The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question - Security Council, 9841st meeting
Security Council
Date: 20 January 2025
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/sc/9841
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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Algeria · President of the Security Council [0:06]:

The 9841st 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. I would like to warmly welcome the Secretary General, the distinguished ministers and other high-level representatives present in the Security Council Chamber. Your presence today underscores the importance of the subject matter under discussion. In accordance with Rule 37 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, the presidency of the Security Council invites the representatives of Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Turkiye, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and Vietnam to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. I propose that the Council invite her Excellency. Miss Fersin. Arabic. Yeah. Minister of State. For foreign affairs and expatriates. Of the observer state of Palestine. To participate in the meeting. In accordance with the provisional rules of procedures. 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 also invite the following to participate in this meeting: His Excellency Majed Abdelaziz, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations; His Excellency Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations; and His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Faisal Mohammed, Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item two of the agenda. I now give the floor to the Secretary-General, His Excellency, Mr. Antonio Guterres.


UN · SG [5:17]:

Mr. President, Excellencies. I thank the presidency of Algeria for convening this briefing. The Middle East is in a period of profound transformation, rife with uncertainty, but also possibility. It is clear the region is being reshaped, but it is far from clear what will emerge. We hope a responsibility we have a responsibility to help make sure the people of the Middle East come out of this turbulent period with peace, dignity, and a horizon of hope grounded in action. Mr. President, I am just back from Lebanon, where I met with the Lebanese leadership, along with the UN family, including our peacekeeping troops. A new dawn is rising in Lebanon. with a government hopefully soon in place where all Lebanese will feel represented, and a state that will be able to guarantee security to all its citizens. The United Nations, including the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, is fully committed to supporting the Lebanese people on this path. Despite enormous pressure and with considerable risk, Our peacekeeping forces stood their ground for peace to help deliver a cessation of hostilities. Here from this Council, I want to reiterate my profound gratitude and admiration to the women and men of UNIFIL. And I also extend my deep thanks to the troop-contributing countries. During my visit to southern Lebanon, I saw first-hand the dramatic human impact and destruction caused by the conflict. Israelis were also victims, suffering loss and displacement. I fervently hope all from both sides will soon be able to return to the areas where they lived and resume their daily lives. And we will do all we can to relieve the suffering and support recovery. Mr. President, I can report that the cessation of hostilities is fragile, but it is holding. UNIFIL troops are undertaking vital efforts to nurture this process. They are working closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces. It is vital that the Israeli presence in the south ends as defined in the agreement, and that the Lebanese Armed Forces are present in the totality of Lebanon. In this regard, since 27 November, UNIFIL has carried out over 730 missions in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, facilitating their redeployment in more than 50 positions. And UNIFIL has also facilitated 39 humanitarian missions in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Lebanese Red Cross, various UN entities and NGOs. Our peacekeepers need strengthened capacities, including for clearing mines and disposing of unexploded ordnance, together with adaptation of the conduct of operations within their mandate. Resolution 1701 is clear. The area between the Blue Line and the Litani River must be free of all armed personnel, assets, and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL. The parties must fully implement Resolution 1701, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and end the violence once and for all. The UN will continue to support all efforts to transform the cessation of hostilities into true peace. Mr. President, In Gaza, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal offer a ray of hope. I commend Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their steadfast efforts to secure that deal. Yesterday, the first three female hostages were released as part of the first phase, and 90 Palestinian prisoners were also released by Israel. While many challenges lie ahead, we should appreciate the long overdue relief this moment provides for Palestinians in Gaza and the hostages reunited with their loved ones. We are doing our part to ensure the rapid scaling up of humanitarian deliveries. More than 630 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza yesterday, at least 300 of them to the north. Mr. President, I want to repeat, nothing justifies the appalling October 7 terror attacks by Hamas, and nothing justifies the dramatic levels of death and destruction inflicted on the Palestinian people in Gaza. We have been relentless in calling for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the immediate action to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid to all those in need. Now the parties must make good on their commitments and fully implement the deal. I urge the parties to ensure that this deal leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. For our part, the United Nations will do all we can to advance these efforts, in particular to scale up humanitarian aid across Gaza, fully aware of the significant obstacles, challenges and constraints that we still face. Specifically, the ceasefire must translate into at least four simultaneous actions on the ground. First, United Nations entities, including the backbone of our humanitarian response, UNRWA, must be able to perform their functions without hindrance. The UN must have rapid, safe and unimpeded access through all available channels and crossings to deliver food, water, medicine, fuel, shelter and material to repair infrastructure across Gaza, including the north. Other humanitarian organizations, including local and international NGOs and the private sector, must also have unimpeded safe passage. Visas, permits, and other enabling conditions must be in place quickly to allow a surge of desperately needed relief. Second, scaling up the delivery of aid and essential services demands safe conditions and a conducive operating environment. we require the necessary technical, protective and communications equipment. To do our work, the parties must coordinate with UN system in a timely and effective manner. And this also includes the restoration of public order and safety to prevent the looting of humanitarian supplies. Third, people must be able to access lifesaving aid. This includes medical evacuations for those who need it, and I urge Member States to take in those patients. Sufficient commercial supplies must also be allowed to enter Gaza to meet the overwhelming needs of the populations. First and fundamentally, civilians must be protected, and those seeking to return to their communities must have safe passage. Explosive ordnance must be removed. The recovery of human remains must be conducted with dignity and respect. I urge the Security Council and all Member States to support all efforts to implement this ceasefire, bring about a permanent cessation of hostilities, ensure accountability, and create the conditions for recovery and reconstruction. The international media must also be allowed into Gaza to report on this crucial story on the ground. Mr. President, We must seize the opportunity presented by the ceasefire deal to intensify efforts towards addressing governance and security frameworks in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority has said it stands ready to assume its role and responsibilities in Gaza. I urge collective support for the creation of security and governance arrangements that will enable Gaza to be reunified politically, economically, socially, and administratively with the West Bank. Regrettably, the situation in the West Bank continues to worsen with clashes, airstrikes, and uninvited illegal settlements, expansion, and demolitions. I am deeply concerned about an existential threat to the integrity and contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory of Gaza and West Bank. Israel initiative changes over the past two years have streamlined and accelerated the settlement approval process. As a result, control over many aspects of planning and daily life in Area C of the West Bank has been transferred to Israeli civilian authorities. Senior Israeli officials openly speak of formally annexing all or part of the West Bank in the coming months. Any such annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law. It is clear that greater stability in the Middle East requires irreversible action towards a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions and previous agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. The United Nations will continue to support every effort to advance peace, stability, and a more hopeful future for Palestinians and Israelis and the broader region. Excellencies, finally, with respect to that broader region, allow me to say a few words about Syria. For centuries, Syria has been a crossroads of civilizations. Now, it stands at the crossroads of history. Following the fall of the brutal previous regime and years of bloodshed, there is a possibility of promise for the people of Syria. We cannot let the flame of hope turn into an inferno of chaos. The United Nations is committed to working with Syrians and the international community to support a Syrian-led process that ensures a credible and inclusive political transition in line with the key principles of Security Council Resolution 2254. And I welcome the steps taken by Member States showing solidarity with Syrians. But much more significant work in addressing sanctions and designations will inevitably be necessary, particularly in light of the country's urgent economic needs. Advancing an inclusive political transition is the most effective means to ensure that Syria receives more support. As Syria travels a new path and seeks to rebuild its institutions and political systems, we will support an inclusive process in which the rights of all are fully respected, and that paves the way towards a united and sovereign Syria with its territorial integrity fully reestablished. Mr. President. in Lebanon, Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory, Syria, and beyond. Let us keep working for peace and security. As the region is undergoing a profound transformation, we must spare no effort to help shape it in the form of more justice, dignity, human rights, and peace for all the people of the Middle East, and I thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [17:52]:

I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Mrs. Fersine Arabikhian, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Observer State of Palestine.


