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

The 10,243rd 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 representatives of Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Egypt, Finland, Iceland, India, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, the Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, the Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and Vietnam to participate in this 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. Amiza Akbarov, acting special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, United Nations resident and humanitarian coordinator, to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. In accordance with Rule 39 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, I also invite the following to participate in this meeting: His Excellency Mr. Osama Mahmoud Abdelhakheh Mahmoud, Permanent Observer of the League of the Arab States to the United Nations; His Excellency Mr. Pedapala Nanda, Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people and His Excellency Mr. Stavros Labrinidis, Head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations. It is so decided. I now give the floor to Mr. Ramiz Al-Akbarov.

Madam President, members of the Security Council, last week we commemorated three years since the horrific terror attack Of 7 October 2023 and the subsequent start of the devastating war in Gaza. Countless lives have been lost, where the work of the change almost destroyed communities, shattered. As we mark this green milestone, Palestinians and Israelis deserve more than short-term fixes. They deserve a credible path to peace and finally an end to this conflict. But they cannot do it alone. The international community must move beyond words and take concrete actions to ensure the future of security and dignity of the people of Northern Cyprus. It is time to return to a genuine peace process. Madam President, recently we also marked another anniversary, one year since the ceasefire was declared in August. While some progress has been made, the situation remains extremely fragile. Israeli military operations continued in this period, causing some 1,500 Palestinian fatalities, including more than 320 children and 140 women since the ceasefire came into effect, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza. During my visit to Gaza on Saturday, I witnessed that Palestinians living along the yellow line For them, the ceasefire exists in name only. In Shuja'iya, I met families from a community of some 950 households, including women, children, and elderly, living in fear. Women told me that they had not experienced 40 consecutive minutes of shooting over their land in a year. Their most basic request was for safety, yet many have nowhere else to go. Families throughout Gaza continue to live in squalid conditions in worn-out tents, overcrowded displacement sites, and severely damaged buildings, with water and sanitation systems devastated. Most of Gaza still lives in darkness. The absence of privacy and safe living conditions leave women and girls increasingly exposed to protection risks, including exploitation, abuse. As winter approaches, time is running out. An estimated 950,000 people are living in areas with medium or high risk of flooding. More than 4,000 buildings in which people have sought shelter are at risk of collapse. We are working with communities to evacuate these unsafe buildings, but with the few alternatives available, families are often left with little more relatively little more than a tent. I spoke to a man in tears as he watched his family home being demolished, the home he had spent his entire life working to build. The impossible choice facing many families. Leave the homes they have returned to or remain in a building at risk of collapse, knowing they may pay with their lives. For the fourth consecutive year, restrictions on the entry of essential equipment, spare parts, engine oil, and other supplies continue to impede humanitarian and recovery efforts. With the onset of El Nino, severe winter storms and floodings are expected. We know what is needed to prepare, but lack of essential materials and equipment to act at scale is required. Humanitarian access must be expanded and predictable. Restrictions on essential and critical items classified by Israel as dual use need to be lifted, and adequate resources need to be mobilized. The operational environment, conditions for commerce and transparency must improve on the ground as well. Protection of civilians. including humanitarian personnel and commercial actors, must cease. People in Gaza must not be forced to endure another winter without safe shelter and basic services. As I drove away from Gaza, I saw children carrying blue UNICEF backpacks. Amid the devastation, this small sight moved me to tears. Despite everything these children have, 564,000 have been enrolled in temporary learning spaces. My heartfelt thanks to UNICEF and our education cluster partners. Thank you for making this possible. Children in Gaza, like children everywhere, want to learn. They still hold on to the hope of a future. We must not let them lose that too. Emergency assistance alone is not enough. Sustainable recovery and political progress must advance together. We need a single, coherent, transparent aid architecture in Gaza, bringing together all stakeholders under a mutual accountability framework. Palestinian ownership and leadership is imperative. Established coordination mechanisms must be preserved and fully utilized. The role of operational independence of the humanitarian system led by the United Nations must be respected as we work collectively to advance the recovery that Gaza so desperately needs. Madam President, there is no time to lose. Continued paralysis risks hardening the status quo into a permanent reality. Each day without movement towards recovery amplifies security, sanitation, and health risks. This will not remain confined to Gaza. They will only-- and they will make the eventual work of rebuilding Gaza that much harder. I welcome the continued efforts to break the deadlock and implementing Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted in the year 2025. The comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict must be implemented in full, with all parties abiding by its terms. This includes the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, the withdrawal of Israel forces from the Strip, and the deployment of an international stabilization force. A national committee for the administration of Gaza must be enabled to assume its transitional governance responsibility, working in coordination with the Palestinian Authority and other relevant partners. Civil society, including women and youth organization, must be enabled to deliver. Equally, all stakeholders must create the conditions to enable the private sector to operate effectively as a key component for Gaza recovery. These arrangements must contribute to the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under a single legitimate Palestinian government. Madam President, The situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues to deteriorate. Israeli military operations, rampant and unchanged settler violence, Palestinian attacks, Israelis' displacement and movement restrictions are taking place and are taking an increasingly severe toll. Settlers' violence continues at extremely high levels, with daily attacks on Palestinians. often in presence of their homes and other property, often in presence of Israeli forces. The annual olive harvest remains a target of systematic settler attacks, and this year is no exception, with attacks already recorded as the harvest begins. While Israeli authorities arrested several perpetrators, the vast majority has not been held accountable. Israeli authorities must do more to protect Palestinians against violence and intimidation, ensure safe access to their land, and hold perpetrators accountable. Palestinian attacks against Israelis must also cease. Settlement expansion has also continued at an alarming rate. On the 28th September, Israeli Attorney General determined that 19 October is the deadline for bidding on tenders for settlement unions in the area E1, while tenders now could only be awarded after the 27 October election date. I call on the Israeli authorities to cease all settlement activity in accordance with their obligations under international law. On 9 October, Palestinian President Abbas issued a decree postponing the legislative elections that had been scheduled for 28 November. They are now scheduled to take place together with presidential elections on 11 September 2027. The announcement has caused deep frustration for many Palestinians who, once again, face delays in electing their representatives. Elections will be crucial in renewing Palestinian national institutions and allowing Palestinians to realize their democratic aspirations. The United Nations will continue to support the Palestinian Central Election Commission, as requested, to ensure the technical preparations are in place when elections are held. Madam President, in my briefing to this Council, I have tried to give a realistic picture of the situation on the ground. Today, I feel obliged to sound the alarm. In Gaza, desperation is palpable. One year after the ceasefire, too many people have seen little or no improvement in their lives. This frustration cannot build indefinitely. The risk of return to war has never been higher. This must be avoided at all costs. The West Bank is also at a boiling point. Palestinians face constant threats to their safety and livelihoods. communities are forcibly driven into ever more populated areas, eroding the territorial basis of a future sovereign Palestinian state. Madam President, the choice before us is clear. The ceasefire in Gaza must become the foundation for genuine recovery and a durable political settlement. The unlawful occupation must end across the occupied Palestinian territory. During the General Assembly's high-level week, the international community reaffirmed its sustained support to a two-state solution. This support must be translated into coordinated, concrete measures on the ground. Resolution 2803, a comprehensive plan, the New York Declaration, and the Global Alliance provide complementary elements for an international framework that can move us down to a more constructive path. We must integrate these instruments in pursuit of our collective goal: two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. I thank you, Madam President, and the Council members for your attention.

I thank Mr. Al-Aqbarov for his briefing. I now give the floor to the representative of the observer State of Palestine.

