world has condemned this genocide that is unprecedented. In fact, voices within Israel have emerged, documenting these crimes and denouncing them. And perhaps the film "Nasa" directed by two Israeli directors, Yuval Ibrahim and Rashil Zook, is evidence to this wide condemnation. And the suffering continues to this day in Gaza and in the West Bank and in Jerusalem. And despite the immense efforts by the United States and Egypt and Qatar and Turkey to uphold the ceasefire in Gaza, as per Security Council resolution 2803 of November 2025, Israel has not committed to its implementation, and it has violated the ceasefire multiple times. The besieged Gaza Strip is suffering immensely. The number of martyrs in Palestine since the ceasefire has exceeded 1,500. and 5,000 injured persons. And Israel has expanded its targeted areas to include the West Bank and Jerusalem. And accordingly, we reiterate our call for the strict commitment to the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza and to operationalize a real ceasefire and resume efforts towards peace. Mr. President, Mauritania, condemns the settlement expansion and the confiscation of land, demolition of homes, and the forced displacement and increased settler violence, and the measures that aim to entrench old policies to displace the Palestinian people from their land. And in this context, We denounce Israel's declaration that it will begin plans to build thousands of housing units as per the E1 plan. The aim is to separate Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings. We're also witnessing incitement by Israeli officials. Mr. Gallant has announced that Palestinians are human animals that must be exterminated. And in this regard comes the Knesset's declaration of implementing the a death penalty against Palestinians, which is a violation against all customs and international law. And with regards to Jerusalem, my delegation reiterates its severe condemnation of the repeated excursions into the Haram al-Sharif under the protection of the occupying forces. And we reiterate once again that Al-Aqsa Mosque is strictly Islamic territory. Mr. President, Mauritania calls on the Security Council to uphold its responsibility and protect and support the Palestinian people and take the necessary measures to end the occupation and to guarantee the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Mauritania will continue to support the Palestinian struggle for freedom, independence, and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people as per international law and the UN resolutions. We condemn the continued Israeli aggression against Syria, including the encouragement and the detention of civilians and the destruction of agricultural land. and the entry of Israeli forces illegally, as well as the attacks against Lebanon from Syrian territory. These acts are a violation of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we call for the immediate cessation of these practices and the full withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the Syrian territory occupied recently, and also to fully implement the disengagement agreement and to implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular, Resolution 497, and to fully withdraw from the Syrian Golan. My delegation reiterates its firm support for Lebanese sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. And we call for a full implementation of Resolution 1701 of 2006, which remains the governing framework for the relations between Israel and Lebanon. In this context, we call on Israel to respect the tripartite framework of 2026 and end the aggression These two frameworks are the basis for the relations between Lebanon and Israel. Mr. President, with regards to humanitarian support, we reiterate once again the importance of UNRWA as a holder of a unique and indispensable mandate. We oppose all attempts to undermine the mandate, and we condemn the deliberate targeting of the Agency. UNRWA has suffered 394 victims from its own ranks through the conflict. We call on states to provide the necessary financial support to the UNRWA, and we call the donors who have begun to provide the support necessary. And we reiterate our call upon the international community, including this August Council, to uphold the responsibility to implement international humanitarian law and international human rights law and end the impunity. And we call further on the international community and the Security Council to uphold their responsibilities as per international law. And may the peace of God be upon you.

I thank the representative of Mauritania for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa.