State of Palestine · Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates [18:15]:

I say that, Mr. President, at the outset, I would like to thank you for convening this important session on the Palestinian issue at the ministerial level. I also thank you, Your Excellency, Mr. the Minister, for your presence and for presiding over this session. This reflects the interest you pay to the Palestinian issue and the fact that it is among your priorities on the Security Council agenda. I would also like to express our appreciation to the delegation of Algeria for the great efforts you are making to support the Palestinian people and their just cause, and for all you have made to, um, encourage the Security Council to adopt a firm position regarding a ceasefire in Gaza. I, on behalf of the State of Palestine, the people and leaderships of Palestine, I would also like to thank the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for his noble positions, principled positions. And I also thank all the UN staff members, especially those working on the ground and providing assistance and relief to our people in its plight and in the catastrophic humanitarian situation we are witnessing. I would also like to thank Their Excellencies, the Ministers participating in this session; Your Excellency, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Algeria, President of the Security Council; Your Excellencies, Members of the Security Council; Ladies and Gentlemen. We are addressing you today in the Security Council with our hearts heavy with pain and anger owing to what the Palestinian people have been subjected to in the Gaza Strip, including the killing, displacement, blockade, starvation, most of whom are children, women, and elderly, in addition to the deliberate destruction of everything. As for the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Our land is being looted and our properties and holy sites are being desecrated and our rights are being violated through the crimes perpetrated by the occupation forces and the settlers without any accountability. The practices, measures and laws implemented by the occupation government are illegitimate in the occupied territories. They aim at undermining the two-state solution and weakening the official institutions of the State of Palestine. They prevent the Palestinian people from exercising their right to self-determination and to build an independent Palestinian state, a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. It ignores the resolutions of the international legitimacy adopted by the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, and international tribunals, the last of which was the advisory opinion of the ICJ calling for an end to the illegal Israeli occupation, including an end to settlements. The glimmer of hope that we are seeing today and for which we have been working with our brothers and friends throughout the past 15 months allowed us to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, thanks to the commendable mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. We hope that this ceasefire will hold and succeed, leading to a full and final ceasefire without any return to aggression, and that it will lead to a full withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, laying the foundations for a political track based on the resolutions of international legitimacy that would end the occupation and implement the advisory opinion of the ICJ pursuant to the GA resolution calling for an end to occupation within one year. since day one of this aggression, the State of Palestine has been relentlessly calling for an end to an immediate ceasefire to prevent the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, to prevent displacement, annexation of land. We have repeatedly warned against the invasion by the occupation forces of the Gaza Strip. We called for protecting the civilians, protecting them from the scourge of war and destruction, regardless of whom are the parties to the conflict. We commend here the positions of Egypt, Jordan, and other countries that stood against any attempts to displace the Palestinians outside their country, whether from the Gaza Strip or from the West Bank. We also emphasized the need to end the practices undermining the two-state solution, including the expansions of settlements and the crimes perpetrated by the settlers in broad daylight. We have called for preserving the historical and legal status quo of the holy sites, the Christian and Islamic holy sites in the occupied city of Jerusalem. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the countries and peoples that have supported our efforts to achieve a ceasefire, including among the members of the Security Council and the General Assembly, and all those who work to end the war of genocide against our people and to hold Israel accountable for its crimes, including the states that supported us before international tribunals, including the Republic of South Africa, which referred the case the ICJ in order to end the crimes of genocide against our people. Mr. President, since the first moment of this aggression, the State of Palestine have been making intensive diplomatic efforts led by His Excellency President Abbas, who have made hundreds of calls and meetings with regional and international parties to end this bloody aggression. He went several times to the Security Council with the of several members of the Council, on top of which Algeria, the Arab representative in the Security Council, and to the emergency resumed emergency special session of the GA. We call for an implement for an implementation of relevant UN resolution, including Security Council Resolution 2735, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages and prisoners, the delivery of immediate humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, and preventing the displacement of the Palestinians and returning the displaced to their homeland, the withdrawal of the occupation forces of all of the Gaza Strip, allowing the Palestinian Authority to shoulder its full responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, and reuniting the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the management of the Palestinian Authority. And it also calls for returning to a political process that would end the illegal occupation and lead to the independence of the state of Palestine and to achieving the two-state solution pursuant to the resolutions of the international legitimacy. In this context, we reaffirm that the Gaza Strip is part and parcel of the occupied Palestinian territory and that the state of Palestine is or has the legal and political jurisdiction over the Gaza Strip and over all the occupied Palestinian territories since 1967, including East Jerusalem. We reiterate our total rejection of any attempts to annex our land or to displace our people. This is a blatant violation of international law. It violates the principles enshrined by the international legitimacy. We reaffirm the need or the imperative to uphold our legitimate rights and our national identity, which unites our people wherever they are in the world. This requires a unity of our land and of our people under the umbrella of the PLO, which is the only legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. It also requires everyone to commit to the PLO's political program and international commitments, and to work under one regime, one law, and a single armed forces. Mr. President, We reaffirm that the Palestinian Government is ready to assume the responsibility of running the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in cooperation with friendly and sisterly countries and organizations. It is ready to provide basic services, including health, education, water, and electricity, to guarantee the return of the displaced to their homes and to prepare for the reconstruction phase. We are also committed to manage the crossing points in collaboration with the EU and Egypt in line with the 2005 agreement. In this context, we welcome any assistance for training and equipping the Palestinian police and security forces. We look forward to the assistance of the brotherly and friendly states in all fields to lift the people of Gaza from this humanitarian devastation. We reaffirm here the importance of the role played by UNRWA, which is indispensable and irreplaceable. The Israeli occupation powers do not have the right to prevent UNRWA from implementing its mandate to serve the Palestinian refugees in the occupied territories and in all the areas of operations where the Palestinian refugees live, especially that this agency was created and its mandate determined through UN resolutions, and the Israeli occupation powers do not have the right to prevent it from working. Mr. President, we would like to express our deep appreciation to the countries that have supported our people in these difficult times. We call upon the international community to provide further urgent humanitarian support and to cooperate with the Palestinian government to enhance its abilities to play its role and shoulder its responsibilities. However, we emphasize the need to reach a lasting and comprehensive political solution for the Palestinian issue and for peace in the Middle East. Therefore, we commend the efforts of all the states participating in the Global Alliance for Peace, which was created in past September in New York under -- with the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the EU, and the Kingdom of Norway. We also commend the efforts of the Arab Islamic Committee, headed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which have been mobilizing efforts throughout the world to end the aggression, to implement the two-state solution in line with the resolutions of international legitimacy, and to achieve international recognition and a full membership of the State of Palestine in the United Nations. and also to end the Israeli occupation and to build an independent Palestinian state along the lines of the 4th of June 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital to solve the issue of the refugees in line with UN resolution 194. This would give a chance to peace and stability not only between the Palestinians and the Israelis, but also for all the countries of the region so that they can live in security, peace, and good neighborliness. We look forward to holding the international conference to implement resolutions of the international legitimacy pertaining to the Palestinian issue and the two-state solution, which will convene in June in New York. We call upon all the participating countries to take practical, decisive measures to end the occupation and to support the independence of the State of Palestine and to achieve just peace. Mr. President, Our people are struggling for a just and comprehensive peace, a peace that would secure security for all. Therefore, we reiterate our call before your August Council to grant the State of Palestine full membership in the United Nations and to adopt the Arab peace plan that was explained in the address of President Abbas in September before the General Assembly. And that statement was supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the countries participating in the conference for the Alliance for Peace. And the plan would allow the state of Palestine to achieve independence over its land occupied since 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and would allow everyone to live side by side in peace, security, and good neighborliness. Thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [31:32]:

I thank Her Excellency, Mrs. Arabi-Kian, for statement, and the presidency of the Security Council gives the floor to the representative of Israel.


Israel [31:49]:

Thank you, Mr. President, esteemed ministers, excellencies. On October 7th, 2023, Hamas perpetrated the worst massacre against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Over 1,200 lives were brutally taken, and more than 250 people were abducted. Amidst this darkness, the unity and resilience of the Israeli people shines through. It is this unity that has driven Israel's determination to achieve the objectives of this war, bringing all of the hostages home, dismantling Hamas's military and governing capabilities, and ensuring that Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel. 472 days. For that length of time, hostages have been subjected to unimaginable suffering, among them the three women released yesterday. Romy Gonen, age 24, was abducted from the Nova Music Festival after witnessing the murder of her best friend. Injured, she was taken to Gaza, where she received practically no treatment for her severe wounds. Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli, was taken from her kibbutz, Kfar Aza, after terrorists invaded and massacred her neighbors. In the last message before her abduction, she wrote that terrorists were in her neighborhood, shooting near her apartment. Doron Steinbrecher, 31, a veterinary nurse, was also kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza after being trapped in her home. A video later emerged showing her pale, thin, and visibly suffering in captivity. These women, who endured unimaginable sufferings, are heroes. They embody the strength and resilience of the Israeli people, standing as eternal symbols of courage in the face of inconceivable cruelty. Yet, even as we see the first hostages finally returning home, the joy of their return is shadowed by the immense pain that remains. Families have endured months of psychological torture, forced to watch staged videos of their loved ones, broken and afraid. Hamas has weaponized fear and grief as tools of control. Their propaganda videos of hostages are calculated acts of terror. They serve as tools of psychological warfare, amplifying fear and grief to deepen the suffering of the hostages, their loved ones, and the entirety of Israeli society. The suffering of our hostages has extended beyond the psychological to include physical violence and abuse, deprivation of basic needs like food and medical care, and conditions that violate every norm and concept of human decency. For the last 472 days, these innocent people have known only misery, violence, and torture at the hands of Hamas. Hamas's brutality has not stopped at kidnapping. It has extended to the execution of hostages and all kinds of immeasurably cruel acts. We will never forget any of the victims of these atrocities, and their memory will strengthen our fight to ensure justice and security for all our people. Among them, Kfir Bivas, who just two days ago should have celebrated his second birthday. Yet for this little boy, his brother Ariel, his parents, Shiri and Yarden, still held in captivity, there have been no celebrations, just as there were none for his first birthday. Only captivity and suffering. The Security Council must confront an uncomfortable truth. It called for the release of these hostages, but these calls were ignored by Hamas. The Council passed resolutions and demanded their release. Yet Hamas, a terror group which eats to no international norm or law, violated these resolutions, with no accountability or price to pay. And yet, it was Israel that was scrutinized in this very room, while no measures against those who kidnap babies and elderly were adopted. By failing to hold Hamas accountable, the Council has set a dangerous precedent. This failure represents a profound lapse in judgment across the international community. It signals to the world that terrorist organizations can operate with impunity, exploiting innocent lives as bargaining chips without fear of meaningful repercussions. This precedent emboldens not just Hamas, but any group that seeks to emulate its tactics. The global ramifications of this inaction are staggering. It threatens the very foundations of international security and justice. Some of the consequences of this failure may be salvaged. Israel demands that the Council takes the most basic moral step to unequivocally condemn Hamas and to finally designate it as the terrorist organization it is. Mr. President, it was Hamas that initiated this war with its brutal attack on October 7th, and its fellow Iranian proxies across the region followed suit, joining the attacks against Israel. For the past 15 months, the Houthi terrorist regime, guided and funded by Iran, launched hundreds of rockets and UAV attacks against Israeli population centers, On our northern border, 63,000 of our citizens were forced to evacuate as a result of Hezbollah firing over 22,000 rockets, missiles, and anti-tank munitions at their homes. We will continue to enforce the ceasefire understandings with Lebanon and will respond to any violation. The State of Israel maintains its right to act against any threat to its security. In regard to the developments in Syria, Israel is taking all necessary steps to defend and ensure the security of the communities in the Golan Heights and the entire civilian population. The State of Israel has no interest in a conflict with Syria, nor has it any intention of interfering in its internal affairs. But we will not tolerate a situation that endangers our civilians, allow Iran to reestablish itself in the region, and transfer weapons to Hezbollah. We now stand at a turning point for the entire region. Iran's proxies have suffered devastating losses. Through the bravery and determination of our soldiers, Israel has not only weakened Hamas, but fundamentally altered the strategic landscape of the Middle East. The Iranian regime's network of terror, from Hezbollah in Lebanon to the Houthis in Yemen, have faced significant setbacks, with their capacities diminished and their positions isolated. Arch-terrorists such as Hassan Nasrallah, Muhammad Deif, Yahya Sinwar, and Ibrahim Akil have been eliminated. Israel's actions have sent a clear message: The days when terror groups could operate with impunity are over. The days when Iran could freely sow chaos and terror throughout the Middle East are over. It is therefore clear that Israel's decisive and necessary response to the October 7th massacre is what forced Hamas to the negotiating table. Without the courage and sacrifices of our forces, the hostages would still be languishing in captivity without any hope for freedom. This progress comes at a heavy cost. Israel has agreed to release convicted terrorists responsible for heinous crimes to bring our people home. This is a decision no nation should have to make. Yet, we made it because we hold life sacred. This deal is not a conclusion. It is a step in the demanding journey to ensure the return of every single hostage. Each decision we make reflects the profound moral weight of balancing justice with imperative to save lives. Esteemed council members, this hostage release deal reflects Israel's unwavering resolve to meet the war's objectives. We are steadfast in our commitment to dismantling Hamas's capabilities, ensuring Gaza is no longer a threat, and returning every hostage to their families. We recognize and deeply appreciate the steadfast support of our allies, particularly the United States. The principled leadership and unwavering backing of both the Biden and Trump administrations have been instrumental in navigating these challenging times. This partnership represents the shared commitment to combating terror and upholding the values of freedom and security. Their support is a testament to the strength of alliances built on mutual respect and a common vision for a safer world. Council members, to conclude. Hamas has turned Gaza into a fortress of terror, sacrificing the civilians to shield their operations. It has weaponized schools, mosques, hospitals, and UN facilities, transforming them into instruments of war. This barbarity demands a resolute and united response from the international community. Failing to act decisively against Hamas sends a dangerous message to other terrorist organizations that such tactics are permissible. It is a test of our collective will to uphold international law and human dignity. The families of the hostages and the people of Israel know that this moment is only the beginning. This war will not end until every hostage is returned and Hamas's ability to terrorize is dismantled. We will not rest until every one of them is back home. We will not stop until the threat of Hamas is eliminated. And we will never forget the price that has been paid by the innocent. Thank you, Mr. President.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [42:03]:

The Presidency of the Security Council thanks the representative of Israel for her statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs of Algeria.


Algeria · Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs [42:27]:

In the name of God, most compassionate, most merciful, I express the loftiest of appreciation to you, Your Excellency, Mr. Secretary-General, for your valuable briefing and for your accurate diagnosis of the developments in the Middle East, including the challenges that we must all address and everything demanded of us in the situation. We attend today's meeting while we are cautiously optimistic. We are cautious and apprehensive and also optimistic that the war has ended in Gaza following the ceasefire deal in the wounded Palestinian territory. This deal has long been awaited against the background of implementing an Israeli project in Gaza specifically and in the region more generally. It is a deal for which artificial impediments have prevented, obstacles that were public and others that were secret. It is a deal whose absence has for long frustrated the international community, who has been hopeful that such a deal will alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians and that we will end the stagnated political process to achieve peace in the Middle East and to restore stability in the Middle East more generally. We thank you. We thank the international mediators who have worked tirelessly to achieve this deal after 15 months of a war that has led to a catastrophic toll It is undescribable by words or even by numbers. Gaza is no longer Gaza after the crimes perpetrated leading to more than 46,000 martyrs, most of whom are women and children. Gaza is no longer Gaza. After the vast destruction it has witnessed that has leveled the entire area, including hospitals, stores, schools, universities, and even mosques and churches, as well as shelters and graves, Gaza is no longer Gaza. after demolishing its resources and infrastructure and eliminating its social and economic lifelines, in addition to impoverishing the people of Gaza and depriving them of the most basic needs for a life of dignity or survival. And Despite this disastrous toll, the Palestinian people chose to emerge in Gaza and throughout the occupied territory to celebrate the ceasefire and asserting to the entire world that oppression will not hijack the will of the Palestinian people. That injustice will not weaken the resilience of the Palestinian people. And that oppression, no matter how brutal, will not undermine their persistence to restore their full national rights. as per international law. The ceasefire deal in Gaza represents precious hope for this Palestinian people, hope in life, hope in alleviating injustice and suffering, and hope in determining their destiny. If this Council of ours has been unable in the past to provide justice to the Palestinian people, it is fitting today for the Council not to miss this historical moment and opportunity to uphold the full responsibility of the Council designated by the UN Charter. the responsibility that is not limited to addressing the impact of the aggression suffered by Gaza over the long previous months, but that includes as well guaranteeing, addressing the core of the conflict and achieving the national Palestinian project. The international community can no longer tolerate the continued situation in the Middle East that has lasted for nearly 80 years, where one tragedy would be followed by a greater tragedy, and the Nakba would be followed by a worse and more bitter Nakba. Palestine's destiny cannot continue to swing between hopes and lost prospects and opportunities that rapidly close. Accordingly, we must realize and be fully aware that the ceasefire deal is not an end, but a beginning; that the ceasefire deal is no more than an opportunity, the success or failure of which will depend on how well we seize this moment and build upon it. And this deal is only a means that we sincerely hope will deliver us to a greater and more noble goal, which is to resolve the Palestinian question irreversibly and achieve a lasting, fair peace in the Middle East. Accordingly, we call on the Security Council to focus the efforts. during this present period on three main levels. The first level is strengthening this deal and monitoring its implementation in all its dimensions and through all its phases. The different processes emerging from this deal require this Council to provide strong support to international mediation as it monitors implementation of the full and permanent ceasefire, and as it monitors lifting the restrictions imposed on relief efforts and in order to complete the exchange of prisoners and hostages and to achieve the full withdrawal of Israel from Gaza. The second level is related to the need of the Security Council to guarantee that that the arrangements for the next day in Gaza take into consideration the will of the Palestinian people and will protect the hopes and aspirations of the Palestinian people in order for the Palestinians to achieve their goals on the ground. Gaza is not land without owner or without people. The future of this land must be determined by the Palestinians first and foremost, without foreign intervention that may deepen the divisions within the Palestinian people and move them farther away from national reconciliation. In this context, we must emphasize the need or the next-day arrangements in Gaza to respect the unity of the Palestinian people and the integrity of the territory upon which the Palestinian state will be built, and to respect the unity of the destiny of the Palestinian people. These same arrangements must also afford great importance to the plans to reconstruct Gaza and to accelerate these plans. Finally, on the third level, we must build upon the ceasefire deal in order to revitalize a political process under the auspices of the United Nations in order to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ceasefire in Gaza will not be comprehensive or final or permanent unless it is supported by a political process that envisions and that is bold and that is sincere and that prioritizes a final settlement for the Palestinian question as per the two-state solution. that is internationally agreed today, more than before. Based on everything required by these three levels, Algeria will follow under the leadership of His Excellency Abdelaziz Taboun, and as per its traditional role and active contribution to all international efforts to do the following, one, to guarantee the needs of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip as soon as the illegal blockade is lifted through participating in relief efforts and through providing support for the building of field hospitals as soon as the circumstances allow. and through our continued support for UNRWA, who has suffered an injustice and false accusations and was threatened. However, its raison d'etre continues. Second, we will support the reconciliation efforts in Palestine. It is a necessary reconciliation. that must be achieved to guarantee an end to the divisions, the greatest price of which was paid by the Palestinian people themselves. Third and finally, we must protect the two-state solution that is enshrined in international agreements through preserving the needs for an independent Palestinian state and allowing it to become a fully fledged member of the United Nations. And as per international recognition at the international conference that will be held later this year. Thank you for your attention.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [57:03]:

I resume my function as President of the Council. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency, Mrs. Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia.