Thank you, Madam President. Allow me at the outset to thank you for organizing this meeting, and also to thank Acting Special Coordinator Alakbarov for his briefing and efforts. Madam President, we suffer from an incurable disease called hope. Hope for liberation and independence, hope for a normal life in which we will be neither heroes nor victims. These are the words of Mahmoud Darwish. And they speak to the deepest aspiration of our people to live simply and freely on their land, the land of their ancestors. Madam President, I remember vividly the aftermath of October 7, 2023 here in the United Nations. I remember the unequivocal condemnations of the attacks carried out by Hamas by the Council members and by many member states. and the immediate calls for the release of all hostages, Israeli hostages. On 11 October, four days later, Arab ministers met. By that time, four days later, 1,100 Palestinians had already been killed. The Arab foreign ministers condemned the killing and targeting civilians on both sides, rejected acts contrary to international humanitarian law, and called for the release of civilians, prisoners, and detainees. There was condemnation. There was recognition of suffering. There was empathy for Israeli victims. I also remember what some colleagues, even friends, told me. Israel has to defend itself. Israel will do whatever is necessary. And unfortunately, many innocent Palestinians would have to die, be killed. I search my memory. Had anyone ever told us, following a massacre of Palestinians, that we had the right to do whatever is necessary, that Israeli civilian death would be an inevitable and acceptable consequence? Never. Not once before October 7, not once since, not when 10,000 Palestinians were killed, not when 20,000, not when 50,000, not when 70,000 Palestinians were killed. If violence is an impasse, as we are often told, and we believe it is, how can Israeli militarism and brutal violence be justified while Palestinian pacifism is demanded? One people's right to security would supersede another people's right to life? And the people under occupation would have to subscribe to this supremacist thesis to demonstrate they are willing to make peace. Madam President, Israel decided to squander this empathy through the mass indiscriminate killing of Palestinians, including children. 22,000 Palestinian children have been killed, including more than 1,000 babies. 600 babies were born and died during the Israeli onslaught on Gaza. It is the only thing they experienced. When Israelis were killed, their humanity was never in question. When Palestinians were killed, we saw debates over numbers, their innocence was questioned, the characterization of their death became a subject of endless controversy. Instead of mobilizing to prevent genocide, some devoted their energies to arguing that Israel could never be accused of genocide, regardless how many Palestinians it killed. Israeli spokespersons reminded the world that 1,200 Israelis killed would be equivalent proportionally to 45,000 Americans. At least 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza directly, probably much more. Proportionally, the equivalent would be 11 million Americans, over 2 million French or Brits. Entire multi-generational families were wiped from the face of the earth. Others were forced to keep running for their lives, with no time to mourn their loss, searching for food, water, and shelter amid the ruins of their homes. And still, to this day, they are not given the right to mourn and recover. 92% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged. 92%. All of Gaza. Israeli leaders have made statements leaving little doubt about their intentions. Netanyahu has spoken of a population with nowhere to return by design. Smotrich boasted that Israel wiped out Gaza. threatened similar devastation in Lebanon and acted upon it. Are we expected to pretend we cannot hear these statements, that we cannot see what is happening? Madam President, we warned of the massacres to come, of the objectives of forced displacement and annexation. What was our response? We sought protection, not justification of violence, whether legitimate or illegitimate. We sought justice, not vengeance. We sought recognition of our state, not the erasure of another. We sought a ceasefire, not weapons. Yet we are the ones asked to prove our commitment to peace. When Palestinian security forces killed no Israeli in this existential battle for our people. And we accepted the two-state solution. And tried to avoid the trap of violence before us. While Israel was doing everything to destroy the Palestinian state and continues to do so, and while it killed and continues to kill so many Palestinians, we should accept to sit in the accused seat? What exactly are Palestinians expected to do? Wait for the next bomb, for soldiers or settlers to attack their homes and children, pray that they might survive? one attack after another. The Israeli government is creating the conditions for despair and confrontation while closing avenues for peaceful redress. No people should be expected to live with their occupier holding the power of life and death over them. International protection is long overdue, and there is no justification that our people are still awaiting for it. Madam President, One million Palestinians have been arrested by Israel since the onset of the question of Palestine. Over 10,000 remain today in Israeli jails, half of them without charge. Palestinians face the Israeli military justice system where they are presumed guilty, can be abused, tortured, raped, subject to collective punishment, and impunity for crimes against them. Israel can kill any Palestinian without need for evidence. that can even kill their families, their neighbors, their neighbors' neighbors. We have seen what this meant for families wiped from the face of the earth. For doctors, Dr. Adnan El-Burj died in Israeli detention after torture and sexual abuse. Dr. Hussam Abu Safia remains detained to this day. For journalists killed while Israel restricts international media access for Gaza so they cannot support their Palestinian colleagues and shed even more light on this reality. It's easier for Israel to attack Palestinian journalists than international journalists. For humanitarian workers and UN personnel attacked, killed while trying to save lives. And when Palestinians seek international accountability and justice, they face retaliation. Are we to accept that we have no right to defend ourselves? No right to seek protection? no right to pursue justice, that dying is the only right left to us, and if possible, could we do it silently? Who among you would accept these terms for your own people? We have been reasonable beyond reason, but we cannot surrender our humanity, our rights, or our future to the power occupying and oppressing us. That is not how peace is achieved. That is how we go extinct. Madam President, we are grateful to all those mobilizing to save Palestine and advance peace. We are grateful to the mediators, to the co-chairs of the International Conference, Saudi Arabia and France, and all the other co-chairs that led to the historic New York Declaration, to the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, other initiatives, the Hague Group, and all countries undertaking political, legal, humanitarian, and economic initiatives to end occupation and achieve just peace. We are grateful to the millions around the world mobilizing for Palestinian life and Palestinian freedom. These efforts must continue. They must grow stronger before it is too late. The changes in public perception and public opinion, including in this country, are a game changer. and people will not unsee what they have seen. Madam President, in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed over three years. Approximately 6,000 settler attacks have occurred since the beginning of this year. Settlers and soldiers wreak havoc, often acting together. Netanyahu dismisses perpetrators as a handful of juvenile delinquents, delinquents because killing Palestinians is not a crime. Then why does Israel not stop them? Who armed them? Who protects them? Who ensures their impunity for their crimes? This is not an isolated aberration. It is a policy of displacement and replacement, consolidating control and entrenching annexation. President Trump warned against annexation. The overwhelming majority of member states condemned it. Yet Israel pursues it every day, including in E1, the ultimate red line. Israel already controls two-thirds of the West Bank, two-thirds of Gaza, and it is telling you all it intends to control more, and has made 87% of East Jerusalem not off-limits for Palestinians, for Palestinians from Jerusalem, off-limits for Palestinians from Jerusalem, when Jerusalem is off-limits for all other Palestinians in the occupied territory. We welcome sanctions and measures already adopted, but they must genuinely be of a nature to deter violations and reverse annexation. This is the measuring stick by which we will decide if we are serious or not. What we ask is simple. These are obligations. No arms to kill us. No trade that fuels plunder. No impunity for crimes against us. No money sustaining illegal occupation. No businesses and banks contributing to it. No embassy moves covering annexation. No assistance or complicity in the destruction of our lives. Madam President, we welcome the ceasefire agreement. And I repeat what I said then. Without President Trump, there would have been no ceasefire agreement. Israeli families know they owe the release of Israeli hostages, alive and dead, to his efforts. They cheered his name and booed Netanyahu, as they knew he was an obstacle to the agreement, and he remains one. We recognize the role of mediators and the board of peace, and we have no intention of belittling the efforts undertaken until now. But recognizing these efforts cannot require us to ignore the reality on the ground. More than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire, including more than 300 children. One Palestinian child killed every day. Would anyone consider a ceasefire respected if 1,400 Israelis had been killed? 140? 14? If Israeli children were being killed every day? We will not accept to be treated as a lesser people, and no one should demand us to do so. We acknowledge the significant reduction in killing and the lives saved, but what comfort is that to a mother who managed by some miracle to keep her child alive under the bombs for so long, and when she thought he was finally safe, she had to bury that child? Our people deserve more than survival amid ruins, amid the remains of their loved ones that they continue being prevented from retrieving, continue being denied the ability to offer them dignified burial. I heard Israeli representatives say how barbaric it is to deprive families of burying their loved ones, when Israel has sometimes detained Palestinian bodies for 30 years. until today, it's not allowing the equipment we need to retrieve the killed and to discover who are the missing ones that we were unable to retrieve. Israel has obstructed the board of peace at every turn, seeking to maintain control, to be able to pursue displacement, annexation, and the liquidation of Palestine. If it was not for this obstruction, the situation could have been dramatically improved over the last year. and Palestinians could have been spared unnecessary suffering. But their suffering is an integral part of the Israeli plan. It is essential to its completion. Madam President, we supported the ceasefire plan and the Security Council resolution endorsing it because they embodied fundamental principles: no bloodshed, no occupation, no annexation, no forcible displacement, reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority with one government, one law, one gun, and a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. These principles are at the heart of the plan and of the Board of Peace mandate. All its actions need to be consistent with these principles. Yet Israel opposes every one of them. So how did it agree to the plan? Well, it has its own plan. It seeks to exploit disarmament and Palestinian Authority reforms as indefinite conditions for obstruction to explain why the plan will never be implemented and we will never get to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. When an unhoped for roadmap on the implementation of the plan emerged, what was Israel's reaction? Israel rejected it and tried to sabotage it because it entailed food withdrawal from Gaza. If it was truly seeking disarmament, it should have welcomed this breakthrough. The same applies to Palestinian reforms. Moving towards a purely needs-based social protection program is suffered as an injustice by many families who have suffered tremendous loss. Prioritizing curriculum reform is difficult to explain. while children have no schools to go to because their schools were destroyed, or are studying in makeshift tents, or face attacks by Israeli settlers and occupation forces. And yet, these reforms were conducted, in an effort to move forward, in an effort to find a way out. Israel dismisses them, and demands 100% Palestinian compliance, despite its own systematic breaches. If Israel wanted an explosion in the West Bank, what would it do differently? Destroying refugee camps, terrorizing communities, incitement, mass arbitrary arrest, prisoner abuse, violating historic status quo at the Christian and Muslim holy sites, withholding tax revenues. We have not paid the salaries, the equivalent of salaries for most of our employees for 15 months of salaries. You tell me which of your countries would have a standing government today without paying the equivalent of 15 months of salaries to people. Destroying livelihoods, uprooting centuries-old olive trees that are not only a source of income for Palestinian families, but are part of the history and identity of the land they claim to love. Undermining the Palestinian Authority. These are conditions for collapse and chaos, not reform, stability, or peace. And Israel believes collapse of the PA, chaos, and continued suffering in Gaza and fear in the West Bank will provide the perfect environment to finalize its plans to remove Palestinians and annex the land. What an illegal, immoral, misguided plan. Madam President, Palestinian self-determination is a peremptory norm of international law. It cannot suffer any derogation or depend on the occupying power's will and whims. No nations represented here would accept an examination designed and graded by its colonizer as a condition for independence. Israel demands reforms while obstructing them, disarmament while its occupation forces continue killing, and while it continues arming settlers. Security while denying ours. Guarantees for its state while destroying our state. Assurances for itself from the people. It is devastating. This is not peace. It is permanent subjugation. Madam President, if Israel rejects two states, and they've been quite vocal about it, they reject the Palestinian state, what do they propose exactly? Certainly one state with equal rights? I don't think so. I think we all have reasons to doubt that. So what are the alternatives? Kill Palestinians? Genocide? Remove them forcibly? Ethnic cleansing? Subjugate them forever? Apartheid? Annexation cannot be justified by the need for security. Not in Palestine, not in Lebanon, not in Syria, not anywhere. or borders would be meaningless and wars would be permanent. Madam President, our region is rich in diversity. It is its blessing that some people want to turn into its curse. Its peoples, its religions, its cultures, its civilizations. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths, but it becomes a vulnerability when differences are deliberately exploited to divide us. And some forces in the region believe that they can draw power from these divisions. This is also true in Israel, where its leaders appear convinced that the more divided our region becomes, the more indispensable Israel will be. That the weaker its neighbors, the stronger its own position. That the greater the turmoil, the less it will be called upon to answer for its actions. Stocking the flames of division then presenting itself as the only protection against the fire. Israel always claims that the region is one war away from peace before moving to the next war. The truth is we may be one peace away from peace. Peace starts in Palestine. Peace starts with Palestine. We are either sovereign states equal in rights and duties, sharing security and prosperity, or warring parties forever. Europe faced this choice 80 years ago. It chose to learn from tragedy, not keep repeating it. Madam President, we bear a historic responsibility not to transform a solvable political conflict into an eternally religious conflict. The followers of any faith cannot be held responsible for the actions of a state or a group, nor can their faith be used by perpetrators of crimes to shield themselves from accountability. Our responsibility is not to pass on our wounds or exploit them to perpetuate hatred, but to heal them so future generations need not endure them. We must pursue peace out of humanity, common sense, or out of selfishness for ourselves, for our children. If after the last three years, people remain unconvinced this is the only way forward and we must give it our all, we are doomed. Occupation must end. Aspiration at domination, supremacy, annihilation of the other must be abandoned. Shared peace, security, and prosperity must be achieved. Madam President, the Palestinian people are a proud and able nation. Long before the Nakba, they built cities, cultural institutions, cinemas and radio houses contributed to arts and development across the region and made Palestine a transport hub. After the Nakba and while still in refugee tents, they prioritized education. Look at history, 80 years later, back in tents, trying to provide education for Palestinian children. They became a remarkably educated people and Palestinian teachers played a key role across the region They continue to display extraordinary creativity, entrepreneurship, determination in Palestine and in exile. They keep rebuilding their homes, their communities, their lives, regardless how many times they are destroyed. But no people should be expected to rebuild everything only to see it destroyed again, generation after generation. We pride ourselves on Palestinian sumud, resilience. But it is unfair to demand endless resilience from a people who have suffered so greatly, instead of finally allowing them to simply live, live and let live. We suffer from an incurable disease called hope. Hope for liberation and independence. Hope for a normal life in which we will be neither heroes nor victims. Israel believes it is its greatest enemy, this hope. Because it makes us refuse to surrender our country. But the reality is we need Palestinians to have hope that there is a peaceful path leading to this normal life they are entitled to, that they seek, and that they are finally able to live. The despair Israel sustains is the greatest danger. Palestinian existence and freedom are not a threat to peace. Denying them is. And thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the observer state of Palestine, and I now give the floor to the representative of Israel.