Thank you, President. President, we thank the Hellenic Republic for convening this quarterly open debate on the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. It provides all UN Member States an opportunity to address the Council on a matter that lies at the core of resolving instability and insecurity in the region, and more importantly, allows for sustained attention and focus on the plight of the people of Palestine. President, the genocide in Gaza is continuing and the situation remains catastrophic, with continued killings, widespread devastation, mass displacement, and an unfolding humanitarian calamity that demands urgent and sustained international intervention. Securing unhindered humanitarian relief, restoring essential services, and advancing reconstruction remain a critical or remain critical priorities. The occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is witnessing an intensifying, well-orchestrated campaign of increasing illegal settlements, systematic land seizures, forced displacement, demolitions, and relentless violence facilitated by the Israeli state policy and military protection that can be described as entrenched impunity. The expansion of illegal settlements, particularly the strategically consequential E1 project, alongside sweeping movement restrictions, military closures, checkpoints and isolation of Palestinian villages, towns and communities, is deliberately severing territorial contiguity, and consolidating de facto annexation. Such actions violate international law, gravely undermine Palestine's right to self-determination, and jeopardizes the prospects for a just, durable, and negotiated peace. President, as conflagration of conflict persists in much of the region, we remain convinced that peace in the Middle East is contingent on the realization of the of Palestinian statehood and peaceful coexistence between Israel and its neighbors. Authoritative surveys in Gaza have concluded that 90% of the population face disruption in access to safe water and 94% of Gazan population require shelter and household assistance. These are not the conditions conducive to maintaining life in Gaza. We are alarmed by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the continuing violence affected civilians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. We must do all we can to ease the humanitarian situation and prevent its further deterioration of the situation facing people of Palestine throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, such as through unhindered humanitarian access at scale and preventing targeted killings, intimidation, violence, and displacement in Gaza and the West Bank. International solidarity must consequently translate into sustained political and appropriately targeted support that enables Palestinians to remain on their land, preserves the contiguity of their institutions, and strengthens their capacity to rebuild their society. President, South Africa has always advocated for an international system that is principled, predictable, and based on international law with the United Nations Charter at its center. We concur with the UN Secretary-General's vision of a model of power that redefines strength not as domination, but as the capability to create a future that benefits all humanity through upholding international law. However, Israel is practicing the opposite by undermining the most fundamental international laws, entrenching a culture of impunity, and eroding the foundations of the multilateral legal system. In this regard, the Palestinian people are still confronting an existential threat by enduring a continued genocide, despite the ceasefire endorsed by this Council, with continued death, destruction, displacement and deprivation. An estimated 1,400 Palestinians have been killed since the purported ceasefire in October 2025. While we welcome the increasing pressure from the UN member states on Israel to abide by international law, including through sanction measures, We must be clear that the 2024 International Court of Justice opinion on the legal consequences arising from policies and practices of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, concluded that, and I quote, "The Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and the regime associated with them have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law," close quotes. Israel is required to end this unlawful presence, halt all new settlement activity, and evacuate all settlers from the West Bank and East Jerusalem as soon as possible. Considering Israel's blatant disregard of international law, the international community must collectively reinforce Israel's obligation to adhere to international law. Without doing so, Israel will continue to act with impunity as it has done since 1948. President, it was the UN Secretary-General who reminded us that UNRWA is not merely a humanitarian agency. It is a living institutional embodiment of the Palestinian refugee question and the right of return. South Africa opposes any attempts to delegitimize UNRWA. UNRWA serves, as a central pillar of primary health care, vaccination and refugee services, and its weakening has contributed to widespread service gaps at the very moment when it is needed the most. South Africa reaffirms its full support for UNRWA's indispensable role in providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance and human development services. UNRWA is not an optional actor. It is a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees. President, the primacy of the UN Charter as the binding international framework cannot be made to exist as a discretionary reference. Hence, strengthening accountability through bodies such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court and mobilizing coordinated action to resist the normalization of exceptionalism in the use of force and governance arrangements remain critically imperative. South Africa reaffirms its commitment to peace in the Middle East and stands ready to share its experiences in peacebuilding, transitional justice, reconciliation, and is willing to assist in nation building efforts. In conclusion, we believe that any path towards alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people cannot be complete without ensuring the legitimate right to self-determination. South Africa will continue to support all efforts towards this goal so that Palestinians can live in peace and dignity in their homeland. I thank you.

I thank the representative of South Africa for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Armenia.

Mr. President, we congratulate Greece on assuming the presidency of the United Nations Security Council and express our gratitude for holding today's open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Armenia reiterates its firm commitment to the security and stability in the Middle East. The continued hostilities and tensions in the region have implications way beyond the region, affecting global trade, transport connectivity, and resulting in spillover of prices for critical goods with exacerbating impact for the most vulnerable. We are concerned on the human casualties and suffering, destruction of critical civilian infrastructure, and damage to the renowned world heritage sites. Armenia reaffirms its consistent support for resolving all disputes in the region exclusively through dialogue and negotiations. We are contributing to the security in the region and protection of conflict-affected population through providing humanitarian assistance, heritage protection, participation in peacekeeping missions, and post-conflict recovery initiatives. Mr. President, Armenia emphasizes the imperative of upholding the international humanitarian law and ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access, which is indispensable for achieving lasting peace. With regard to humanitarian issues, currently, children from Gaza are receiving treatment in Yerevan hospitals with the support of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and through cooperation with the WHO. We plan to continue this program. We condemn the attacks targeting our international airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which have resulted in civilian casualties, and express our solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Targeting of critical civilian infrastructure and facilities is unacceptable. Mr. President, we also emphasize the importance of ensuring the safety, security, and human rights of Christian communities in the region. As one of the world's oldest Christian nations, we attach particular significance to preserving the Christian heritage in the Holy Land. Armenia hopes that the historic status quo arrangements governing the Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and beyond will be fully respected as a cornerstone of interreligious harmony and peaceful coexistence. Armenia closely follows the situation in Lebanon and is sincerely interested in its stability and peace. As a long-standing partner of Lebanon, Armenia reaffirms its firm support for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity. Since 2014, Armenia has contributed to security efforts by participating in the UNIFIL mission with a peacekeeping contingent. And in July 2026, the Government of the Republic of Armenia has sent humanitarian consignment to the friendly people of Lebanon to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in the country. We reiterate Armenia's support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of friendly Syria. Armenia stands ready to contribute to post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, including by providing further humanitarian and medical assistance and by renewing humanitarian demining activities. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of Armenia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh.