Slovenia · Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs [57:22]:

Thank you, Mr. President, dear Ahmet. I want to start by thanking you personally for the organization of this high-level debate and for the work of your country on the Council. And I also thank the Secretary-General for his remarks and his commitment. Mr. President, the Middle East has been swept up in a windstorm of changes that will undoubtably transform the region. All of us sitting here today must shoulder our responsibilities and offer our support in navigating these changes. The stakes are too high for inaction. After yesterday's silence of the guns and first exchange of hostages and prisoners, we feel a relief and a sense of hope that a different future is possible for the Middle East. Slovenia warmly welcomes the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. We urge all parties to uphold their commitments to this fragile truce. We thank the mediators who have made this outcome possible. And the Council must now focus on ensuring the ceasefire evolves into a pathway toward lasting peace built on trust, justice, and reconciliation. The world's most challenging problems require global response. I traveled to New York directly from Kyiv, third years of the Russian aggression, in Ukraine, much of the world is holding back. Slovenia has been at this table, always vocal, when it comes to unjustified wars, violations of international law, UN Charter, suffering of civilians, women, and children. Almost three years in office as a foreign minister, I have never spared my criticism against brutal killings of civilians. I'm proud that Slovenia, recognized, independent, and sovereign Palestine. I trust we were on the right side of history. People in Gaza deserve to live without bombs and guns. And people in Israel deserve to live in security. As members of the Council, it is our responsibility, indeed duty, to work tirelessly towards lasting and just peace in the Middle East, in Ukraine or other conflicts around the world. In another recent development in the Middle East, a new chapter is starting to be written in Syria. The Security Council has a clear role in supporting an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in line with the key principles of the resolution 2254. We also have a renewed hope for a permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, with the Security Council's role as the custodian of the 1701 framework. Slovenia calls for strict adherence to this framework, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation along the Blue Line. And I look forward to visit Syria and Lebanon in the very near future. Both countries are on the path of a more hopeful future. And we are ready to stand with them. Yet the Middle East will never truly turn a new page until the suffering, the hatred, and the fear persists. To stop this, we need leadership for people, leadership for peace, and leadership for multilateralism. Firstly, we need leadership for peace and for people. The plight of civilians, particularly in Gaza, that could amount to genocide remains a heartbreaking reminder of the cost of conflict. Civilians are protected by the international humanitarian law and are under no circumstances legitimate targets of attacks. We reiterate the vulnerable situation of children and women in this conflict, but today I also want to highlight the suffering of those that are most often overseen. Many of them lost their land decades ago, and now they have lost their homes, the generations that they created, and the dignity they held onto despite all the odds. After a life of hardship, older persons in Gaza are going through their worst, with no food to put on the table and no doctor to ease the pain. The plight of civilians, including older persons in Gaza, is another broken promise of leaving no one behind. I sincerely hope that the ceasefire in Gaza gives them a chance to finally, finally experience peace. It is now time to give them and the generations after them a chance to see a new Gaza. One that is rebuilt, full of hope. Gaza that is reunified with the West Bank, including East Jerusalem under the Palestinian Authority. But firstly, the ceasefire must translate into safe, direct, and uninterrupted humanitarian access and immense scaling up of aid. Secondly, we need strong leadership for peace in Gaza and in the region. With vision and commitment, Leadership for peace must uphold international law, particularly international humanitarian law and human rights law. This requires accountability for grave violations that have taken place through appropriate legal mechanisms. Peace cannot take root without accountability. Leadership for peace must be built on dialogue, on cooperation, and on normalization of ties. It cannot perpetuate or fuel proxy exchanges or further escalation. Unconstructive and divisive rhetoric, provocations, and incitement must become a relic of the past. And thirdly, we need leadership for multilateralism. This organization was built on the premise that the path to peace cannot be walked alone. In the Council, we often encounter obstacles But the hard work of diplomacy in this Chamber never stops. Slovenia remains convinced that the Security Council must also lay the ground for the two-state solution. Equally, we underline the role the whole membership should have in making peace in the region, a truly lasting one, including through an international peace conference under UN auspices. I restate our willingness to host the meeting of the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution. And I thank the Secretary-General for his leadership in this crisis and for the work of the UN system. This includes UNRWA, the irreplaceable backbone of humanitarian action there. In light of the responsibilities conferred on all UN member states through the UN Charter, I once again use this opportunity to call on the government of Israel not to implement the legislation affecting UNRWA. In this moment of hope, it is time to find ways for cooperation and rebuild lives of civilians in Palestine. Mr. President, leadership is never easy. Pursuit of long-lasting solutions involves a lot of difficult decisions. Sometimes with no short-term gains in sight, it is now time to make those difficult decisions, placing peace as the collective interest of the membership of this organization. As we navigate these transformative times, Let us remember that peace is not an unattainable dream. It is within our reach, provided we choose cooperation over conflict, justice over impunity, and hope over despair. At the beginning of the year, I assure you that Slovenia will not approach conflicts on the basis of geography, but on principles. We will continue believing in solving problems in dialogue rather than aggression. And we believe in building trust and peace. Thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [1:06:22]:

I thank Her Excellency, Mrs. Tania Fayon, for her statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Musa Timoti Kaba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone.


Sierra Leone · Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation [1:06:40]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Excellency, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Algeria. I congratulate you on Algeria's presidency of the Security Council, and I thank you for convening this high-level, open debate at such a very critical moment. extend my gratitude to the United Nations Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, for his important briefing and commend his leadership and tireless efforts in addressing the complex challenges arising from the escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. His commitment to advancing peace in the occupied Palestinian territory, Israel, and the broader Middle East region is deeply appreciated. I would like to begin by expressing my deepest condolences to the families of all victims, both Palestinian and Israeli, of the tragic violence that erupted since October 7, 2023. The scale of the violence, the immense loss of life, and the suffering endured by innocent civilians serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for peace, stability, and the protection of human dignity. We also pay tribute to the service and ultimate sacrifice of over 350 UN and humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip. We stand in solidarity with all humanitarian and frontline personnel. Mr. President, for 15 months, the Security Council and the international community have been focused on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. which has claimed over 46,000 civilian lives, including approximately 18,000 children. Reports, including UNWRA's 12 January 2025 situation report and the Secretary-General's response to General Assembly resolution ES/10/26, have exposed the horrific realities faced by civilians in Gaza. The violence has been marked by repeated violations of international law, including international humanitarian law. These violations are evidenced by collective punishment of the Palestinian people, indiscriminate and systemic attacks against civilians and civilian objects, as well as the denial of access to urgently needed humanitarian aid, which is essential for preserving and protecting lives. The impact of the conflict has been disproportionately felt by women and children. Children who have survived are now orphaned, displaced, or maimed, with their education interrupted. Women have been stripped of their livelihoods, privacy, and dignity. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, ORCHA reports that between 7 October 2023 and 8 January 2025, 816 Palestinians have been killed, including 498 in 2024 alone. This situation cannot continue, Mr. President. The international community must demonstrate a collective commitment to ending the cycle of violence. At this critical juncture in the conflict, with the promising prospect of achieving a lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the beginning of Gaza's reconstruction, Sierra Leone would like to emphasize three key points. First, Sierra Leone welcomes the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. We commend Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their mediation efforts, which have led to a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an increase in humanitarian delivery in Gaza. This is a positive step that must be fully leveraged by both parties in good faith and with right intentions. Echoing the words of the United Nations Secretary-General, we call on all relevant parties to uphold their commitment and ensure the full implementation of the agreement. We encourage Israel and Hamas to comply fully with their obligations under the ceasefire deal and to carry out their respective duties within the specified timelines. We also welcome the release of three Israeli women hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire arrangement. Second, we support the increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, as the humanitarian situation remains utterly dire. The conflict has left over 2 million people in desperate need of food, medical supplies, and shelter. As displaced civilians return to their homes, they will require essential supplies to build their lives. Humanitarian organizations, including the World Food Program, have emphasized the need for all border crossings to remain open and operational, allowing aid to reach those in need. For efficient and effective aid delivery, The World Food Programme has underscored the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in reaching all those in need at this critical juncture. In collaboration with UNRWA, the WFP has the capacity to provide life-saving food to at least 2 million people in Gaza over the next three months. UNRWA remains the only organization with the logistical and human resources to address the severe needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. In light of recent legislation passed by the Israeli government on 28 October 2024, we urge the Government of Israel to comply with its international obligations and allow UNRWA to continue its vital work unhindered, delivering lifesaving services to millions of Palestinians. Third, the diplomatic momentum gained must be preserved and expanded to facilitate future dialogue aimed at achieving a political settlement based on the two-state solution. While the efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages are important steps towards alleviating immediate suffering, they represent only a fraction of the longstanding and unresolved issues at the heart of the Palestine-Israel conflict. The situation remains fragile, and both Palestinians and Israelis continue to live in fear and uncertainty. The events of the past 15 months remind us all of the consequences of occupation and the elusive nature of peace in the Middle East. They highlight that there is no viable alternative to a two-state solution, which will allow for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside the existing Jewish state. with both states living side by side in peace, stability, and security. This important work must start with the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, which must be comprehensive, addressing the infrastructural, economic, political, and administrative conditions necessary to establish effective governance. On a broader regional scale, we acknowledge that while the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is as crucial in reducing violence in Gaza. It also holds broader temporal reprieve for civilians and opens a window for diplomatic effort. All regional actors must seize this opportunity to work toward peaceful solutions to address the underlying issues fueling conflict in the region. In conclusion, Mr. President, Sierra Leone continues to call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law ensuring the protection of civilians, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and the prevention of further violence. We emphasize the importance of accountability for violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights laws. Finally, Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. based on the principles of international law and respect for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. We remain firmly supportive of the two-state solution, which is the only viable framework for resolving this conflict and ensuring the security and sovereignty of both Israel and Palestine. I thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [1:15:40]:

I thank His Excellency, Mr. Musa Timothy Kaba for his statement I now give the floor to his Excellency Mr. Ahmed M Minister of foreign affairs and International cooperation of.