Thank you, Madam President. First, I would like to thank Mr. Al-Aqbarawi for his briefing. Madam President, in 12 days, over 7 million voters will cast their ballots in Israel's elections. this morning, even I cast my ballot at our mission. But today, we must address an alarming reality. We have seen the report that Iran, Hezbollah, and other extremists in our region are conspiring to take advantage of the election period in Israel. It doesn't matter if it's a provocative ballistic missile exercise, a cyber attack, or a disinformation campaign, we are issuing a clear warning. Anyone who attempts to pose a threat or attack Israel will face devastating consequences. Madam President, this threat of extremism -- that's what I will be focusing today -- extremism is nothing new. Israel has faced it before. Last week, Israel marked three years since October 7th. On that day, Hamas murdered mothers in front of their children, beheaded babies, and burned entire families alive. Hamas killed 1,200 people in cold blood, injured thousands more, and kidnapped 251 men, women, children, babies, and elderly into Gaza. For three years, we repeated those numbers in this Council. We wanted every member to understand what Israel experienced. We hoped this Council would finally address this vicious terrorist entity and designate Hamas as a terrorist organization. Clearly, nothing happened. Three years later, Hamas is actively terrorizing the people of Gaza. Its arms and tunnels are still in use. The ideology behind October 7 remains alive. Madam President, Three years later, it is worth remembering what happens when the ideology of extremism is being implemented. The Tassa family story from October 7th is one of many painful examples. O-Tassa was the eldest of four children, and that morning, like every Saturday, he went to the beach to surf. He was surfing with friends at the Zikim Beach, when tens of Hamas terrorists emerged from the sea. Beautiful, quiet Shabbat in Israel. O hid in a bathroom and called his mother, Sabine. The last sounds she heard were gunshots and screams of Allahu Akbar. O was murdered at point blank range. The Tassa family nightmare was only beginning. They live in a small community, it's called Netiva HaAsara, very peaceful community. The people there believed in peace, prayed for peace, worked for peace with the people in Gaza for many decades, but Hamas had no interest in peace. When the terrorists invaded Netiv HaAsara, Oren's father Gil carried his kids, 12-year-old Koren and 8-year-old Shai, into the safe room. Still barefoot and undressed, he took his personal pistol and stood in front of the doorway to protect his family. Eventually, he could no longer defend himself, so he returned to the safe room with Koren and Shai. But the terrorists didn't stop. They kept going house to house, shooting anything that moved. The terrorists finally reached the Tassa home. They found the safe room and threw grenades inside. Gil, the father, understood that he had nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, so he made the ultimate sacrifice. He told Koren and Shai he loved them. He covered the grenade with his body, and he was killed instantly. Gil was not a soldier. He was a civilian, believed in peace, believed in coexistence, a father who wanted to protect his children. He saved them, but they were badly injured. Koren and Shai ran out of the safe room bleeding, where the terrorists were waiting for them. They dragged them into the kitchen while they cried and begged them to stop. Koren tended to his brother's shattered wounds, dropped to the floor, and cried out, "Why am I alive? Our father is dead." This profound human suffering did not bother the terrorists. As if nothing happened, the terrorists opened the refrigerator, took out a half-empty bottle of Coca-Cola, and drank it. in front of the children. This is not a story I heard. Hamas documented all of this and posted it live on social media. We will remember Gil and Or Tassa. We will remember what Koren, Shai, and Zohar and Sabine endured. Their lives were changed forever by an ideology that sees murder as a virtue and coexistence as a threat. This was one story. There are hundreds of more stories just like it. Three years later, this Council must ask itself, "Is that ideology being dismantled, or are you allowing it to spread?" Madam President, One year ago, we thought we put this dark period behind us. Exactly one year ago, all our living hostages came home. But while Israel worked in good faith toward building a better future, Hamas did not keep its end of the deal. They stalled, they delayed, they deceived. Every month, we come to this council. We hear your concerns about the humanitarian situation, about the dual-use items. about the shelter preparation. I met with Mr. Albakarov, you know, a few weeks ago about all those issues. But let's be honest, let's be clear. If we keep discussing these concerns while ignoring the main issue, we will keep coming back here talking in circles, and we won't go anywhere. Hamas must disarm. Over the last few months, Israel has recorded hundreds of Hamas ceasefire violations. They have been gathering intelligence, planting explosives in public areas, and coordinating their next attack. This week, Israel documented Hamas military activity at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Jabalia. The same Hamas from October 7th is still in Gaza. Hamas leaders, like Oussama Hamdan, are announcing publicly that they will not implement the 20-point plan. Nearly a year ago, I was here at this chair. The Council adopted Resolution 2803. Maybe you forgot on what you voted on. I will remind you. Point number one, number one of the 20-point plan says, and I quote, "Gaza will be de-radicalized." terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors. Point number one, this Council agreed there can be no future for Gaza while Hamas remains armed and committed to destroying Israel. Madam President, radicalization is not just a problem in Gaza. It is a challenge facing our entire region. In the Middle East, there is a clear line. On one side, There are countries that confront radical ideology and refuse to let it dictate their future. On the other side, there are countries that allow extremists to arm themselves, take power, and drag entire nations into conflict. You either draw the line against extremism or you watch the radicals take over. Countries like Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia took steps to contain these radical elements. But in other places, countries like Syria, Lebanon, we see what's happening with Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, what they are doing, disrupting global shipping in the Red Sea. Over there, the radicals dictate the reality. No gray area. Either you have law and order, or you have chaos. That brings me to the Palestinian Authority. I have listened to you very carefully, Mr. Bamiya. But let me ask you, esteemed colleagues, where would you place the Palestinian Authority? In which part? The part that confront the radicals? for the party that is too weak to confront the radicals. Today, where would you put them? Can it hold the line against extremism, or is it too weak to prevent radicals from crossing it? This is the same PA that lost elections to Hamas in Gaza in 2006. Let me remind you what happened. We left Gaza completely in 2005. We dismantled the communities, you call them settlements, We took out the entire Jewish communities, all the military bases, even the cemeteries we uprooted, and we gave the keys to the people in Gaza. They decided to have elections a year later. And when they had the election, Hamas won and took over Gaza. They threw all the PA leaders off the rooftops. So we were not surprised when the PA announced on Friday that they postponed their elections again. Mahmoud Abbas will continue his four-year term that began in 2005, more than 20 years ago. Many countries -- France, the UK, Australia, Canada, the EU -- quickly condemned this announcement from Friday. But the Palestinian Authority, they blamed the delay on Israel. But let's be honest, we all know what is the real reason that there will be no elections in the PA. They fear Hamas would win these elections, just like the last one in 2006. And there are a reason for that. Mahmoud Abbas and the PA know these could be their last elections in Ramallah, exactly like what happened in Gaza. And what will happen then in Judea and Samaria? Exactly what happened in Gaza. They should ask themselves how they got to this point. How they are afraid to lose the elections to Hamas. But we know the answer. The PA own schools are teaching its children the same radical Hamas ideology, even in kindergartens. Palestinian children should not be taught that Israel has no right to exist. They should not be taught that terrorism will bring them victory. And they should not be taught that the Palestinian future will be built on the ruins of the State of Israel. The Palestinian Authority cannot claim to promote peace while paying hundreds of millions of dollars to those who murder Israeli civilians. You spoke, Mr. Bami, about payments for government officials, but how much money you paid for terrorists in the last six months? Mahmoud Abbas said it clearly that he will put a priority to pay for the families and for the terrorists before anything else. The PA must confront these radical elements, not let them fester. That is the only way to build a better future. Madam President, Let there be no doubt that Israel still faces threats from this radical ideology. Two weeks ago, FlyDubai flight 1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Among the 174 passengers on board were Israelis returning home to commemorate October 7th. As the plane approached Israel, the copilot attacked the captain and tried to take control of the aircraft. He wanted to crash it into Ben Gurion Airport. He planned it in advance. He wanted to kill everyone on board and thousands more on the ground. It wasn't a mechanical failure. It wasn't a fight in the cockpit. It was a 9/11-style terrorist attack. The aircraft plunged 14,000 feet in 30 seconds. Part of the plane's tail ripped off. It looked like certain disaster. But unlike October 7th, this story had a different ending. Injured and bleeding out, the brave captain was able to open the cockpit door. Passengers rushed forward, disarmed the terrorists, and saved the plane. An Israeli plumber, Yaniv Hayoun, pulled the plane out of its dive. He learned how to do this from watching air crash investigations on TV. We pray for the full recovery of the hero Indian pilot, Captain Samit Machar. We salute the courage of the captain and everyone who stood up. This incident should alarm this Council. Radicalization does not respect borders. It can begin far from the place where its consequences are ultimately felt. The radicalization of the FlyDubai copilot did not begin in the Middle East. It actually began in Australia. He watched online extremist content in Australia. He was inspired from Al-Qaeda September 11th attack. This council now faces the same choice as the passengers on the plane. You either let an ideology that glorifies death win, or you fight to protect life. Madam President, to conclude, our vision for the Middle East is not defined only by the threats we face. It is defined by the future we wish to build. Look at the Abraham Accords. Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and other regional partners have shown that cooperation is possible. The extremists want to destroy the possibility of a different Middle East. They tried on October 7th, and they tried again in the cockpit of the Fly Dubai plane. But neither attack will determine our future. We will not forget what happened on October 7th, not three years later, not 30 years later. We will keep working to achieve peace while standing up to the radicals in our region. Israel will not accept any distraction or maneuver to leave Hamas in place. Now the Council must do its part, designate Hamas, sanction Hamas, don't allow terrorism and radicals to dictate the future of our region. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of Israel for the statement. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. I give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Acting Special Coordinator Lockbrough, for your briefing. Nearly one year ago, this Council, through Resolution 2803, endorsed President Trump's 20-point comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. This is the only blueprint for a stable, safe, and prosperous Middle East. The Board of Peace demonstrated the wisdom of this Council's endorsement at the high-level briefing held on September 23 during High-Level Week. A year ago, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza did not exist. Today, its commissioners are appointed, trained, and its staff are ready to take responsibility. The International Stabilization Force troops are preparing to deploy. Donors have committed $18 billion, and the Board of Peace has launched a six-month, $2.45 billion program across 66 projects. Gaza cannot afford to return to scattered efforts that have failed in the past. We urge all UN agencies, NGOs, and donors to align behind one plan. Success, however, depends on Hamas decommissioning its weapons. Hamas committed to disarm in October of 2025 and again when accepted the Board of Peace's roadmap. Now it must follow through without delay. The international community must pressure Hamas to ensure that every weapon is accounted for and every tunnel and weapons depot is decommissioned or destroyed. Nothing will be taken on trust. Objective parties must verify each and every step. Gaza cannot rebuild while Hamas retains the ability to plunge it back into violence and chaos. Hamas will have no future role in Gaza's governance. The Palestinian Authority also has commitments. It must end financial and ideological support for terrorism, abandon its push for unilateral recognition, and enact long-promised reforms. Any future role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza depends on actions and results, not just claims. We call on all member states to wholeheartedly support the Board of Peace, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and the ISF, and to use their influence to press Hamas to finally live up to its commitments. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of France.

Thank you, Madam President, and I thank the acting special coordinator, Mr. Ramesh Alakhbarov, for his briefing. Three years ago, more than 1,200 people, including 51 French nationals, lost their lives in the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas, and the hostage situation began. France firmly condemned these barbaric acts, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs traveled to Israel to meet the families of the victims and express our solidarity with them and with the Israeli people. Today, let us also have the courage to face the tragedy in Gaza, a devastating war in which civilian populations continue to pay a terrible price. Unspeakable suffering has been inflicted that resolution 2803 has not yet succeeded in alleviating. Breaking this vicious cycle requires the sincere implementation by all parties of their commitments. First, the implementation of Resolution 2803 by all parties. One year later, the ceasefire continues to be violated daily by the Israeli army. Progress remains lacking regarding the disarmament of Hamas, Israel's withdrawal, the deployment of the International Stabilization Force, and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. And then, Israel's compliance with its obligations under international humanitarian law. the population of Gaza must receive on a massive scale and without delay the goods necessary to get through the winter in dignity. Excessive restrictions on dual-use goods, the extension of the yellow line reducing areas accessible to civilians and humanitarian actors cannot be justified. Reconstruction must begin without preconditions. And then also an end by Israel to settlement activity in the West Bank. The unchecked expansion of settlements, including E1, the openly pursued path of annexation, the systematic and unpunished acts of terror committed by settlers, and the financial strangulation of the Palestinian Authority are sources of instability. France has adopted trade measures, which it is also promoting at the European level. And finally, compliance by the Palestinian Authority with its commitments. we regret President Abbas's announcement postponing legislative and presidential elections until September 2027 and we call upon the Palestinian Authority to hold these elections as soon as possible so that the Palestinian people may exercise their democratic rights. All of these commitments are at the heart of the New York Declaration and of 2803. These principles remain essential to preserving peace through the two-state solution. Madame President, France is committed to regional stability, which is threatened, firstly, by the destabilizing actions of Iran. Through its support for regional allies, the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, France reaffirms its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni authorities in the face of the Houthi's military escalation. Through its attacks on freedom of navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, condemned by the Council in Resolution 2817. through the escalation of its nuclear program, whose peaceful nature can no longer be guaranteed by the IAEA, as well as its ballistic program. Only a diplomatic solution will provide a lasting resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. France supports the continuation of negotiations, and we welcome regional mediation efforts. Iran must abandon its strategy of destabilization and make genuine concessions in order to reach a verifiable agreement. In Lebanon, finally, the implementation of the framework agreement of 26 June is necessary. France will support UNIFIL until the expiration of its mandate. It will contribute to defining the future international engagement in Lebanon in support of its sovereignty and the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701. Thank you.