Mr. President, Bangladesh thanks the Greek Presidency for convening this open debate and aligns itself with the statements delivered by NAM and OIC. Bangladesh has repeatedly and strongly condemned the genocide, devastation, and blatant violations of international law by Israel in Gaza. We are now deeply alarmed by the dangerous pattern of land confiscation, terror, and violence against the Palestinian population, and rampant settlement expansion and other illegal activities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in clear contravention of international law and UN resolutions. The objective of the Israeli authorities is clear: to wipe out the demographic and geographic character of Palestine. The deadlock in the Security Council enables Israel to operate with impunity. We urge the Council to act firmly and without further delay to halt the annexation, expansion of settlements, forced displacement and human rights violations by Israeli occupation forces and settler communities, and to ensure accountability. UNRWA's mandate is indispensable and must be respected and its vital humanitarian activities supported. Bangladesh stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable right to self-determination based on the two-state solution. We also urge the Council to recommend the admission of Palestine as a Member State of the United Nations. We reiterate our strong condemnation of Israeli attacks and its illegal occupation of Syria and Lebanon. As a country that has provided naval support to UNIFIL, We are concerned about the consequences of the termination of its mandate and reiterate the need for adequate UN presence in Lebanon and offer our support in that context. We are alarmed at the escalation of conflicts in other parts of the Middle East. We strongly condemn the deadly Houthi attacks on the airports in Saudi Arabia and the consequent civilian casualties, including migrant workers from Bangladesh. As a steadfast proponent of the culture of peace, we call on all States and parties to uphold the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law on the protection of civilians and to exercise maximum restraint to prevent a catastrophic escalation of conflict in the Middle East region. We call on the Security Council to uphold its own mandate and to ensure peace, security and respect for international law. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Bangladesh for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr. President, I thank you. Permit me at the outset to congratulate Greece on its assumption to the presidency and to wish you continued success in this role. Trinidad and Tobago further wishes to express its appreciation to Dr. Ramiz Alaghbarov acting special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, and resident and humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, for his invaluable updates of the situation on the ground provided. It is indeed regrettable that the glimmer of hope offered by the adoption of the comprehensive plan and resolution 2803 last year has been dimmed by the continued violence in the region. The disproportionate impact of this crisis on children remains particularly alarming. We call on all parties to fully comply with obligations under international law, including humanitarian law, and to further allow for unfettered humanitarian assistance to those in dire need. In the Strait of Hormuz, Trinidad and Tobago calls for free navigation in international waterways. As a maritime state and an import-dependent economy, we call for an end to all unprovoked and unjustifiable blockades and continued breaches of international law. Additionally, this chokepoint crisis has a food security face. As the UN continues to warn, a stalled Hamas fertilizer transit plan could trigger a food crisis that are not only Gulf problems. It lands in Caribbean's budgets and food shelves. We welcome Resolution 2803's architecture and the hostage returns as the first credible action since 2023. but access to aid is far below required levels, with over 1,400 killed during the ceasefire, with no reconstruction commencing. We call for full implementation of this resolution and the support of the Secretary-General's call to move to the next phase, with President Trump's Board of Peace assessing compliance as Resolution 2803 intended. President, the peaceful settlement of this protracted situation is long overdue. We are not bereft of ideas, agreements, plans, or frameworks. And whilst one can debate that this is easier to be said than done, the requirements remain constant. The primacy of diplomacy over military action, renewed impetus to dialogue in good faith, and sustained political will to honor commitments and the drive to alleviate suffering in recognition and respect for the dignity of each person. Trinidad and Tobago, like other member states here in this room, reiterates its support for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, with Israel and Palestine living side by side as equal and responsible members of the international community. As an incoming member of the Security Council, we look forward to a balanced, active and principled contribution on our end to your end. I thank you, President.

I thank the representative of Trinidad and Tobago for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Lebanon.