Somalia · Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation [1:15:58]:

Somalia in the name of God the the merciful I want to thank the Foreign Minister of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Ladies and gentlemen, ministers, participants in this meeting, members of the Council, ladies and gentlemen, at the beginning of my statement, I would like to very sincerely thank the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria for holding this very important meeting. And we'd like to congratulate you on your presidency of the Security Council this month. This meeting reflects the gravity of the humanitarian and political situation in the Gaza Strip and, generally speaking, of the Palestinian cause. I thank the Secretary-General for his very informative introductory statement that really paints a very detailed picture of the suffering, the tremendous suffering that the Palestinian people are enduring today, as well as developments in Lebanon and Syria. Mr. President, the 15 over the past 15 months have seen in the Gaza Strip a tragic escalation that has cost the lives of thousands of innocent civilians and that has destroyed vital infrastructure in Gaza, including hospitals and schools, and has transformed the daily life of the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip into constant and unbearable suffering. This painful reality puts all of us in the face of our moral, human, and political responsibilities, and calls on us to act internationally, urgently, in order to ease the suffering of the defenseless Palestinian people and to ensure the respect of their fundamental and inalienable rights. The announcement of the ceasefire agreement was the outcome of tireless efforts undertaken by the brethren state of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and in cooperation with our friends from the United States. This is an important and commendable step, and this agreement reflects the importance of diplomatic actions to resolve conflicts, and it reflects what can be done if there is collective will and constructive action. This agreement can be seen as a first step in a long and difficult process to achieve a lasting and just peace. We have witnessed images in the Gaza Strip following the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement. We have witnessed the scenes of families reunited after over 15 months of being separated. And some have been able to embrace their loved ones for the first time. And the victims and the hostages detained by Hamas, these images show us to what extent peace is vital. And on this point, we applaud this agreement, which is not only a truce, but it gives us hope for a better future. And we would like to express the strongest possible hope that this agreement will be fully implemented and will thus make it possible to establish a just and lasting peace that can restore the confidence and trust of the people of the region and that will achieve this. Mr. President, the challenge that stands before us is not only to stabilize this ceasefire agreement, but to address the root causes of the conflict. starting with ending Palestinian occupation and lifting the inhumane blockade of the Gaza Strip and rebuild the Gaza Strip to give hope to the population. This reconstruction does not only imply physical rebuilding to repair what was destroyed by the war, but a comprehensive process that requires investment in in people and support for local societies to strengthen economic and social infrastructure to allow for a better and more prosperous future. Mr. President, this situation in Gaza imposes a collective responsibility on us to ensure the delivery of unhindered humanitarian aid to the Strip. And in this context, we would like to reiterate the importance of ensuring the continued operation of UNRWA. This agency is truly a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees. This is something that cannot be negotiated, it's not negotiated or changed. The mandate of UNRWA can only be changed by a decision of the General Assembly. This is why we must avoid any measure that could exacerbate the situation on the ground. Mr. President, building a lasting peace requires more than simply putting a stop to the hostilities. Peace requires a collective will to find a lasting solution. This is why we call on the establishment of an international mechanism, an effective mechanism, making it possible to ensure full implementation of the ceasefire and to prevent a return to a spiral of violence. It is essential to support legitimate Palestinian leadership and to strengthen Palestinian national institutions to allow them to play a full role and to respond to the aspiration of the Palestinian people to freedom and independence. In conclusion, To establish peace and stability in the Middle East requires a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question, a solution based on the resolutions of international legality and the Arab Peace Initiative, making it possible to achieve the vision of a two-state solution and to create an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the 4th of June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital. The Federal Republic of Somalia reiterates its unswerving solidarity with the Palestinian people. We call on the international community to step up its efforts to put an end to the occupation and to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, making it possible to guarantee the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and restore stability for the region as a whole. Thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [1:24:16]:

For his statement. And I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Hernandez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama.


Panama · Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs [1:24:31]:

Mr. President, Panama would like to thank the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, led by His Excellency Ahmed Hattaf, for the meeting. We'd also like to extend our thanks to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his valuable report on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. The 7th of October 2023 marked a dark chapter in contemporary history, the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas struck down the lives of 1,200 Israeli civilians, constituting a flagrant violation of international law. These cowardly acts perpetuate cycles of hate and destruction. We reaffirm that Israel has the right to live within internationally recognized borders However, the legitimate but devastating military response that followed has plunged the region into a tragic humanitarian disaster. According to OCHA, more than 46,000 lives, including 18,000 children, have been extinguished. These figures are a heart-rending cry which calls for immediate action. We cannot ignore the humanitarian disaster that is ravaging millions. Panama welcomes the recent ceasefire agreement, giving a glimmer of hope amidst the suffering. We recognize the diplomatic efforts led by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar in mediating this agreement, which provides vital breathing space for both parties. But we know that this cessation of hostilities is not an end in itself. It must be a point of departure towards a comprehensive and lasting political commitment. Mr. President, In our capacity as non-permanent members of this Council, we reiterate that respect for international law, enshrined in the United Nations Charter, is non-negotiable. From resolutions 2242 to 238 and up to the consensus between the two States, this Council has laid out the path to peace. Coexistence between Israel and Palestine, based on secure and recognized borders, continues to be the only possible outcome. We must address the root causes of the conflict, recognizing the right of Israel to exist in security, just as the application of the Fourth Geneva Convention in the Palestinian territories. We also... unequivocally condemn Hamas. This is a terrorist organization that has led to the suffering of the Palestinian people in order to advance its own agenda. These are cowardly actions that do not reflect the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. Without security for Israel, peace will be unachievable, but there also needs to be justice and dignity for the Palestinians. With regard to UNRWA, Panama recognizes its vital role in providing essential services to the Palestinian refugees. Despite the challenges and the disputes, we reiterate our support for this agency, which represents a pillar of hope for millions. The heroism of its humanitarian workers must not be tarnished by those who, in the shadows, exploit humanitarian structures for their vile purposes. Mr. President. History teaches us that military solutions cannot guarantee peace. This ceasefire should lead to a platform for inclusive political dialogue supported by the international community. Panama calls upon all the parties to act with moderation and responsibly. prioritizing a solution that will promote dignity and mutual respect. Panama reaffirms its commitment to the resolutions of this Council and the building of a peace that transcends differences, peace that not only puts an end to this conflict, but which will usher in a peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity for the entire region. Peace is not a lofty ideal, it's an immediate right. May this Council act with courage, guided by humanity, in order to sow the seeds of a more hopeful future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Thank you very much.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [1:28:46]:

I thank His Excellency, Mr. Carlos Luis Hernandez, for his statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Hamish Falconer, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State [1:29:08]:

Thank you, Mr. President. I'm grateful to Algeria for convening this important meeting. Mr. President, the ceasefire agreement offers hope for the Israeli and Palestinian people and for the world. I, too, would like to thank Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their tireless efforts to achieve it. The hostages have endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of Hamas since they were so cruelly taken on 7 October. I welcome the release of three of them, including dual British national Emily DiMari, bringing their horrific ordeal to an end. The remaining phases of the ceasefire must now be implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of all the remaining hostages. Mr. President, civilians in Gaza are enduring suffering that almost defies belief. More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, including many children. Winter has only worsened this dire situation, with children dying from hypothermia and the imminent risk of famine in northern Gaza. This deal opens the way for them to begin to rebuild their lives. The UK, with our partners, have been pressing at every opportunity for an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages. The Foreign Secretary did so last week during his visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. These intense diplomatic efforts must continue in the days and weeks ahead. We must build confidence on all sides to help sustain the ceasefire, progress through all of its phases, and turn it into a lasting peace that assures the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike. The UK will focus all of our efforts on keeping up that momentum until every hostage is released, until the aid promised to Gaza reaches those in need, and Palestinians are free to return to their homes to rebuild their lives. It is essential that the surge of assistance is properly co-ordinated, with the right level of access and security to reach those in need. As the Foreign Secretary has said, Israeli legislation means UNRWA faces a cliff edge in its ability to support Palestinian refugees across the West Bank and in Gaza. We urge Israel not to endanger UNRWA's ability to operate. Mr. President, this agreement is a crucial first step towards a sustainable peace and a credible pathway to a two-state solution. Millions of people are relying on us to build on this process and end their agony. We must not let them down.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [1:32:03]:

I thank His Excellency Mr. Hamish Falconer for his statement. Now I give the floor of the representative to the representative of Greece.