Thank you for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Madam President, I would like to thank the acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Rami Zeine El Abar, for his detailed briefing. Despite the close attention paid by members of the Security Council and the international community as a whole to the crises in the Middle East, the region continues to be shaken by numerous conflicts and deepening contradictions. We must acknowledge with regret that efforts to facilitate a diplomatic settlement are not producing practical results. On the contrary, frequently, any agreements are being simply swept aside by new outbreaks of violence, and the main burden of this falls upon the civilians of Middle Eastern states. This year, another round of major escalation was triggered by the aggression of the United States and Israel against Iran. The unlawful and reckless actions by Washington and West Jerusalem not only led to the deaths of Iranian civilians and extensive destruction in that country, but also, in essence, exposed a number of other states, in particular the Arab states of the Gulf, to danger. They also resulted in disruptions to the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which continue to have the most negative impact on the economic, energy, and food security, not only in the Middle East, but throughout the world. There can only be one solution to these problems, namely an equitable political and diplomatic settlement based on respect for the sovereignty and interests of all countries of the region without exception. However, the prospects of this, despite groundwork that has been done, unfortunately remain very uncertain. The chain reaction that followed the American-Israeli adventure has engulfed virtually the entire region. The conflict along the Lebanese-Israeli border has erupted again. Understanding on this between Beirut and West Jerusalem with U.S. mediation seemed to have made it possible to reduce tension. Nonetheless, hostilities and mutual shellings continue. circumstances, the Israeli authorities openly state their intention to expand their zone of control in southern Lebanon, in the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the number of victims of Israeli actions currently is in excess of 4,000 people, and more 12,000 have been injured. Such a situation raises a very serious question about the risk of the emergence of a security vacuum as the expiration of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon approaches. Russia advocates a cessation of hostilities and the continuation of efforts to seek negotiated solutions aimed at the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, as well as the preservation of the international contingent in the south of the land of the Cedars. Another major center of tension in the Middle East region is becoming to be the Arabian Peninsula. In recent months, we have been forced to witness a very dangerous development of events in and around Yemen, strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure. One of the latest examples was a massive missile attack on the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, as a result of which citizens of Saudi Arabia and nationals of Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and the United States were killed. Russia condemns this attack. We call on all parties to immediately abandon such actions and return to the negotiating table. Madam President, the current events mentioned divert universal attention from the fundamental regional problem that has remained unresolved for decades: the Palestinian question. Nevertheless, we consider it fundamentally important to keep it in the focus of the Security Council's attention. because the security, stability, and prosperity of the Middle East in the long term will, to a large extent, if not entirely, depend on its resolution. It must be acknowledged that no progress is yet being observed in the practical implementation of the October 2025 agreement between Israel and Hamas on ceasefire in the Strip and the corresponding initiative of the President of the United States. West Jerusalem continues to violate the ceasefire regime. The figures continue to be striking. As a result of regular IDF operations in the past year, more than 1,400 civilians have been killed and around 5,000 have been wounded. The humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip continues to worsen as a result of military actions. At least 60% of the housing stock has been seriously damaged or destroyed. Restrictions imposed by Israel on the import and distribution of humanitarian assistance prevent meeting the most basic human needs because they lead to acute shortages of drinking water, food, fuel, medicines, and other essential items, many of which are arbitrarily classified by the Israeli side as military-use goods. Gaza remains in ruins. There is a shortage of equipment for clearing the rubble, while rebuilding of buildings and construction of temporary shelters is barely taking place. Schools are not working, healthcare system is paralyzed, municipal infrastructure has been destroyed. At present, there is also no clarity regarding progress on other aspects of the US peace initiative. The key problem remains unresolved: the link between the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of IDF units from Gaza. The prospects for implementing the provisions of the Roadmap prepared by the Board of Peace currently appear vague. Issues relating to the admission of the International Stabilization Force into the Strip and its operation have not been resolved, nor has the fully-fledged work of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza begun. most of its members are unable to enter the Strip because of obstacles created by Israel. In the absence of progress, the Gaza Early Recovery Plan, recently presented by the High Representative of the Board, Nikolay Mladenov, appears premature. Potential investors are in no hurry to allocate funds for its implementation. No less alarming is the situation on the West Bank of the Jordan River. The pace of settlement activity, which is actively encouraged by Israeli authorities, is unprecedented, including in terms of the scale of violence. All of this leads to the creation of irreversible realities on the ground and the steady reduction of territories controlled by the Palestinians and, most importantly, undermines the two-state solution formula. We consider such actions categorically unacceptable. We are convinced that only a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian questions on the basis of universally recognized international legal basis, can bring about lasting peace to all peoples in the region. Madam President, we believe that the key to a long-term settlement in the Middle East is, first, the renunciation of aggressive actions, and, second, a conscientious and equitable negotiating process on all points of tension. Our country consistently supports the idea of strengthening the security of all countries of the region, without exception, including Israel. However, military methods of ensuring that security are clearly doomed to failure, and diplomacy has been and remains the only effective means of achieving regional stability. Against this background, we welcome the mediation efforts of all states seeking to contribute to the search of peaceful solutions. For our part, we remain ready to engage with all interested parties, including doing this on the basis of the Russian concept for collective security in the Persian Gulf area, which envisages a gradual movement towards the unblocking of conflict situations and the development of confidence-building and verification measures which could provide impetus for the further formation of a comprehensive architecture of collective security and cooperation in the Middle East region. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Madam President, and I thank Acting Special Coordinator Alakbarov for his briefing. Over the past two years, as Denmark has served on the Council, the Middle East has been marked by prolonged periods of suffering and instability, including in the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Red Sea. As trade routes and supply lines are curtailed, the region's conflict increasingly affect other parts of the world too, where food insecurity and energy prices spike and hit the most vulnerable across the globe. As we consider the pathways to peace in the Middle East today, we must strive towards breaking the cycle of violence, preventing further escalation, and reaffirming our commitment to genuine political solutions to these conflicts. Madam President, One year ago, a ceasefire was finally reached in Gaza and endorsed by this Council. After two years of agony and pain, the remaining Israeli hostages were released. We all hoped that the ceasefire would mark a new beginning for Israelis, Palestinians, and the wider region. One year later, that hope has yet to be realized. In Gaza, while starvation has been halted, we remain far from realizing the provisions set out in Resolution 2803, as we heard this morning from Special Coordinator Al-Akbarov. We've heard it many times before: the humanitarian situation remains extremely dire, water and sanitation systems are demolished, food and medical supplies are insufficient, and it will take decades to clear the rubble. Shelter is also insufficient for the majority of civilians in Gaza, with winter steadily approaching. And as we heard, many Palestinians are now back in tents. Israel is still not delivering on its obligation to allow and facilitate unhindered humanitarian access. More progress is also needed on the disarmament of Hamas, Israel's gradual withdrawal, the deployment of the International Stabilization Force, and NCAG assuming its responsibilities. If we saw the full implementation of resolution 2803, real progress could be made. We call on all parties to urgently live up to their commitments in this resolution. Madam President, The situation in the West Bank has continued to dramatically deteriorate. record number of settlements, including the alarming E1 project, settlers terrorizing Palestinian communities, demolition orders, movement restrictions, and forced displacement. These developments, if left unchecked, will ultimately render the two-state solution impossible, undermining the possibility of lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. For Denmark, it is clear that the course must change. Urgently, Israel must halt all settlement projects, ensure accountability for settler violence, and release withheld Palestinian clearance revenues. At the same time, we deeply regret the Palestinian Authority's postponement of scheduled elections. Acknowledging the challenges and limitations facing the Palestinian Authority, we urge the PA to organize new elections as soon as possible, while continuing to ensure more progress on necessary reforms. Denmark has reiterated these calls many times in this Chamber. We have done so because we genuinely believe that it is in the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians not to dismantle the path of lasting peace. Madam President, To achieve genuine peace across the Middle East, we must also address the spoilers in the region, including the destabilising role of Iran. Denmark calls on Iran. to immediately cease attacks against countries in the region and refrain from any action that undermines freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In Yemen, Iran's longstanding support to the Houthis has enabled their attacks and further undermined regional stability. We strongly condemn the Houthi attacks in Yemen and against Saudi Arabia, including the terrible attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh this past weekend. In Lebanon, Hezbollah is significantly weakened. However, one year after the fragile cessation of hostilities, conflict broke out again last March, causing humanitarian suffering and hardship on both sides of the Blue Line. The situation in the south remains highly unstable, with great uncertainty on the horizon as a result of UNIFIL's impending withdrawal, risking a dangerous security vacuum by the end of the year. We urge the Council to come together and reach consensus on a responsible way forward. We stress that Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence must be restored and respected, in line with resolution 1701, and urge all actors to implement the trilateral framework agreement, which marks a historical opportunity for achieving peace. Finally, we have to protect progress where it exists. Since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has made remarkable progress in rebuilding institutions and laying the foundation for economic recovery. However, much remains to be done, and the security situation within Syria remains fragile. External challenges also continue to threaten the country's fragile transitional process. We call on Israel to withdraw from Syrian territory and to comply fully with its obligations under the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Madam President, in closing, we have before us a complex and interconnected regional picture, a region with so much potential and hope, yet so challenged by conflict and war. Denmark remains firm in our commitment to peaceful solutions across the region, solutions that respect the territorial integrity sovereignty and political independence of all countries in the region, in line with the UN Charter. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Acting Special Coordinator Alakbarov, for your briefing. The United Kingdom condemns the continuing reckless attacks by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and their wider acts of escalation in Yemen and the region. As Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said, we are appalled by the latest attacks on King Khalid Airport. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and those injured. We are pleased to announce that just before this meeting, the Council agreed a presidential statement, which will be adopted later this afternoon. It reiterates the Council's condemnation of Houthi attacks and our solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mr. President, last week marked three years since Hamas' horrific terrorist attacks of the 7th of October 2023 and their appalling acts against the people of Israel and other nations. As Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said, we remember those who were senselessly killed. and offer our deepest condolences to all those who lost loved ones, were injured or were taken hostage. Like many in this Chamber, I had the honour of joining the memorial event organised by our Israeli colleagues last week and hearing the testimonies of some of those who survived, including Elia Cohen, held in captivity for 505 days, and his wife, Ziva Bud. Their story, like the story of so many Israelis and Palestinians, are powerful reminders of the importance of ending the cycle of violence and securing lasting peace for both peoples. The two-state solution remains the only route to achieving this, but today that goal is under serious threat. A year ago, the United Kingdom welcomed President Trump's 20-point plan, the ceasefire in Gaza, and adoption of Resolution 2803 that followed. A year on, we continue to welcome that plan. We recognise progress made, and we continue to support the full implementation of resolution 2003. But progress is not yet sufficient. Since the ceasefire, an average of four people have been killed every day, among them over 300 children. Humanitarian conditions are devastating. Civilians are facing a fourth winter in tents and makeshift shelters. amid plummeting temperatures, flooding, open surge, and accumulating waste. The risk of disease is rising. Gaza's health system has been decimated, and restrictions on essential supplies continue. Over 8,000 emergency shelter kits pre-positioned outside Gaza continue to be denied entry. During the UN's high-level week, Foreign Secretary Miliband, with the foreign ministers of Jordan and Qatar, launched a call to action on humanitarian access and healthcare in Gaza. That call to action set out what is needed from the Government of Israel to facilitate aid at scale and remove unnecessary restrictions, including on items designated as dual use. The Government of Israel must ensure compliance with its obligations under international humanitarian law and remove the current restrictions on critical aid. And in line with resolution 2803, Hamas must decommission its weapons, must dismantle its terrorist infrastructure, and must transition governance and security control. Mr. President, this must be matched by progress on the political track, with a view to reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under the governance of the Palestinian Authority. The United Kingdom supports the Palestinian Authority's reform agenda, as central to improving service delivery to Palestinian citizens. We deeply regret the Palestinian Authority's decision to postpone Palestinian legislative and presidential elections to September 2027. This will once again deprive Palestinians of the opportunity to vote and will further erode confidence in democratic institutions. We call on the Palestinian Authority to reconsider this decision and to hold elections without further delay. A viable Palestinian state needs recovery in Gaza, political progress, and an end to the violence, displacement, and settlement expansion in the West Bank that are eroding the prospects for peace. Settler violence and settlement expansion continue at alarming levels. In just one week in September, the UN recorded 51 settler attacks, causing casualties and widespread property damage, including to hundreds of olive and fruit trees. As the olive harvest starts, we urge Israeli authorities to ensure that Palestinian communities can harvest safely and without intimidation, violence or restrictions on access to their land. We remain appalled by the E1 development. The Government of Israel must halt these plans immediately, retract the tender and stop all settlement expansion. Madam President, the United Kingdom has acted in defence of the two-state solution, and we continue to work to defend the viability of a Palestinian state and to secure lasting peace and security for Israelis and for Palestinians alike. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for their statement.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr. President, the Democratic Republic of the Congo would like to congratulate Greece on organizing this open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, which remains at the heart of international community's concerns. We thank Mr. Alagbarov for for his briefing, and welcome the efforts made by the United Nations and its partners to promote peace and security in a region which is facing persistent tensions. Mr. President, almost a year after the ceasefire came into effect in Gaza, the priority must be to consolidate it, to prevent a resumption of hostilities, and to revive a credible political process. And in this regard, the Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes the diplomatic efforts of regional and international mediators and the initiatives aimed at implementing the comprehensive peace plan for Gaza. We encourage all parties to preserve the gains and accomplishments, to continue the dialogue, and to uphold their commitments in good faith. We believe that the next steps must be based on concrete, reciprocal and verifiable measures so as to consolidate de-escalation and prevent any recurrence of violence in the long term. And this peace dynamic must be accompanied by a response to humanitarian needs. The situation in Gaza remains worrying. It is essential to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the access of affected people to essential services in coordination with the relevant entities and mechanisms. The protection of civilians, the safety of humanitarian and medical personnel, and the respect for international humanitarian law must guide the action of all parties. At the same time, The consolidation of stability in Gaza must be based on responsible governance and security guarantees for Israel, including through measures to prevent any rebuilding of terrorist capacities. These conditions are essential for lasting peace in the region. Mr. President, this quest for stability must also extend to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The Democratic Republic of the Congo encourages all parties to exercise restraint, to prevent violence, and to avoid any measure that could undermine confidence and the prospects for negotiations. We also remain attentive to the situation of children and their continued access to education, healthcare, and essential services. In this context, We reaffirm the importance of upholding international law and complying with the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2334. We encourage the Council to support credible diplomatic initiatives in a spirit of dialogue, in a balanced and consensual manner. In conclusion, The Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms its solidarity with the civilian populations affected by the conflict and encourages the parties to seize the opportunities offered by the diplomatic initiatives underway. We remain convinced that lasting peace must be based on dialogue, effective security guarantees, prevention of terrorism, and take into consideration of the legitimate aspirations of the peoples of the region in accordance with international law. The Democratic Republic of the Congo finally reiterates its commitment to multilateralism and its readiness to support any credible initiative for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. I thank you.

Representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I now give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you, Madam President. Panama welcomes the convening of this quarterly open debate, as well as the briefing delivered by Mr. Ramiz Alakbarov. Despite the diplomatic efforts undertaken in the Middle East, the persistence of hostilities and the deterioration of humanitarian conditions underscores the difficulties we still face in achieving lasting political solutions. In Gaza, as one year has passed since the announcement of the ceasefire, we acknowledge the efforts made to address the population's most urgent needs. However, its continuing fragility and the accumulated consequences of the conflict continue to undermine prospects for recovery. Since October 2025, more than 1,400 Palestinians have lost their lives. and another 5,200 have been injured. Nearly 2 million people require shelter assistance, while thousands of families continue to face enormous difficulties in accessing essential services. Panama reiterates its support for resolution 2803 and considers it essential to advance the implementation of the commitments that have been agreed upon to consolidate the cessation of hostilities, guarantee full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, and to advance the reconstruction of Gaza and preserve a credible political horizon removed from violence and terrorism. In the West Bank, the expansion of settlements, demolitions, displacement and violence continue to weaken the prospects for a negotiated solution. Panama reiterates the importance of implementing resolution 2334 of 2016. We insist that Gaza and the West Bank must be addressed comprehensively together, strengthening a reformed Palestinian Authority and preserving the conditions necessary for a negotiated political solution that would allow Israelis and Palestinians to coexist in peace, security and dignity. Madam President, In Lebanon, the persistence of hostilities, including the recent attacks on towns in the south of the country, continues to undermine civilian security and diplomatic efforts aimed at consolidating stability. Panama encourages the parties to fulfill the commitments undertaken within the framework of the talks between Lebanon and Israel, facilitated by the United States, in order to move toward an effective cessation of hostilities and prevent further escalation. We reaffirm our support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, for the strengthening of its institutions and the Lebanese Armed Forces, as well as the full implementation of Resolution 1701 of 2006. We recognize the work of UNIFIL, which, despite the difficult conditions on the ground, continues to carry out its observation and coordination functions. In light of the anticipated conclusion of its mandate, we reiterate that it is essential to ensure an orderly transition that avoids security vacuums and preserves the necessary capabilities to support ongoing stabilization efforts. Meanwhile, in Syria, progress in the transition process represents an opportunity to strengthen institutions and ensure broader participation by the various sectors of society. For these advances to translate into sustainable peace, it will be essential to respond to the population's persistent humanitarian needs and make progress in transitional justice and economic recovery. Likewise, the stability of the country and the region requires the preservation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as ensuring the implementation of the 1974 agreement on disengagement and full respect for the mandate of UNDOF. As for Yemen, after more than a decade of conflict, the resumption of actions that threaten navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait increases risks to regional stability and international trade. Regarding Iran, prolonged tensions and restrictions on navigation through the Straits of Hormuz continue to generate economic consequences that extend beyond the region, particularly affecting the most vulnerable countries and those dependent on energy imports. We reiterate our condemnation of attacks against civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Gulf region, to whom we extend our solidarity and support. Panama reiterates that military confrontation neither constitutes nor will ever constitute the path to a sustainable solution, and reaffirms the importance of dialogue, good faith negotiations, and respect for international law, including freedom of navigation. Madam President, The various crises affecting the Middle East remind us that no agreement can be consolidated while mistrust, hostilities, and actions that undermine diplomatic efforts persist. Restoring trust among the parties requires a genuine political will, capable of placing the search for solutions above the prolongation of confrontation. That will must be demonstrated through respect for commitments undertaken and through a willingness to keep channels of dialogue open, even in the face of the deepest differences. Panama will continue to support efforts aimed at achieving a just, dignified and lasting peace convinced that it can only be attained through respect for international law, mutual trust, and fulfillment of commitments made. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Thank you, Madam President. Colombia would like to thank you for convening this public debate, and we'd like to thank Mr. Ramez Alakbarov, acting United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East peace process, for the information presented. And we thank the representatives of Palestine and the State of Israel. Colombia unequivocally condemns terrorism. all deliberate attacks against civilians, as well as the taking of hostages. We recognize Israel's legitimate security concerns and its right to protect its population against these threats, and of course, in accordance with international law.