Mr. President, only three months ago, Lebanon had warned from this very rostrum of the consequences of Israel's failure to fulfill its responsibilities under the tripartite framework signed on the 26th of June 2026, owing to the efforts of the United States administration, to which we once again extend our gratitude. At the time, we had noted that Lebanon's engagement in these talks is grounded first in our respect for the mediation efforts, and second in the conviction of Lebanon and the Lebanese people that diplomacy is less costly than the wars that haven't brought about the desired security and stability over the past decades. What is happening today in Lebanon, particularly in South Lebanon, threatens to undermine the tripartite framework, the declaration of cessation of hostilities of 2024, and all Security Council resolutions, most notably Resolution 1701, which remains, in all its components, the primary framework governing relations between Lebanon and Israel. The pace of attacks has significantly increased by 38% in August compared to July. in addition to the increase in the systematic destruction of southern villages and towns, the burning of private property, forests, and agricultural lands, all in full view of this Council. Mr. President, we reaffirm Lebanon's commitment to the full implementation of the Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701, the Cessation of Hostilities Declaration of 2024, and the Tripartite Framework of 2026. We call upon the Council and its member states to compel Israel to respect and implement them in good faith. We clearly and unequivocally condemn all Israeli attacks and violations, including the occupation of Lebanese regions, the displacement of their inhabitants, and the establishment of security zones, in violation of the UN Charter, international law, and international humanitarian law, in what amounts, in many cases, to war crimes. Mr. President, The tripartite framework was built upon a clear and simple formula to contain the current conflict. It is based on reciprocity, gradual implementation, and the principle that steps must proceed in parallel, namely the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south alongside Israel's withdrawal. However, the success of any arrangement is not measured by declared intention, but by implementation. What is required today is to translate this framework into practical steps within a clear timetable, a verification mechanism that ensures implementation of all its provisions. The consolidation of Lebanon's sovereignty necessitates Israel's withdrawal from all occupied areas and ending its aggression, extending the authority of the Lebanese state over all its territory through its own capabilities and restricting weapons to the state institutions. Mr. President, in light of the current developments on the ground, we believe that this Council, pursuant to its responsibilities under the Charter, must reassess the situation, particularly given the changes since 2 March. Lebanon never believed that UNIFIL, regardless of the importance of its role, would remain in South Lebanon indefinitely. And UNIFIL cannot replace What the Lebanese government can offer in terms of guarantees for regional security and stability? But who will assume the tasks of coordination, monitoring, verification, and reporting starting the end of the year? If a vacuum occurs, will it serve stability in the region? Accordingly, postponing the termination of UNIFIL's mandate for a defined period appears today to be the most realistic option given operational complexities. Lebanon remains open to dialogue with the Council and its Member States in order to establish arrangements suited to existing circumstances and the ensuing requirements. If we are to look optimistically to the near future, we reaffirm our determination to engage with you seriously to reach a new UN formula that would enable the above-mentioned tasks of coordination, monitoring, verification and reporting, in addition to other components such as engineering, the removal of explosive remnants of war and naval force. in addition to strengthening the role of the Resident Coordinator's Office in Lebanon in a manner that would ensure complementarity between this UN force and the tripartite framework and other bilateral efforts aiming at strengthening the capabilities of the Lebanese army and security institutions, taking into account the concerns of all relevant parties, leading ultimately to the full implementation of Resolution 1701. This is our proposal, which stems from our understanding of the security, political, and military on the ground. It takes into account the concerns of all parties, both inside and outside the Council. We reiterate the need to avoid a vacuum that would serve no one, if the intentions are genuine and if words are coupled with deeds. Mr. President, amid the dangerous geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, We are following with concern the escalating attacks against the Arab Gulf states, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We renew our full solidarity with the Kingdom and strongly condemn the Houthi attacks against it, including the recent attacks on Abha International Airport and the King Khalid International Airport in the capital, Riyadh. We fully support all measures taken by the Kingdom to defend its citizens, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We also express our deep concern over developments in the occupied Palestinian territories. We condemn settlement projects, particularly the E1 project, which continues to expand, divides the West Bank, isolates East Jerusalem, and obstructs the implementation of the two-state solution. Lebanon renews its rejection of any attempt to liquidate the Palestinian cause or impose partial or unilateral solutions. Lebanon remains committed to the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 as a comprehensive and just framework that guarantees Palestinian rights, ends the occupation, and ensures security and peace for all the peoples of the region. Lebanon emphasizes the indispensable role of UNRWA in providing humanitarian, educational, health, and social services to Palestinian refugees. Lebanon condemns all acts that violate the sanctity of UNRWA premises and its personnel. On another level, Lebanon welcomes the positive developments in the Syrian Arab Republic at the judicial and institutional levels as the country advances towards recovery and reconstruction. This includes closing the nuclear non-compliance file, the announcement of the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the ongoing integration process, the operationalization of the oversight role of the People's Assembly, preparations for parliamentary and presidential elections during the remainder of the transitional period. We also condemn Israeli attacks and incursions into Syrian territory. We call for compelling Israel to respect the 1974 disengagement agreement and to withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan pursuant to Security Council resolution 497. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of Lebanon for the statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.