Greece [1:32:19]:

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, esteemed colleagues. Calls for peace in the Middle East have been far too many in this Chamber, and have been repeated far too many times in its history. Mr. President, my country, Greece, warmly welcomes the long-awaited ceasefire and hostages release agreement. As fragile as it may seem, it might be a turning point for establishing enduring stability in the region. It is now time to fully deliver on this deal so that all Israeli hostages finally join their loved ones and that the Palestinian people finally stop counting their dead. Mr. President, words fail to convey the accumulated pain and suffering endured by the people in this turbulent region, one very close to home. Words are not sufficient to convey the horror experienced by Israeli families having lost loved ones to the terror of Hamas. or that of innocent civilians, including thousands of children, who lost their lives in Gaza. It is finally time to silence the gun and for peace to prevail. Yesterday, we were overjoyed that three female hostages, Roni Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Dammari, finally joined their families in Israel after being held captive by Hamas terrorists since October 7, 2023. It is now key to make sure that negotiations in the next phases succeed. It is time to accelerate discussion to advance post-conflict planning for the governance security of Gaza for the longer term to secure a safe and prosperous future for the Palestinians and all the people in the region. Inspired by the heritage of a region which is the birthplace of so many of the world's religion, we are believers in the prospects of a two-state solution of Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security. Believers in the positive culmination of the peace process, which remains on a collective horizon as a beacon at the far end of a dark and long tunnel, hanging by a thread unless a collective voice strives to keep it alive, for alive it might stay. Mr. President, these past few weeks have allowed for hope on the region's horizon. The guns seem to be widely silenced along the Lebanese-Israeli border, and Lebanon has overcome its political impasse, having elected a new president and, soon it appears, by a government with a mandate to bring about positive change. The culmination of this positive development seemed to have led us back to the core of the region turmoil, to Gaza and the Palestinian question, where the long and commendable mediation efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar were finally successful. We thank them for their tireless effort. Agreeing with the outgoing US president, who said, citing the Bible, "Blessed be the peacemakers." For while it may require strength to preserve the conflict, it takes tremendous courage to transcend it. Let the destructive cycle of violence finally end. Let tensions cool. And let us turn to the day hereafter, to reconstruction, reconciliation, the creative activities of peace time. Mr. President, we should be hopeful, but not naive. We should remain cautious of the difficulties on the ground. The fragile agreement must hold, and we call on all sides to do their part to uphold it. The humanitarian situation on the ground is most concerning. In this context, UNRWA's role is irreplaceable. As highlighted by the Secretary-General's recent letter, there is no alternative to this accumulated experience of providing a wide spectrum of valuable and essential services to the Palestinian people for over 75 years. Obstructing the Agency's capacity to operate within its mandate is not helpful at this stage. It could even be detrimental. Its role will be indispensable for implementing the humanitarian aspects of the agreement. It is thus crucial that the recommendations of the Kholouni report be diligently and fully implemented. It could even be a catalyst in terms of much-needed cooperation between the agency and Israel. Greek support to UNRWA has not ceased. Likewise, Greece is committed to supporting humanitarian initiatives such as the Cyprus Amalfi Plan, which has recently allowed for the provision of more than 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the port of Ashdod, to alleviate some of the pain, to save some of the lives. For as stated in the Talmud, "Whoever saves one life saves the world entire." Mr. President, Consistent with its long-established relations with the Palestinians and the Arab world, and a strategic ally of Israel, Greece will do its utmost as a bridge builder during its tenure at the Council. What we have witnessed since Hamas unleashed its terror on October 7th has been a tragedy. May this be the end of this tragedy. May we see the release of all hostages and the ceasefire preserved. May it evolve into long-time peace. And may we see the peace process revived towards a viable two-state solution. I thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [1:37:04]:

Representative of Greece for his statement. And I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.


Pakistan [1:37:16]:

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, it's a pleasure to see you, Mr. Foreign Minister, preside over this important meeting of the Security Council. Pakistan congratulates you on Algeria's successful presidency and for convening and participating in this timely debate on the grave situation in the Middle East, especially Palestine. We also thank Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his insightful briefing and his wise recommendations. Mr. President, over the past 15 months, We have witnessed the widespread destruction and massive human suffering caused by Israel's wanton attacks in Gaza, killing over 46,000, mostly women and children. We have witnessed the most egregious violations of international law, including international humanitarian law. which many have concluded amount to genocide. Israel's war has spread to the West Bank, to Lebanon, to Syria, to Iran, as well as Yemen. The wreckage caused in the Middle East is the consequence of Israel's expansive, illegal, and unacceptable conception of its so-called right to self-defense. It is also the consequence of the impunity which Israel has enjoyed to conduct attacks and aggression beyond any legal or moral proportion against the helpless Palestinians whose territory it occupies in flagrant violation of the principles of the UN Charter and international law. After defying the resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, the injunctions of the International Court of Justice, and the appeals its friends and patrons Israel has finally agreed to a ceasefire arrangement due to a particular deadline this ceasefire could have been achieved many months ago saving thousands of lives particularly in Gaza Mr. President we have all welcomed the the announcement of the ceasefire. And Pakistan appreciates the patient mediatory efforts that have been made by Qatar, by Egypt, and by the United States to achieve the agreement for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. In particular, we extend our admiration to His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, for the resilience and diplomatic skill with which he steered the parties towards the conclusion of this agreement. Pakistan hopes that all stages of this ceasefire agreement will be fully implemented and that the ceasefire will become permanent. We are concerned by Israeli threats to resume its military attacks in Gaza. We hope also that the Palestinians will be able to agree on arrangements for Gaza's inclusive and effective governance. Mr. President, the international community must now urgently address the humanitarian crisis created by Israel's destruction, its blockade of Gaza, and its deliberate strategy of starvation of its population. All crossing points must be opened. and all UN and other humanitarian agencies allowed to provide humanitarian sustenance to the besieged, displaced, and suffering Palestinians in Gaza. Israel's attempts to shut down UNRWA, the agency which provides a critical lifeline to the Palestinians, must be vigorously opposed by the Security Council and the international community. Mr. President, Pakistan will do all it can to assist the besieged and suffering Palestinians in Gaza. Secondly, the displaced Palestinians must be enabled to return to their homes, including in North Gaza, and to restore their devastated lives. Third, Israel must be obliged to withdraw its forces from Gaza, as envisaged in the ceasefire agreement. Their presence is illegal and must be ended to ensure the restoration of peace in Gaza and the rehabilitation of its displaced people and its early reconstruction. Fourth, the international community should assist the Palestinians to develop a concrete plan for Gaza's reconstruction as envisaged in Security Council Resolution 2735, which was initiated by the United States. This plan should be implemented expeditiously with adequate international support. Fifth, and most importantly, the international community, including the Security Council, must work to restore international legitimacy and sustainable peace in Palestine and the wider Middle East. Accountability for the crimes committed in this brutal war must be an essential element in restoring international legitimacy. Mr. President, the most critical step in building sustainable peace is the revival of the political and diplomatic process to achieve a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinian people. This must be based on two fundamental principles of the UN Charter, endorsed by several resolutions of the Security Council and the International Court of Justice: 1. The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and 2. the non-acquisition of territory by the use of force. Despite the expansionist ambitions of some Israeli politicians, despite the devastation and destruction wrought by Israel's war machine, despite the skepticism of some intellectuals, The two-state solution remains the most promising, equitable, and, we believe, feasible framework for durable peace between Israel, the Palestinians, and the Arab and Muslim world. Indeed, Israel's existence, flowing from General Assembly Resolution 181, can be legitimized only if there exists a separate and sovereign Palestinian state. The alternative is prolonged and brutal military occupation, revived violent resistance, and perpetual conflict in the Holy Land, which would continue to afflict the entire Middle East and poison the relations between Israel and the Arab and Muslim world. An inclusive political process is essential to advance the realization of the two-state solution. Pakistan will work to promote such a solution as a member of the Global Alliance for Implementation of the Two-State Solution. This outcome should be made politically inevitable. The State of Palestine must be recognized by all UN Member States and admitted as a full member of the United Nations. In this context, we welcome the General Assembly's decision. in resolutions 79/81 to convene a high-level international conference in June 2025 on the implementation of the relevant UN resolutions pertaining to the two-state solution. Mr. President, to achieve comprehensive peace in the Middle East, it is also essential to simultaneously address other threats to peace and security in the region, as the Secretary-General has mentioned. Pakistan welcomes the agreement, facilitated by France and the United States, for a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. We congratulate President Joseph Aoun on his election and Mr. Nawaf Salameh on his designation as the Prime Minister of Lebanon. Israeli forces must withdraw from South Lebanon within the stipulated 60 days. The Lebanese army is ready to deploy there in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1701. Israel must halt its continuing attacks in Lebanon, which are blatant violations of the 26 November agreement. Pakistan supports the stabilization of Syria through an inclusive political process and governance. Terrorism must not be allowed to reemerge in or from Syria. We must uphold Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Israel must withdraw immediately from the separation zone established under the 1974 disengagement agreement. It must also withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights in accordance with Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, and 497. We call for a halt to the Israeli and other airstrikes against Yemen, as well as an end to the attacks from Yemen on international shipping. We hope that a ceasefire in Gaza will help to end these attacks and revive the interrupted political process in Yemen. Mr. President, the Council must also be concerned at the reported contemplation of further Israeli attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Today, despite the hostile rhetoric, there is an opportunity to revise the JCPOA on equitable terms. This window of opportunity must not be missed. This would contribute significantly to realizing durable peace and security across the entire Middle East. Mr. President, the Israeli Prime Minister has proclaimed that Israel, and I quote, "has changed the face of the Middle East," unquote. But Israel has not and cannot change its soul, a soul which continues to seek justice as well as peace. Even in this altered strategic landscape, the Arab and Muslim peoples will not relent in their quest for peace with justice and for equal rights for the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and statehood. I thank you, Mr. President.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [1:50:38]:

I thank the representative of Pakistan for his statement. And I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.


Denmark [1:50:49]:

Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you to Algeria for calling for this important and very timely meeting. Excellencies, colleagues, the Middle East stands as a crossroads, undergoing profound transformation that will reshape its future for years to come. After endless months of a brutal war, we now have a long-awaited ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas. Hostages who have languished in Hamas captivity for over 15 grueling months will finally return to their families. And we were relieved that the first three female hostages were freed last night. The Israeli people can slowly begin to heal the deep scars of Hamas' horrific terrorist attack on October 7. At the same time, after more than 15 months of unimaginable suffering in Gaza, the ceasefire should pave the way for an immediate scale-up of humanitarian operations. So that basic life-saving aid reaches the civilian population, so that infrastructure is rehabilitated and materials for basic shelters are provided to the many displaced people who lost their homes during the war. A ceasefire that would finally silence the guns. A ceasefire that, we hope, will lead to a durable and lasting peace and lay the foundation for the steps towards a two-state solution. We thank the United States, Egypt, and Qatar for their tireless efforts in negotiating this deal. Mr. President, elsewhere in the region, we have witnessed the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. We have welcomed a ceasefire in Lebanon. We have congratulated Lebanon on the election of a new president and the designation of a new prime minister. These developments give cause for hope. This was also the impression of Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen when he last week visited Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Lebanon. In his talks with the region's leaders, he felt a cautious optimism that positive shifts are happening. Put simply, these changes offer a rare opportunity, an opportunity to lay the foundations for a just peace and stable region, A peace that this region has been yearning for decades and so strongly deserves. Excellencies, colleagues, this is no time to hesitate. We must take full and immediate advantage of the ceasefire and dramatically scale up humanitarian assistance and support the resumption of basic services across Gaza. All parties must ensure that aid is allowed to move into and within Gaza freely. UNRWA continues to play a crucial role in this regard. There is no alternative to this UN agency on which other humanitarian organizations rely for its infrastructure, staff, common services, as well as last mile support. UNRWA must be allowed to operate its full mandate in all areas. International law and core humanitarian principles make it perfectly clear. As an occupying power, Israel has an obligation to ensure Palestinians receive basic services. We urge the Israeli government to abide by these obligations and immediately and without delay ensure the facilitation of full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian assistance into and throughout the entire Gaza Strip. Mr. President, we must not lose sight of the worrying developments in the West Bank. Denmark is deeply concerned by the latest increase in violence and reiterate that the expansion of settlements in clear violation of international law undermines the prospect for a two-state solution. Mr. President, to conclude, It is high time to lay the foundations of peace. Now is the time to commit for la- to lasting peace through a two-state solution, where Palestinians and Israelis alike can live in peaceful coexistence and mutual recognition. Now is the time to support peace in Lebanon in all ways possible and benefit from the new dawn ri- rising, as the Secretary-General was stating. Now is the time to support the people of Syria rebuilding their country in a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned, and inclusive manner. And now is the time for a just and brighter future with freedom and dignity. We must match the enormity of this moment with ambition and action, and make good on the promise of the United Nations Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. The peoples of the Middle East deserve it. Thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [1:55:22]:

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


China [1:55:32]:

Thank you, President. I thank the Algerian presidency for convening today's high-level open debate and welcome Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf presiding over the proceedings. I thank Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his briefing. Yesterday, a ceasefire in Gaza materialized, which China welcomes. We look forward to this pivotal moment being leveraged to put the Middle East on the right track towards de-escalation. This is an overdue ceasefire, one that has come too late. For 15 months, Gaza was subjected to sustained wanton and indiscriminate shelling and bombing, leaving a trail of over 46,000 deaths and 2 million people languishing in a humanitarian catastrophe and plunging the wider region into turmoil. This ceasefire is but the first step, and it's incumbent upon the international community to work harder on the following important tasks, without which bloodshed and death would not cease once and for all, and no horizon would emerge for a peace between Palestine and Israel or common stability for the entire region. One, achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Two, alleviating the humanitarian plight in Gaza. Three, making arrangements for post-conflict governance in Gaza. And four, reviving the political aspects of the two-state solution. On achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, once a ceasefire is in place, no conflict should be allowed to restart. We note Israel's pronouncement that should phase two talks collapse, it may resume military operations in Gaza, and that with the backing of a certain country. We cannot help but find this deeply concerning. The current ceasefire ought to be the foundation for a permanent one. It must not turn out to be a break before a new offensive. The three-phase deal should be implemented continuously and comprehensively. We hope the United States, as the guarantor, will see to it with tangible action. On alleviating the humanitarian plight in Gaza, the catastrophic humanitarian conditions there are beyond imagination. The suffering of the Palestinian people must be eased without delay. Israel, as the occupying power, must fulfill its obligations under IHL, lift all restrictions on humanitarian access, ensure secure and orderly distribution of humanitarian supplies in Gaza at scale, and make sure the displaced can return home safely. There is no substitute or alternative to UNRWA's role in the humanitarian operations in Gaza. Deeply concerned by the Israeli legislation against UNRWA, we call on Israel not to go ahead with this implementation and to revoke those laws as soon as possible. On the structures and arrangements for post-conflict governance in Gaza, Gaza is an inalienable part of the state of Palestine. Arrangements for post-conflict Gaza should be decided within Palestine through consultation. The international community should support the intra-Palestinian groups closing ranks to support unified and effective management of Gaza and the West Bank under the leadership of the National Authority. Any attempt to change the demographics and territory of Gaza is unacceptable. After 15 months of unbridled and indiscriminate bombing and shelling, Gaza is the picture of devastation. It is uninhabitable. Reconstruction must start as soon as possible to give its people some means of living again. International support for rebuilding Gaza is essential, and UNRWA should be able to play a crucial role in the process. On reviving the political prospects of the two-state solution. While independent statehood for the Jewish people has long been achieved, the Palestinian people continue to be treated with indifference and to suffer from historical injustice. The 15-month-long conflict has also proved once again that lasting peace in the Middle East is only possible through the implementation of the two-state solution, whereby the two states Palestine and Israel live side by side in peace. The international community should work towards relaunching the two-state solution with the greatest sense of urgency and provide strong support and assurances to that end. China welcomes the efforts of Saudi Arabia, the European Union, Norway, and others to revive the two-state solution and supports the holding of a larger, more authoritative, and more productive international peace conference to work out a timetable and roadmap for the implementation of the two-state solution. It warrants noting that Israel's prolonged occupation of the Palestinian territories, including settlement activities and settler violence in the West Bank, is more than a violation of international law and Security Council resolutions. It is also chipping away at the foundations of the two-state solution. More dangerous are the attempts to annex the West Bank, which would bury every last prospect of peace in the Middle East. To uphold the primacy of international law and to preserve the basic conditions for independent Palestinian statehood, we call on the international community to take all measures necessary to put an end to unilateral actions that violate international law. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that the ceasefire, belated as it already is, must not turn out to be a mere hiatus before a fresh round of conflict. The international community must intensify its coordinated efforts without delay to facilitate the relaunching of the political process for the implementation of the two-state solution. China is ever ready to keep up our constructive contributions and our tireless efforts to restore peace in the Middle East and to bring about a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. Thank you, President.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [2:01:59]:

Thank the representative of China for his statement, and I give the floor to the representative of Guyana.