For Colombia, there is no doubt that we have reached a point clearly where this is not just how to move forward, but whether if we move forward or not. The problem keeps being the same. One structural element of the conflict is Hamas. And for Colombia, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis are all terrorist organizations. The consequences of terrorism must not and shall not be equivalent to the ways to defend populations. For our country, the consequences of terrorism are not justifiable. Terrorism should not be justifiable. Terrorist actions are not justifiable. We must condemn terrorism of means. We must and ask, condemn, and make sure that the terrorist organizations actually disarticulate, disarm, and dissolve. The consequences of terrorism in the region are being felt even across the planet. We have a conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia that could trigger at any moment. We have a conflict in Yemen, where the Houthis are causing an international effect across the oil prices. And now, in this part of the world, we also see the use of proxies from Iran. Condemning this organization means that we must enforce Resolution 2803 of 2025. We salute the efforts of the United States of America in this matter, but also remember to all members of the Council that the resolution was adopted by the Security Council and as such constitutes international public law, enforceable international public law. And in that road, the dismantlement of Hamas is a must. Senora.

Madam President. Colombia also recognizes the mediation efforts of Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar, as well as the United States, and also the role of the Board of Peace in implementing the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. In this framework, it values the contribution of Arab and Gulf countries to humanitarian assistance and to regional stability, while encouraging sustained, coordinated action among regional and international actors in order to advance reconstruction, strengthen an effective Palestinian civil administration, and prevent new cycles of violence. But we can't ignore the substantive issues, problems. We need to take action. We need to break up Hamas. We also, of course, cannot ignore the humanitarian situation. No one wants to see an extension of the humanitarian conflict, and that's why in our long constitutional history, 220 years, we always recall the principles of international humanitarian law, distinction between civilians and combatants, the need for the principle of military necessity, but also the principle of humanity and proportionality. And in this context, Colombia calls for a negotiated end to the conflict. of course, in respect of resolution 2803 of 2025 that was signed by this Security Council. Colombia would also call for the access to and development of humanitarian assistance. And we understand and support the concerns of the State of Israel. And we also join in our voice with those of the Council to ensure that the Palestinian Authority will hold elections according to the deadlines and commitments made internationally. Thank you, Madam President.

The representative of Colombia for the statement. And I now give the floor to the representative of China.

Thank you, Madam President. I thank Acting Special Coordinator Eric Baraf for his briefing. At present, the Middle East situation is going through profound changes with compounding hotspot issues affecting one another, with this build over effect continuously undermining regional security and development. Peace, not war; dialogue, not confrontation; fairness, not hegemony, have increasingly become the universal aspirations and shared hopes of the people in the region. No matter how complex the situation may be, the path to peace has always been right before us. We call on the international community to be rational and resolute, assemble greater efforts, and support regional countries in developing good neighborly and friendly relations, uphold a common comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security concept, build a new Middle East security architecture, and secure a peaceful future for the region. I would like to make three points. First, tension must be diffused as soon as possible to prevent the spread and escalation of conflict. The U.S.-Iranian war should have never happened in the first place, and their continued prolongation is not in the common interest of the parties involved or the international community. The sovereignty and security of Gulf countries in the Middle East must be respected. The threat of force or resumption of hostilities is especially undesirable. We encourage parties involved to be rational, exercise restraint, and insist on the choice of peace. The U.S. and Iran should resume dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible to ultimately reach a comprehensive agreement acceptable to both. We urge all parties to work in the same direction, safeguard the security and the impeded flow of international shipping lanes, and maintain the stability of international production and supply chains. The situation in Yemen has recently seen a full-scale escalation with fierce clashes erupting in multiple fronts across the country. The Saudi airports, oil pipelines and office buildings have been attacked, with adverse impacts spreading fast. China condemns those attacks resulting in significant casualties. China also expresses grave concern over the intensifying conflict. China has consistently opposed attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and urged to refrain from actions that would escalate regional tensions. The use of force is not the ultimate solution. We urge all parties to resolve their differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiations and to achieve regional peace and stability at an early possible date. Second, the root causes of regional conflicts must be addressed to rectify the historical injustice to Palestine. The Palestinian issue has always been at the core of the Middle East issue and must never be ignored or marginalized. The Gaza ceasefire agreement was reached over a year ago, but a lasting ceasefire, humanitarian aid at scale, and post-conflict recovery and rebuilding are yet to be realized, and peace remains a distant prospect. This man-made humanitarian disaster should have ended long ago. China urges all parties concerned, particularly Israel, to sincerely and fully implement the ceasefire agreement and cease all military operations in Gaza. Israel must fulfill its obligations under the international humanitarian law and ensure at-scale delivery of humanitarian supplies and essential equipment to Gaza. Settlement expansion in the West Bank is becoming increasingly rampant, with shocking forced demolitions and violent evictions. The Palestinian displacement has come to its worst level since 1967. The two-state solution is the only way out for the Palestinian issue, and this concerns the fundamental principles of international justice. Israel must immediately halt and revoke its settlement policies, effectively curb violent activities in the West Bank, lift unreasonable economic restrictions in the West Bank. The international community must redouble its efforts to implement the two-state solution, uphold the principle of "Palestine by Palestinians," push for governance in West Bank and post-war rebuilding in Gaza, and realize the early establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Third, the momentum for political settlement must be bolstered to defuse the potential risk of conflict and volatility. Syria currently faces severe challenges, including heightened security risks and fragile foundations for livelihoods. China supports Syria in advancing an inclusive political transition process in accordance with the Syrian-led and owned principle. The Golan Heights is internationally recognized occupied Syrian territory. China supports Syria in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, and calls on Israel to end its illegal military presence in Syria. The Lebanese-Israeli situation affects the overall regional stability. Recently, Lebanon has been repeatedly attacked. Relevant parties should cease all hostilities and Israel should comply with Council Resolution 1701 and withdraw its forces completely from Lebanon. The international community should encourage Lebanon to enhance internal unity, resolve differences through political dialogue, and support that Lebanese government in strengthening state control. The Security Council should, in light of evolving circumstances, earnestly consider UNIFIL mandate renewal so as to maintain a meaningful UN presence in southern Lebanon and prevent a security vacuum. President, China has always been a steadfast builder of peace, a promoter of stability, and a supporter of development in the Middle East. We will actively implement the series of important initiatives and proposals put forward by President Xi Jinping for the Middle East peace and stability, and continue to make China's contribution to lasting peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the Middle East. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement, and now give the floor to the representative of Liberia.

Thank you, Madam President. Thanks to the acting special coordinator for his briefing. Mr. Alakbarov just provided us an ominous assessment and a chilling warning. In his words, the risk of a return to war couldn't be higher. This is one year after the Gaza ceasefire. and nearly 11 months after this council and does the comprehensive plan in resolution 28, 0, 3, we're compelled to ask what has changed for the people whose lives depend on its implementation. The council's responsibility did not end with endorsement. It continues with implementation. Liberia supports the full implementation of the framework in good faith by all parties. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and reaffirm Israel's right to live in peace and security free from terror, rockets, and the threat of attack. Equally, Palestinians have the right to live free from violence, displacement, and deprivation. Hamas and other armed groups must fulfill their commitments on disarmament and the transfer of civilian governance. Israel must fulfill its commitments on withdrawal, the cessation of strikes, and humanitarian access. No party's failure releases another from its obligations under international law. Humanitarian assistance must reach civilians safely, at scale, and without obstruction. Gaza's severe water insecurity underscores the urgency. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza must also be enabled to assume its responsibilities. Excellencies, Liberia's experience after 14 years of civil war taught us that disarmament requires more than an agreement on paper. It requires credible guarantees, verifiable commitments, and confidence that implementation will be monitored fairly. Performance that cannot be seen cannot be trusted. Liberia therefore proposes that the Board of Peace's reporting under Resolution 2803 include the findings of the Implementation Verification Committee, enabling this Council to assess compliance by all parties. This will strengthen accountability through the framework's existing arrangements. Madam President, In 1947, Liberia supported the General Assembly's plan for two states. Nearly eight decades later, the promise of an independent Palestinian state remains unfulfilled. Resolution 2803 identifies Palestinian Authority reform and progress in Gaza's redevelopment as steps towards condition for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. Liberia supports those efforts. But Palestinian self-determination remains a right. And while reform and recovery proceed, developments on the ground must not foreclose the political future the framework envisages. Settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, therefore concerns the Council directly. The advancement of the E1 project threatens Palestinian territorial contiguity and the viability of a two-state solution. OCHA recorded an average of 6.7 settler attacks per day, resulting in Palestinian casualties or property damage between January and August this year. Such violence requires protection, accountability, and effective action. Resolution 2334 affirms that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity. The International Court of Justice's July 2024 advisory opinion reaffirmed their incompatibility with international law. Liberia therefore proposes that the Council considers reporting under Resolution 2334 and 2803 together. with an explicit assessment of whether developments on the ground preserve or undermine a viable pathway to Palestinian statehood. Madam President, Across the wider region, Liberia condemns attacks on civilians, including the recent attacks on King Khalid International Airport. We remain deeply concerned by attacks endangering civilian seafarers, cross-border hostilities, and continuing violence in southern Lebanon. Civilian seafarers must be protected, and those stranded must have access to essential supplies and assistance and be enabled to return home safely. These crises reach far beyond the Middle East. Disrupted maritime routes and higher food and energy costs deepen hardship across Africa. We urge immediate de-escalation and renewed diplomacy. Madam President, Israel's security and Palestinian self-determination are twin pillars of a durable peace architecture. Neither people should be asked to build their future on the insecurity of the other. Liberia believes the Council's authority rests on a simple discipline. Its decision must mean what they say and were intended to say. A pathway to peace must remain open on the ground, not merely on paper. And I thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the representative of Liberia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia.

Madam President, allow me to begin by thanking Acting Special Coordinator Alakhbarov for his sobering and comprehensive briefing. We are equally grateful for his dedicated service and for the work of his colleagues across the United Nations system. As Somalia delivers its final statement in this quarterly debate, I recall the wisdom of our elders. When a wound is covered without being treated, it does not heal. It deepens. beneath the surface. That wound is Palestine, but the suffering extends across the region. Israel's occupation and annexation of Palestinian territory, along with the denial of Palestinian rights, remain central to the crisis. Lebanon, Syria, and other neighboring countries have faced their territory being annexed and the rest destabilized, all due to the Israeli regime. The circumstances differ, but the lesson is the same. Denying people sovereignty, security, political rights, and a voice in their future bring no peace. Palestine came before the United Nations in 1947. The Nakba followed in 1948, occupation in 1967. For more than seven decades, This Council has discussed Palestine and held meeting after meeting, adopted resolution after resolution, and heard appeal after appeal. The United Nations Security Council has now passed the milestone of its 10,000th meeting. Yet the Palestinian people remain occupied, dispossessed, and denied their most basic rights. Expulsion became occupation. Occupation extended through settlements. Settlements produced fragmentation. And fragmentation hardened into de facto annexation. Attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank now threaten de jure annexation. Journalists have been killed, threatened, obstructed, or denied access. A crime does not become less grave because the world is prevented from recording it. Humanitarian workers have been killed while delivering food, medicine, and protection. Aid organizations face severe restrictions. The result is a man-made catastrophe, including famine used as a weapon of war. Each measure is called temporary, then made into permanent. Ceasefires promise calm while displacement continues. Negotiations promise statehood while settlements expand. When promises repeatedly conceal dispossession, diplomacy becomes deception. Resolutions 242 and 2334 address the occupation and settlements. Resolutions 2728 and 2735 addressed Gaza. Yet resolutions without enforcement teach the violator that another meeting and another expression of concern will bring no consequence. Call for equality is injustice to the oppressor. Palestinian children are being killed, wounded, orphaned, starved, displaced, and denied education. Some have lost their families, limbs, homes, and childhoods. They are being killed before they grow. Do not become accustomed to that sentence. Somalia condemns the occupation and the daily attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. We demand a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, protection for civilians, journalists, medical personnel, and aid workers. and accountability for every violation of international law. Madam President, the silence beneath the rubble is not peace. The silence of an expelled family is not peace. The silence imposed by occupation is not peace. We as council members must fulfill our responsibility to stop genocide committed in front of our eyes. We must stop the ethnic cleansing and the forced displacement. We must choose law over power, accountability over impunity, and consistency over political convenience. We must end the long-standing occupation through a credible, genuine, and time-bound political process beginning now, one that establishes an independent and sovereign state of Palestine with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital and secures its full membership in the United Nations. Let Palestinian children and all children of the Middle East grow beyond war and occupation in their own land, beneath their own sky, with books in their hands rather than the names of their dead in their memories. They have waited. mourned and paid enough. We must strive to make a better tomorrow today, since tomorrow is not promised for many of the besieged and occupied in Palestine and the wider Middle East. It is time for action and justice. Madam, I thank you.

I thank the representative of Somalia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Madam President, the Kingdom of Bahrain extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Alakbarov, Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and welcomes all participants in this open debate. Madam President, Despite the de-escalation in the Gaza Strip, one year after the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, which represented a beacon of hope for advancing towards sustainable security and stability, the completion of the implementation of the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza remains an urgent priority. This requires continued international efforts to ensure its full implementation and to achieve its objectives on the ground. Hence, the need to seize the valuable opportunities that create a secure environment for revitalizing a just and comprehensive peace process and to move the region forward towards the desired regional integration. In this context, the Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms the need to fully respect international law, including international humanitarian law, and implement relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution 2803. The Kingdom also emphasizes the need to continue supporting the efforts of the Board of Peace and the arrangements stemming from the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza. Such support will contribute to consolidate the ceasefire, ensure sustainable humanitarian assistance at scale, support recovery and reconstruction, complete the Israeli withdrawal in accordance with the agreed phases and arrangements, strengthen the capabilities of Palestinian institutions, and create the conditions necessary to implement the two-state solutions. This political stagnation further deteriorates the humanitarian situation from which the brotherly Palestinian people are the first to suffer. The Kingdom of Bahrain renews its call to remove all obstacles preventing humanitarian and medical assistance from reaching those in need in Gaza and the West Bank at scale in an immediate and sustainable manner. We commend the role of all UN agencies without exception and all international governmental and non-governmental organizations that continue to shoulder major responsibilities in the Palestinian territories despite field and procedural challenges. The Kingdom of Bahrain also is following with concern the ongoing developments in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, particularly the ongoing settlement activities, settler violence, and unilateral measures that undermine confidence and weaken the prospects for achieving this two-state solution. The Kingdom stresses the importance of adhering to international law and relevant Security Council resolutions and refraining from any practices that could negatively affect the ongoing political and diplomatic efforts, thereby preserving the existing momentum towards achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. In conclusion, Madam President, supporting the efforts of the Palestinian government in providing vital services to Palestinian citizens, as well as supporting its reform efforts, including creating the conditions necessary for holding legislative elections on the announced date or any later date determined by competent Palestinian institutions, is a shared international responsibility. The Kingdom of Bahrain also reiterates that the two-state solution is the path toward achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace in the region through the establishment of an independent, sovereign and territorially contiguous Palestinian State on the borders of the 4th of June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace and security side by side with the State of Israel, safeguarding the inalienable rights of the brotherly Palestinian people and enjoying full membership in the United Nations. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of Bahrain for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

Thank you, Madam President. I thank Acting Special Coordinator Ramez Alagbar for his informative briefing. Since the announcement of a ceasefire last October, The strikes and attacks continue to cause further civilian casualties in Gaza. Almost 2 million people continue to face harsh weather in tents and makeshift shelters, exposed to cold and water infiltration. Although the famine conditions that existed a year ago have since eased, access to adequate food remains insufficient. The lack of basic healthcare continues to cost lives. as people die from treatable diseases and otherwise manageable medical conditions. The UN bodies, the Board of Peace, international humanitarian partners and regional organizations need to keep up coordination and efforts to bring the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Plan as endorsed by Resolution 2803 forward. Almost one year later, progress has been made, yet its full implementation remains stalled. Appropriate and tangible humanitarian aid must be allowed to enter Gaza at scale. With winter approaching, ensuring access to safe and adequate shelter is increasingly urgent. Construction materials, engine oil, medical supplies and equipment, including shipments that are remain that remain awaiting entry authorization at the border crossings must be allowed to enter Gaza without preconditions and further delay in accordance with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles. Implementation of phase two of the comprehensive peace plan must be further advanced. Hamas and the armed factions in Gaza must disarm and relinquish their power. There can be no durable advancement towards lasting peace in Gaza while Hamas remains armed. The International Stabilization Force and the Palestinian police have to be deployed. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza has completed extensive institutional and operational preparations and must finally be able to start its work. These steps must be accompanied by the IDF's withdrawal to the previously agreed positions. The deteriorating situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, cannot be viewed in isolation from the implementation of the comprehensive peace plan. The illegal Israeli settlement expansion, including in the E1 zone, the forced displacement of Palestinians, land annexation are unacceptable. These measures erode the two-state solution and must be urgently reversed. And we condemn the violent settler attacks on Palestinian homes and villages, as well as attacks against Israeli civilians, and incitement to violence and extremism. It raises serious risks of further escalation with devastating consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians. A secure Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state are mutually reinforcing objectives. For this perspective to be achieved, the international community must continue and intensify our efforts towards the implementation of the two-state solution, as defined in Security Council resolutions and the New York Declaration. A political perspective encompassing Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, governed in the future by a single, legitimate, and reformed Palestinian Authority, is the only path to sustainable peace. The ongoing fiscal crisis, which limits the Palestinian Authority's ability to meet its obligations and provide basic services, must be alleviated through full and urgent release of all withheld clearance revenues. and ensuring uninterrupted operation of the Palestinian banking sector. While acknowledging the challenging circumstances, we regret the postponement of elections in Palestine and underline the importance of holding timely legislative and presidential elections, which are a prerequisite for a viable and credible Palestinian governance and would ensure the Palestinian people, including the younger generation, their fundamental right to democratic representation. Madam President, turning to the situation in the wider Middle East, we deplore the return to full-scale war in Yemen and its widening impact across the region. The Houthi attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, constitute inus acts of violence and mark a dangerous escalation. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. and Latvia stands firmly in solidarity with the Government of Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms their right to defend their territory and protect their population in accordance with international law. At the same time, international efforts must continue to de-escalate the renewed crisis and restore conditions for a Yemeni-led political settlement. The freedom and safety of international maritime navigation must be preserved and protected in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law, as reflected in UNCLOS. Iran's intimidation and attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as similar recent actions by the Houthis near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, have far-reaching consequences globally and are unacceptable. And Iran must cease its disruptive conduct, attacks and threats to its neighbors, and instrumentalization of proxies sowing conflict in the whole region. In Lebanon, trilateral talks have created a historic opportunity for achieving sustainable peace, fully respecting Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and Israel's security. This opportunity must be seized through sustained and coordinated endeavors. to support Lebanese government in its efforts to consolidate authority throughout the country, fulfill commitments to disarm Hezbollah, and continue developing the capacity of the national armed forces. Continued international presence in Lebanon by the UN and other international partners is key to implement the Resolution 1701. We must avoid potential security vacuum following the end of the UNIFIL mission's mandate. Since the fall of the Assad regime, the course adopted by the Syrian government to foster stability and cooperation, combating terrorism, and complying with its international nonproliferation commitments represents a significant turning point for the entire region. While challenges remain, the ongoing progress towards an inclusive political transition, economic recovery, and transitional justice requires peace within Syria and along its borders. with full respect of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Sustainable peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through continuous efforts from the entire international community, respect for the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, and faithful implementation of the agreements to which the parties have committed themselves. But we stand ready to engage with the members of this Council to pursue solutions to contribute to lasting regional stability. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Latvia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Thank you very much, Madam President. I thank Acting Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov for his valuable briefing. Today's debate allows us to consider developments across the Middle East and their implications for regional peace and security. Last month, during General Assembly's High-Level Week, considerable attention was devoted to the Palestinian question. Across the various meetings and statements, a clear convergence emerged: the two-state solution remains the internationally agreed framework and the indispensable foundation for just and lasting peace. This international commitment to the two-state solution must be accompanied by concrete measures to preserve the territorial integrity and viability of the State of Palestine. Resolution 2803, the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, and the New York Declaration provide mutually reinforcing frameworks for advancing this objective. Pakistan supports their full and good faith implementation. Yet, this consensus is being undermined by Israel's deliberate attempts to create irreversible facts on the ground. In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, settlement expansion, particularly the E1 project, threatens to sever Palestinian territorial contiguity. Settler violence, demolitions, land seizures, and forced displacement are entrenching annexation and dismantling the foundations of peace. All settlement activities must cease in accordance with Resolution 2334. Settler violence must be halted and accountability ensured. We strongly condemn the provocative and illegal incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and demand respect for the historical and legal status quo of the holy sites. In Gaza, continued violations of the ceasefire, wanton killing of the Palestinian population, and restrictions on humanitarian access sadly continue. The approaching winter threatens to deepen the crisis and suffering of families living amid destruction, without adequate shelter or essential services. The ceasefire must be fully upheld, humanitarian assistance delivered unhindered and at scale, and recovery and reconstruction advanced without delay. UNRWA's indispensable work must be supported. We reject forced displacement and any attempt to fragment Gaza and the West Bank. including East Jerusalem, which constitute a single territorial unit. Withheld Palestinian revenues must be released to enable the Palestinian Authority to fulfill its responsibilities. Our collective efforts must be to converge on a credible, time-bound, and irreversible political process, ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent, sovereign, contiguous, and viable state of Palestine on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. This remains the only credible foundation for a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question. Madam President, The rapidly deteriorating situation in Yemen is deeply concerning. Pakistan strongly condemns the continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including its civilian and economic infrastructure. These attacks must cease immediately. We reiterate our unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the brotherly kingdom, and reaffirm its right to self-defense under international law against any external attacks. Pakistan supports the UN Special Envoy's efforts towards the resumption of dialogue for a comprehensive and lasting peace in Yemen. In Lebanon, full implementation of Resolution 1701, respect for the cessation of hostilities, and Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territory remain essential. The Lebanese Government's call for the continuation of UNIFIL and sustained United Nations presence in Lebanon merits serious and favourable consideration by the Council. Pakistan welcomes the Syrian Government's ongoing commendable efforts for fostering internal stability and putting the country on a positive trajectory. We reaffirm support for Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. The 1974 Disengagement Agreement and Security Council Resolutions 338 and 497 must be fully respected. Madam President, so long as the occupation continues and the Palestinian people's legitimate yearning for self-determination goes unfulfilled, lasting peace in the Middle East will remain out of reach. We stand firmly and unwaveringly with the Palestinian people. Pakistan remains committed to advancing dialogue and diplomacy in the region to help de-escalate tensions, resolve differences, and promote lasting peace and stability in the region. I thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for the statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Greece. Thank you, Mr. Al-Akbarow, for your briefing. As always, you set the premise for our discussion. For generations, the Middle East has been marked by unresolved conflicts, recurring violence, and missed opportunities for peace. October 7 and its devastating aftermath have once again exposed the human cost of leaving these conflicts unresolved. The question before us is whether we can finally break this cycle and turn a fragile pause in hostilities into a genuine path towards peace. Recent diplomatic efforts have shown that progress is possible, but de-escalation is not an end in itself. It must open the way to political solutions that address the legitimate security concerns of states and the aspirations of peoples across the region. International law and the UN Charter must remain our compass in this vein. Let me begin with Gaza. The two-state solution remains the only viable path to a just and lasting peace, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace, security, and dignity. The ceasefire and progress under Security Council Resolution 2803 offer a critical opportunity to move beyond war. We must maintain this momentum towards the full implementation of the comprehensive plan. We therefore cannot afford to let it slip away. Last week, here at the United Nations, we remembered the victims and honored the survivors of October 7. Their testimonies reminded us of the profound human toll of that day. The horror of the attacks and the taking of hostages must never be forgotten or justified. At the same time, the immense suffering of Palestinian civilians cannot define Gaza's future. The ceasefire must be consolidated, humanitarian assistance delivered at the scale and at the pace required, and civilian protection upheld. UNRWA continues to play an indispensable role in delivering essential services to Palestinian refugees, and its capacity to operate must be safeguarded. The next phase must advance recovery, reconstruction, and legitimate governance. Disarming Hamas and other armed groups is essential for lasting security. Transitional arrangements must strengthen, not sideline, Palestinian institutions, with the Palestinian Authority remaining central to Gaza's political future. Restoring essential services, rebuilding homes, and critical infrastructure is vital to enabling Palestinians to live in dignity and assuring regional stability. Greece stands ready to contribute to these efforts, including through the Gaza Team Initiative in cooperation with the UN, the EU, and regional partners. But Gaza cannot be separated from the West Bank. Settlement expansion, forced displacement, demolitions, and escalating settler violence are eroding the foundations of a viable Palestinian state. The recent violence during the olive harvest is a stark reminder that developments on the ground continue to undermine peace. Those responsible for violence against civilians must be held accountable. Preserving the legal and historical status quo at Jerusalem's holy sites is equally essential for religious freedom, interfaith coexistence, and regional stability. We have consistently called for the release of withheld Palestinian clearance revenues and welcomed the Palestinian Authority's reform efforts. While acknowledging the challenges facing the Palestinian Authority, we reiterate the importance of holding credible and inclusive elections as soon as possible. Colleagues, Gaza and the West Bank cannot be addressed in isolation. This is the fundamental logic of the New York Declaration, which Greece fully supports. Lasting security for Israel must go hand in hand with a viable political horizon for the Palestinian people. Let me turn finally to Lebanon. Greece welcomes efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and advance direct Israeli-Lebanese talks. The Washington Framework Agreement offers an important opportunity to achieve a durable cessation of hostilities and lay the foundations for lasting peace. We hope that direct talks between Israel and Lebanon will resume as soon as possible, building on the momentum created by recent diplomatic efforts. The full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the cornerstone of stability. This requires ensuring the disarmament of Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups, extending the Lebanese state's authority throughout its territory, establishing its monopoly over arms, and securing the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. As UNIFIL's mandate approaches its end, we must avoid a security vacuum. Any future international presence should preserve essential monitoring, liaison, and confidence-building functions and support the Lebanese armed forces in extending state authority in the south. The EU has taken the decision on October 12th to establish a new CSDP support mission in Lebanon with an initial mandate of three years, aimed at strengthening the capacities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security forces, as well as supporting maritime security governance in accordance with the Security Council Resolution 1701. Greece intends to actively participate in the mission, building on its long-standing contribution to UNIFIL. Concluding, colleagues, the Middle East does not lack diplomatic initiatives. What it has lacked for too long is the ability to translate them into lasting political outcomes. Greece will continue to contribute constructively to this effort. Our message is clear. Excuse me. A ceasefire must be more than a pause in conflict. It must be the beginning of a process that delivers a just and lasting peace. I thank you. I resume my function as President of the Council. I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no 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 Kazakhstan.

Thank you, Madam President. And I thank you for convening today's open debate and express appreciation to Mr. Ramiz Akhbarov for his valuable briefing. Kazakhstan remains deeply concerned by the situation in the Middle East and its serious implications for regional and international peace and security. Political and diplomatic means remain the only viable path towards ending hostilities and achieving a sustainable resolution of the Middle East crisis. Canada reaffirms its support for a just and lasting settlement based on the two-state solution, leading to an independent, sovereign, and viable state of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security. We support the New York Declaration as a framework for tangible, time-bound, and irreversible steps towards the two-state solution, and call for the full and good faith implementation of the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict and Security Council Resolution 2803. We call for unhindered humanitarian assistance, protection of civilians, and the recovery of Gaza. We underscore the indispensable role of the United Nations, including UNRWA, in providing humanitarian assistance and essential services to the Palestinian population. We also remain concerned by the situation in the West Bank and developments that further undermine the prospects for the two-state solution. We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from unilateral actions that could further aggravate tensions. Kazakhstan stands ready to make a practical contribution to stabilization and recovery efforts. As a member of the Board of Peace, President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev has committed Kazakhstan to support the stabilization of Gaza through civilian reconstruction, food security, and digital government solutions. Our peacekeeping serving in UNDOF and UNIFIL, reflect Kazakhstan's readiness to assume practical responsibility for international peace and security. We also invite partners to utilize the potential of the Islamic Organization for Food Security, headquartered in Astana, which has experience in delivering humanitarian assistance to Gaza and other crisis-affected areas. Kazakhstan has formally announced its intention to join the Abraham Accords. We see them as an additional platform to reinforce the UN brokered political process towards a two-state solution. Against the broader regional backdrop, we call on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy. Kazakhstan will continue to work with all partners in support of the central role of the United Nations and lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Kazakhstan for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Poland.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank Greece for convening this timely debate on the situation in the Middle East, and I also thank for the informative briefing. Let me present the elements of Poland's position on the key challenges. Turning first to Gulf, the ongoing conflict in the region represents one of the most serious challenges to global stability adding to Russia's aggressive policies. We attach particular importance to safeguarding freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted flow of international trade. Implementation of the Mecca Pact provisions, particularly the efforts to counter Houthi threats, may be a step towards a new regional security architecture. In that context, we strongly condemn Houthi attacks against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia. Mr. President, recognition of every state's and nation's right to live in security and peace remains key element of Poland's Middle East policy. We remember the victims of the 7th October Hamas attacks, among which were the Polish citizens. We also recognize the Palestinian aspiration for statehood, and we therefore support this two-state solution as the only credible way forward. As a provider of development and humanitarian aid to Gaza, we perceive the humanitarian situation there as catastrophic. The scale of civilian harm, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and limited access for international legal order. We are alarmed over the increasing tensions arising from the settlers' violence in the West Bank. We call Israel to safeguard respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law. Mr. President, Poland is concerned with the destruction of infrastructure in South Lebanon. It is crucial to support the Lebanese armed forces in enhancing their operational capabilities and maintaining their control over weapons in Lebanon. We backed the EU efforts in Lebanon, with a special focus on the establishment of the support mission designed to enhance Lebanese security and defence capabilities. On the situation in Syria, we underlined the need to respect Syria's territorial integrity. We welcomed the rehabilitation of the Iraq-Syria oil pipeline as an important step towards enhancing the resilience of energy markets in the wake of disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Poland is ready to support the efforts towards recovery, and for this reason, we took a decision to restore our diplomatic presence in Syria. We commend the cooperation of the Syrian authorities with the OPCW to fully dismantle the chemical weapons program developed by the Assad regime, as well as to investigate past uses. As in past years, Poland, in cooperation with several partners, including Syria, will table a draft resolution on the implementation of this Chemical Weapons Convention. Mr. President, Let me take this chance to underline that Palestine and Lebanon are among the top priorities of the Polish aid. Our assistance, both through multilateral and bilateral channels, has exceeded $10 million in 2026. We remain committed to continue our support to both of these countries in the upcoming year. And I think.

I thank the representative of Poland for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Portugal.

Thank you, Mr. President. Starting with the Gulf, Portugal supports a diplomatic solution as the only viable path to a comprehensive and long-lasting peace to ensuring freedom of navigation on the Strait of Hormuz. We urge all relevant parties to uphold international law, including international humanitarian law and UNCLOS provisions. The same applies to the Red Sea. where we also condemned the military escalation by the Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, causing severe instability for maritime shipping and global and in global trade. Portugal's commitment to maritime security and freedom of navigation is reflected in our active participation in the EU naval operation on the region, including adding the force commander for Operation Atalanta. Turning to Palestine, The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. Portugal calls for the full implementation of the comprehensive plan in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2803, including by ensuring the permanent decommissioning of weapons from Hamas and other non-state armed groups. We stress that the UN and all its agencies, including UNRWA, as well as international NGOs, must be able to fulfill their roles. Violations of ceasefire must stop. Furthermore, the Palestinian Authority should be involved in preparation for its return to the Strip. We regret the postponement of elections this year, as well as the significant obstacles to the holding of elections in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Portugal is concerned by the surge in settler violence and Israel's unilateral actions aimed at increasing its control over the OPT, including through expanded settlements which are illegal under international law. We also condemn action pertaining to alter the status quo of holy sites. Portugal formally recognized the state of Palestine and remains committed to the implementation of the two-state solution and to promote a just and lasting peace in the Middle East in line with the New York Declaration. Regarding Lebanon, we stress the need to abide by the terms of the trilateral framework agreement and highlight the importance of its implementation in the context of existing UN Security Council resolutions, including 1701. We believe the UN should continue having a role post-UNIFIL. Concerning Syria, we support an inclusive political transition as well as the country's full territorial integrity. Mr. President, Portugal, as an incoming member of the Security Council, remains convinced that diplomacy is possible, dialogue is necessary, and peace is achievable. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Portugal for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Jordan.

Thank you, President. I thank you for convening this session. We wish you every success in discharging your duties this month. I also thank Mr. Ramiz Al-Aqbarov for his valuable briefing. Jordan reiterates the need to consolidate the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring its full implementation in all its phases, including unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, initiation of reconstruction, and rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians from their territories in accordance with the Trump plan and Security Council Resolution 2803. We can no longer accept the deprivation of 2 million Palestinians from a decent life on their territories. The future of Gaza cannot remain a hostage to the suffering imposed by Israel. Therefore, we need to act to end this suffering and to pave the way for real and genuine political horizons for just peace. in the occupied West Bank. We stress the centrality of ending the unlawful Israeli practices that decimate any opportunity for peace through the expansion of settlements, the seizure of land, as well as settler violence. We warn against the E1 settlement plan, which constitutes a threat to the geographic contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territories and the establishment of an independent, viable Palestinian state. These measures cannot be considered as standalone violations. These are continuous steps at such a delicate juncture to impose a new fait accompli on the ground, which entrenches the occupation which we all condemn. Therefore, we must act seriously. The Security Council must act seriously to end this in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations and Security Council resolutions. We welcome the joint statement by the ministers of foreign affairs of 12 countries on the two-state solution in response to settlement unlawful settlement expansions, including the banning of trade with unlawful Israeli settlements. We call upon the international community to undertake more measures to end settlement expansion and ensure accountability for settler violence. As for occupied Jerusalem, we warned time and again over the worsening of the situation with continuous incursions into Al-Aqsa Al-Mubarak by a number of extremist ministers and settlers in a want and attempt for its temporal and spatial partition, as well as the targeting of its Islamic and Arab identity, as well as the historic and legal status quo of Jerusalem. We warn against these practices with these provocating practices which stoke the conflict with repercussions across the region. We stress that sovereignty over Jerusalem and custodianship over Hashemite Muslim and Christian holy sites are a collective Arab, Islamic, and international responsibility. We will continue to shoulder our responsibility in accordance with our custodianship to preserve the status quo in Al-Aqsa Al-Mubarak, including its 144 acres as a place of worship strictly for Muslims. President, the international community cannot let Israel dismantle UNRWA, the only agency capable of supporting more than 5.5 million Palestinian refugees, alleviating their suffering. The UNRWA must be protected from attempts at its political assassination. Financial and political support must be provided for its work and must reject any attempt to alter its functions in accordance with the UN mandate or the transfer of its responsibilities to host states. in brotherly Lebanon, we reiterate the need to support the Lebanese Government to ensure stability and state control over its territories, as well as Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories and full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, including agreements with the Lebanese Government. We reiterate our condemnation of ongoing Israeli violations across Syrian territories, including the Quneitra violations, which constitute a violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the disengagement agreement of 1974. We call for an end of the Israeli occupation of Syrian territories and support for the security, territorial integrity, and unity of Syria. We reiterate the need for the full implementation of the roadmap to end the crisis in Suweida and achieve stability in the south of Syria based on the announcement made by Jordan, Syria, and the U.S. in September 2025. In conclusion, protecting opportunities for peace requires ending all of these violations and not sufficing with warning against their consequences. There can be no durable peace and stability in the region without the end of the unlawful occupation and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the 4th of June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem, Al-Quds, as its capital, in accordance with a two-state solution, international legitimacy resolutions, and Arab peace initiative. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Jordan for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Egypt.

Thank you, President. Our convening coincides with the first anniversary of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, in which Egypt reiterated that the region stands before a historic opportunity, which may be the last, for peace in the Middle East. Since then, Egypt has done its part in cooperation with the United States, Qatar, Turkey, and other partners to support the full implementation of President Trump's plan, as well as Security Council Resolution 2803. This contributed to significant results. Nevertheless, building on what was achieved and finalizing the implementation of the plan, constitute a collective responsibility borne by all parties without exception, including Israel. Thus, I wish to stress the following points. First, Egypt reiterates the need to make headway with the implementation of the arrangements provided for in 2803 simultaneously. to enable the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza from fulfilling its duties in the transition and deploying the stabilization force and Palestinian police concurrently with Israeli withdrawal as well as early recovery and reconstruction efforts across the Gaza Strip. In this regard, we reiterate the utmost importance of strengthening coordination between the United Nations and the Board of Peace to ensure complementarity of efforts and the leveraging of United Nations expertise and capabilities to strengthen decent life and foster decent life for the Palestinian people. Egypt and Our partners attach great importance to this issue, as demonstrated in various high-level events which we hosted or participated in during the high-level segment of the GA last month. Second, Egypt condemns Israeli practices to liquidate the Palestinian question through settlement expansion, settler terror, the displacement of Palestinians, and repeated violations of the ceasefire, as well as persistent killing of civilians, constraints on assistance, shelter, and recovery, the targeting of humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies, including UNRWA, as well as the stifling of the Palestinian Authority. We condemn the racist and instigatory statements by extremist officials in the Israeli government, raids or incursions into Al-Aqsa, Al-Mubarak, and Al-Haram Al-Sharif, constraints on the freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians. We reiterate that there can be no sovereignty by Israel over occupied Jerusalem or its holy sites. We stress the Jordanian Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and we stress the need to safeguard its historic and legal status quo. Third, we call upon the Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities to compel Israel, the occupying power, to implement international legitimacy resolutions, including 2334 and 2803. We call upon the Security Council to compel Israel to respect the ceasefire arrangements and cease all unilateral measures in contravention of the Trump plan and the international position, which rejects the annexation of any part of the occupied territories, the undermining of the unity of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as the historic and legal status quo of holy sites. stress the need for full and unhindered and safe delivery of humanitarian assistance and an abstention from any attempt to curtail early recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip to pave the way for a full Israeli withdrawal. 4. Achieving peace in the Middle East begins by an end of Israeli occupation and the establishment of the independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the 4th of June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem, Al-Quds, as its capital in accordance with the two-state solution. We call for expanded recognition of the Palestinian state and its full-fledged membership at the United Nations. We welcome decision by -- the decisions by a number of European states and Canada to ban the importing of goods from unlawful Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which enshrines the commitment to serving justice and responsible and practical application of international law and international legitimacy resolutions. Finally, regional peace remains incomplete without the end of the Israeli occupation of all occupied Arab territories. We call for the implementation of the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel under US auspices to pave the way for full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories and expansion of the state of Lebanon's full control over its territories, as well as implementation of 1701. We call for an end of the Israeli occupation of occupied Syrian territories. We call for a full withdrawal by Israel from these territories, including the occupied Golan, in accordance with Security Council resolutions. President, once again, we reiterate that stalling The evasion of commitments and perpetual raising of ceiling of demands and negotiations, coupled with illusions of hegemony and an ambition of imposing a fait accompli, will only lead to opening the vicious cycle of violence to the region. We stand, therefore, before two choices, strictly, placing the region on the path towards security and regional integration, and peaceful coexistence in the interest of all peoples, or a vicious cycle of conflict, violence, extremism, polarization, and the rejection of the other, which does not serve interests of its peoples. I thank you.

The representative of Egypt for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Qatar.

President, we congratulate your friendly country on assuming the presidency of the Council, and we thank the Briefer for his comprehensive briefing. We align ourselves with the statements of the Arab Group and the Non-Aligned Movement. President, we hold our meeting today as our region has been going through a critical juncture since the 28th of February of this year. This had had repercussions on peace, security, and stability. It has shown that stability can only be achieved by respecting the principles of international law, the sovereignty of countries, and the settlement of disputes through peaceful means. The state of Qatar has expressed its condemnation of Iranian attacks that targeted its sovereignty and territorial integrity and that of sisterly countries, we reaffirm the need to abide by the provisions of Security Council Resolution 2817, adopted last March, when it comes to rights and freedom of navigation pursuant to international law, especially around vital maritime ways. We strongly reject the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a card to exert pressure. We call for reopening the strait. The freedom of navigation in this vital pathway is a firm principle that cannot be compromised. Closing the Strait jeopardizes the vital interest of countries in the region and global economy. We will continue our efforts as part of the mediation between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to bring views together and build common grounds among parties The State of Qatar remains committed since day one to reach a peaceful settlement, and we support the Pakistani mediation in this regard. We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks perpetrated by al-Houthis against King Khalid's International Airport in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This has resulted in casualties and material damage. It is a blatant violation of its sovereignty. We remain with the Kingdom, and we stand in solidarity with the Kingdom in all the legitimate means taken to maintain its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. The security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an integral part of the security of the state of Qatar and the collective security of the GCC countries. This Palestinian cause remains at the heart of efforts to achieve a just and permanent peace in our region. We will continue to contribute alongside Egypt, the United States, and Turkey in mediation efforts that resulted in a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. It is important to complete implementation of President Donald Trump's plan to end the conflict in Gaza. which was supported by Security Council Resolution 2803 to address the dangerous humanitarian situation in Gaza and pave the way for reconstruction and recovery and push towards a just and permanent peace. The roadmap is an integral part of the comprehensive plan. It provides a framework to implement phase two. We call on all parties to abide by their obligations in good faith and without delay. We strongly reject any measures to expel the Palestinian people or forcefully displace them from their land or any attempts to change the geographic or demographic nature of the occupied Palestinian territory. We condemn ongoing Israeli settler raids of Al-Aqsa Mosque. These are blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law. We reject this provocation of the sentiments of millions of Muslims around the world. We condemn strongly illegal settlement Israeli policies in the occupied Palestinian territory we fully reject the E1 settlement plan we condemn violations and violence perpetrated by settlers against the Palestinian people and their property. These measures blatantly challenge international efforts to achieve peace. We renew our firm position that supports the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish an independent state along the lines of 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital, pursuant to the resolutions of international legitimacy and the two-state solution. We also support fully sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. We also welcome the decision of the United States to remove Syria from the list of states sponsoring terrorism and the decision of the IAEA to close the file of noncompliance regarding Syria. We condemn the ongoing violations perpetrated by the Israeli occupying power in Syrian territory. We call on the international community to urgently act to compel the Israeli occupier to comply by the resolutions of international legitimacy, particularly the 1974 agreement. We reaffirm our strong position towards the sovereignty of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon on all its territory. We strongly reject Israeli statements on annexing areas in South Lebanon. We call on the international community to abide by its responsibility to compel Israel to stop its attacks against Lebanon and implement 1701 fully. In conclusion, experience has shown that respecting international law and reaching settlements through diplomatic efforts, this is the only path to achieve peace. We will continue with our efforts in this regard in the service of regional and international peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the representative. to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Thank you, President. I will begin by quoting the Secretary-General when he spoke about Syria during his recent visit. I quote, "Today, Syria stands at a moment of possibility. The opportunity now is not only to recover from conflict, but to lay the foundations for a future that is more stable, more inclusive, and more prosperous for all Syrians. And as I look around, Syria is today the pillar of stability in the Middle East." Mr. President, Over the past two years, my country, Syria, has strived to play the regional role befitting it and the sacrifices of its people, in addition to its efforts to establish security and stability. The recent challenges in the Middle East have imposed greater responsibilities on Syria, and we have had to address them with increased wisdom and self-restraint. The international community welcomed and supported this Syrian approach. Statements by most countries inside and outside the Security Council commended Syria for not being drawn into the conflict and polarization. But truth is that this was not easy for us, as many factors could have pushed us towards being involved in the conflict. From the very first day after liberation, Syria was clear. Syria is intent on overcoming the consequences of war and on rebuilding. Syria is tired of wars and crises and will not pose a threat to anyone. This is precisely what has happened. We freed our country from the logic of alignments and polarization. We established good relations based on trust and mutual respect with our surroundings, neighbors, countries of the region, and the world. We combated the production and smuggling of Captagon, which had plagued countries in the region for years. We joined the international coalition against ISIS. We secured our borders, restricted weapons to the authority of the state, and successfully integrated the Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions. This contributed to greater rapprochement and harmony among Syria's diverse components. We have eliminated the causes that has driven refugee flows towards Europe. Millions have returned. Civilian or civil and commercial airlines have resumed operations in Syrian airspace and airports. When the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz began, Syria was among the principal alternatives for oil transportation, and we have revived the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil line and the historic Hejaz Railway. Mr. President, the international community did not stand by idly in the face of repeated Israeli violations. We called the international community to act and express its position. The countries of the world clearly stated that the Golan is occupied Syrian territory. They called Israel to withdraw. And even the Security Council stated clearly that position when it adopted resolutions 242, 338, 497. The Council continues, on various occasions, to express support for Syria's sovereignty over all its territories, for its unity and territorial integrity, and for the implementation of the 1974 disengagement agreement. It is clear, Mr. President, that these collective positions condemn the repeated Israeli violations and incursions that continue in the Syrian territory, as well as the leveling of land restrictions imposed on Syrian citizens, preventing them from accessing their lands, and the continued construction of the so-called Sofa Line 53 in the area of separation that constitutes the area of operation of UNDOF. International awareness of the danger posed by Israeli attacks and violations is now greater than ever. This danger threatens not only Syria and its people, but the entire region. Our appeal to all is to continue recognizing the suffering of the people in southern Syria, which live under the yoke of Israeli military machinery day and night, and to intensify efforts to bring an end to these actions. Syria is acting in accordance with its legal, political, and moral obligations. It has engaged in direct security talks with Israel through American mediation and with widespread international support. We have listened to the security concerns of the other side, and we emphasized that the failure to reach a new security agreement does not mean the absence of a legal framework that Israel must adhere to. The 1974 disengagement agreement remains the applicable and valid framework. Mr. President, Syria strongly condemns the continued Iranian practices in the Arabian Gulf region, which obstruct the flow and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and threaten oil tankers. We also condemn the targeting by the Houthi militias of civilian airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly King Khalid Airport. This is a direct violation of the security and stability of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a threat to the safety of civilians, civilian installations, and air navigation. My country affirms its full solidarity with the Kingdom. We stand alongside the Kingdom in all the legitimate measures it takes to preserve its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and interests. Syria also affirms its support for brotherly Lebanon, both as government and people. in the face of the ongoing Israeli violations. Syria renews its support for Lebanon's independence, unity, and territorial integrity. We support the efforts of the Lebanese government to ensure that arms remain solely in the hands of the state as a guarantee for the security and stability of the region. The Syrian government is committed to enhancing cooperation and coordination with its Lebanese counterpart while adhering to the principles of respect, good neighborliness, and mutual interests. In conclusion, Mr. President, the position of Syria and its people regarding the Palestinian cause is firm. It is part of the unified Arab position, calling for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state along the lines of the 4th of June 1967. with Jerusalem as its capital, as well as the return of all Palestinian refugees in accordance with the Arab peace initiative. My country calls for the full implementation of President Trump's plan, which was endorsed by Security Council through Resolution 2803. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic for the statement. And I now give the floor to the representative of Turkey.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. I thank Greek Presidency for convening this meeting, as well as acting special coordinator, Mr. Alakperov, for the briefing. Mr. President, in our last statement before this Council, the OIC group had expressed concern at the persistent Israeli violation of the cease-fire in Gaza. While renewing our call for the rigorous implementation of the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, we note with consternation that the deteriorating situation in Gaza and elsewhere in the occupied Palestinian territory is due to increasing Israeli armed attacks, settlement expansion, land confiscation, home demolitions, forced displacement, and rising settler violence. These acts of serious breaches of international law have been confirmed by the various pronouncements of the high-ranking Israeli officials, which outline the latest statements, policy decisions, and measures aimed at perpetrating their decades-long policy to remove Palestinian people from their land, and rapidly and actively implementing their violations on the ground. Accordingly, the OIC Group categorically rejects the persistent calls for the displacement of the Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and Al-Quds al-Sharif under any pretext. In this regard, we condemn the decision of the Israeli occupation authorities on the implementation of the year E1 plan and the issuance of tenders for the construction of new settlements, part of an expansion plan to build more than 2,000 units in the strategic E1 area. This action represents the fragmentation of the West Bank and complete isolation of Al-Quds from its natural geographical and demographic Palestinian extension. We therefore consider this measure as a dangerous escalation of aggression that defies international will, entrenches the apartheid regime, and threatens to undermine the security in the Middle East. The IC group condemns the ongoing genocidal war against the Palestinian people and the escalating aggression of Israel as the occupier, occupying power. The IC group calls upon Israel to fully comply with its commitments under the United Nations resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 2803, particularly the immediate transition to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. This includes complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation from the Gaza Strip, opening all crossings, ensuring the continuous flow of humanitarian aid, and initiating early recovery and reconstruction to empower the government of the State of Palestine to perform its functions throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. In the same vein, we condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing Israeli attacks on the holy city of Al-Quds al-Sharif, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. We also warn against any plans to temporarily and specially divide the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing the need to protect Islamic and Christian holy sites and to preserve their sanctity and holiness. In the face of these provocative acts of occupying power, we salute and support the steadfastness and resilience of the Palestinian people on their land and emphasize the importance of the international community's fulfilling its role in preventing any displacement. We commend the positions of the countries that have condemned and rejected these illegal settlement plans, including announcement of deterrent trade-related measures against the illegal Israeli settlers. We hereby call on all Member States, the international community, and international organizations to impose deterrent sanctions against the Israeli occupation authorities, including taking all necessary diplomatic and legal and economic measures to halt and dismantle the Israeli colonial settlement system in the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr. President, with regard to the global humanitarian support for Palestinians, we reaffirm the crucial importance of UNRWA as an irreplaceable UN mandate while rejecting all attempts to undermine its legal authority. We warn against the dangers posed by targeting Palestinian refugee camps and call on States to provide necessary and sustained financial support to UNRWA. We reaffirm that the international community, including this esteemed Council, has a duty to hold violators of international humanitarian and human rights law accountable and to put an end to the impunity. We also urge the international community and this Council to meet their responsibilities under the UN Charter and international law by taking concrete and effective action to stop annexation activities, settlement expansion, forced displacement, attacks by Israeli occupation forces and settlers, arbitrary arrest and torture, and abuse of Palestinian prisoners, along with other unlawful practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including unilateral violations of the historic and legal status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem. Mr. President, we call on the Security Council to live up to its responsibilities to protect and support Palestinian people and take steps to end the occupation and secure the Palestinian people's national rights. The OIC will keep standing with the Palestinian people, supporting their legitimate struggle for freedom, independence, and fulfillment of their inalienable rights in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions. The Group condemns in the strongest terms Israel's ongoing violations and aggression against Syria, including incursions since 8 December 2024. the arrest and abduction of civilians, including children, destruction of farmlands, airstrikes, unlawful entry by Israeli high-ranking officials, settlement expansion, and attacks on Lebanon by Israeli forces from Syrian territory. These acts violate Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. OIC Group demands their immediate cessation the complete and immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Syrian territory and full compliance with the 1974 disengagement agreement. The group further demands full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 497, and Israel's complete withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan. The OIC Group reaffirms its support for the Lebanese state in asserting its control and sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, including the exclusive authority of the state over decisions of war and peace, its monopoly on the possession and use of arms, and disarmament of all non-state actors, as well as advancing its reform and institutional building agendas. The Group strongly condemns the repeated Israeli attacks against Lebanon civilians and civilian infrastructure. It furthers condemns attack against state institutions as well as large-scale destruction and systemic demolition of Lebanese towns and villages and establishment of so-called security zones, all of which constitute flagrant violations of international law, including international humanitarian law. The Group emphasizes the imperative of Israel's full compliance with international law, including UN Charter, cessation of all military attacks against Lebanon, its immediate, complete, unconditional withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, ensuring the return of forcibly displaced to their homes. The Group underscores urgent need to scale up humanitarian and developmental assistance to Lebanon to address the growing needs of affected civilians as well as to enhance support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Group reiterates its steadfast position in support of the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Lebanon, and calls for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which remains the framework regulating the state of affairs between Lebanon and Israel. In this context, The movement call, the group calls on Israel to fully respect and implement the trilateral framework of June 26, 2027, and the announcement of a cessation of hostilities of November 26, 2024, both of which serve as means to implement the objectives set forth in 1701 resolution in its entirety. The group reiterates its strong support to UNIFIL its personnel and promises, and strongly condemns all attacks against it and stressed the need to ensure accountability for such attacks. We also express our deep concern with regard to the termination of UNIFIL's mandate by the end of 2026 and the subsequent vacuum that will create. The movement, the group, is of the view that the UN presence in Lebanon remains indispensable. I repeat again, UN presence in Lebanon remains indispensable to observe, monitor and report on the future of implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and for as long as it takes the Lebanese Army to deploy fully across the territory of Lebanon. Thank you again.

I thank the representative of Turkey for the statement. There are still a number of speakers remaining on my list for this meeting. I intend, with the concurrence of members of the Council, to suspend the meeting until 3:00 p.m. This meeting is suspended.