Guyana [2:02:06]:

Mr. President, Your Excellency, Ahmed Attaf, thank you and the delegation of Algeria for convening this timely debate. I also thank Secretary-General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres, for his comprehensive briefing, and indeed for his leadership and strident advocacy for peace in the Middle East. Mr. President, Excellencies, we are at a critical crossroads for both the Israeli and Palestinian people, and for the Middle East as a whole. The war in Gaza has been at the center of the violent turbulence in the region since 7 October 2023, with the first phase of the recently agreed ceasefire taking hold. Hope is at an all-time high across the world and among the Palestinian people in particular. Allow me to thank the governments of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their tireless efforts. We call on the parties to fulfill their commitments under the ceasefire agreement, prioritizing the well-being of civilians. Guyana urges that the negotiations between the parties continue in good faith. in order to progress to a permanent end to the war in Gaza and the release of all hostages. The people of Gaza simply cannot afford another day of war. They must be guaranteed the space-time, and resources to reconstruct their lives. Guyana therefore urges this council and all member states to ensure that hostilities do not resume in Gaza. We must also take all steps to ensure full compliance with the orders of the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice last year, and with the Court's advisory opinion regarding Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr. President, Excellencies, In the immediate days ahead, The focus must continue to be on ramping up the supply of critical humanitarian assistance to people in the Gaza Strip, providing food and critical healthcare services to those in dire need, and addressing the situation of the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have been displaced from their homes. Children must be returned to the classroom, having endured more than a year of learning loss. International solidarity and support are as critical now as they have been throughout this war, and Guyana urges all Member States to scale up the level of their support for recovery efforts in Gaza. It is also crucial for the UN and aid agencies to be able to carry out their work without impediments. Mr. President, Excellencies, As the tide shifts in Gaza with the implementation of this first phase of the ceasefire deal, the tide is also shifting for Palestinians on another front. The legislation adopted by the Israeli Knesset on 28 October last on UNRWA is set to enter into force in a few days. Should Israel proceed with enforcing this legislation, this would collide with the space that the ceasefire deal has opened for scaling up humanitarian assistance to Gaza. As the Secretary-General has asserted, while a number of UN entities other than UNRWA have been operating and will continue to operate in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, these cannot replace UNRWA's operations. The extent of UNRWA's operations over its more than 70 years cannot be replicated by any other agency. Guyana wishes to remind that UNRWA's operations were intended to be temporary. However, after more than seven decades, the impediments to Palestinian statehood have not been removed, preventing a duly elected government from assuming its role and ensuring the proper functioning of the state and its institutions. Guyana therefore urges this Council, on all Member States to safeguard UNRWA's role in the Occupied Palestinian Territories until the Palestine refugee question is definitively addressed in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions. We further urge Israel to refrain from implementing the legislation, as this would impede the work of the United Nations, especially at this critical time for Palestinians in Gaza. Mr. President, Excellencies, We must continue to work towards a permanent settlement of the Palestinian question, in line with the two-state solution. The Palestinian people should not be made to endure further cycles of violence, as we have seen since 7 October. close to 47,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in this war, the majority of whom were women and children. Many more have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and Gaza now has the largest number of child amputees in modern history. Images of the destruction in the Gaza Strip show endless grey heaps, with more than 90% of buildings estimated to have been destroyed or damaged. Palestinians must now rebuild, once again, and the support of the international community will be critical. Notwithstanding the enormity of what is before us, there is no time like the present for the United Nations to secure a lasting and just solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We must seize the moment and end this conflict and the suffering of generations of Palestinians. It is a question of self-determination and justice for the Palestinian people. In closing, Mr. President, freedom for the Palestinian people in an independent state of their own and a secured Israel are not elusive. As we meet today amidst glimmering hope and cautious optimism, Guyana believes that the ceasefire agreement could be the first step of advancing these twin endeavors, forging a lasting peace for the people of Palestine and Israel and the wider Middle East. As a member of the United Nations and this Council, we stand ready to do our part. I thank you, Mr. President.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [2:09:13]:

I thank the representative of Guyana for her statement, and I give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea.


Republic of Korea [2:09:23]:

Thank you, Mr. President. I also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. Mr. President, the whole world is witnessing a pivotal transition in the Middle East. Finally, the dawn of hope has arrived in Gaza with the release of three Israeli hostages yesterday. We wholeheartedly welcome the long-awaited agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages. We appreciate the persistent efforts by mediating countries, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Syria is charting a new political path with the fall of the Assad regime after 14 years of civil war. Lebanon overcame its political vacuum by electing a new president following the cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line. However, alongside this optimism, we now stand at the most critical juncture. Numerous unresolved key issues and deeply rooted challenges are still piled up. Having said that, I would like to stress the following points today. First, the Gaza ceasefire agreement must be faithfully implemented by all parties. Hamas must release hostages. Israel should withdraw from populated areas. Both parties must cease all military operations in Gaza. We urge both parties to fully commit to maintaining the negotiations in order to transition to the next phase of the deal. Policymakers in Israel should reject any pressure to prolong or resume the armed conflict. And Hamas must keep in mind in the negotiating process that their terrorist attacks on October 7 cannot be justified under any excuse. Second. There should be no obstacle to humanitarian aid flowing throughout Gaza. Parties to the conflict must facilitate the entry and delivery of assistance. All crossings into Gaza should be opened, and necessary measures to restore law and order must be implemented. In this vein, we reiterate that obligations of Israel under international humanitarian law, as explained in the advisory opinion by the ICJ in July 2024, do not end at the border crossings. It is Israel's legal obligation to provide the basic needs for civilians in Gaza, as well as to facilitate humanitarian aid by third actors. The operations of all humanitarian actors must be ensured and facilitated. Considering Article 59 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, we recognize that UNRWA has been playing a vital role in delivering humanitarian aid and providing social services in Gaza. In this connection, we hope that unilateral implementation of national legislation of Israel will not jeopardize this historic opportunity to improve the situation in Gaza. Third, this pressing momentum should rekindle the peace process between Israel and Palestine. The Middle East process, stalled for decades, needs to be resuscitated to promote long-term peaceful coexistence. In order to move toward a better future for all, a smooth transition to a legitimate and stable governance in Gaza under a reformed and revitalized Palestinian Authority is essential. The international community, including Israel, should support the PA in restoring its governance in Gaza, as well as enhancing stability in the West Bank. with a vision to realize the two-state solution in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions. Mr. President, peace and security in the Middle East is an interconnected puzzle comprised of interlinked pieces. Not only those in Israel and Palestine, but all players in the region should focus on constructing peace and stability. Developments in Lebanon and Syria should lead to rebuilding of state institutions in due course, alongside active support from the international community, including the United Nations. The mandates of UNIFIL and UNDOF should be respected and complied with, and the safety of peacekeepers must be guaranteed at all times. The Houthis in Yemen, who have been exploiting regional volatility, must reverse their stance and join efforts to revitalize the Yemeni-led political process. Thus, we reiterate our demand that all state and non-state actors cease all attacks across the region, any acts that violate the territorial integrity of neighboring countries, as well as those that provoke opposing parties or lay more ceaseable attribution must stop. Seizing this crucial momentum, let us now collectively chart a brighter tomorrow for all in the region. The Republic of Korea will maintain its engagement in all efforts to achieve this vision. I thank you, Mr. President.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [2:14:57]:

I thank the representative of the Republic of Korea for his statement, and I give the floor to the representative of the United States of America.


United States of America [2:15:08]:

Thank you, Mr. President. And I thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing earlier. Colleagues, a ceasefire and hostage release deal was long overdue. Thanks to the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the sides have reached an agreement consistent with Resolution 2735 to end the conflict that Hamas set into motion more than 470 days ago. This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and, most importantly, reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity. It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran, but also of dogged and painstaking diplomacy. This conflict should have ended long ago. We must never forget the lives taken as a result of the brutal Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th. and the horrors endured by countless innocent people in the war that followed. We cannot allow Hamas to continue playing spoiler on behalf of the Palestinian people any longer, not after it started this conflict through its barbaric attack on October 7th and its deplorable behavior ever since. We have seen Hamas cynically weaponize the suffering of Palestinians by using civilian infrastructure, like schools and hospitals, to store caches of weapons, house fighters, and coordinate attacks. We have also seen Hamas play the victim. making appeals to the international community on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, while at the same time actively making decisions and employing tactics that put them in danger. We can no longer allow Hamas to dominate the Palestinian political landscape in Gaza. We welcome the Palestinian leadership's recent statements emphasizing how Hamas is placing the interests of Tehran over that of the Palestinian people, and thereby bringing about the destruction in Gaza. Israel's fight is with Hamas, not with the Palestinian civilians the terrorist group falsely claims to represent but often put in harm's way. No one benefits from a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, least of all the millions of Palestinian civilians mired in a conflict they did not start and are powerless to stop. Colleagues, now is the time for all parties to ensure critical aid reaches those in need throughout Gaza. We urge countries to support this effort through funding and resources, and to help scale up much needed humanitarian aid. Colleagues, as we all know, work to finalize the ceasefire was difficult. It took far too long to reach an agreement to end the bloodshed. In the near future, the region's leaders will need to make difficult choices to help forge a new new reality. The United States, Qatari, and Egyptian mediated ceasefire is a starting point toward a future that provides equal measures of security, freedom, and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis. Despite the horrific toll of the conflict that Hamas unleashed, we have an historic opportunity to dramatically transform the Middle East. It is long past time for the fighting to end and for the work of building peace and security to begin, to help people begin rebuilding their lives. The United States will do everything in its power to help Israelis and Palestinians seize this moment together and find peace through this agreement. I thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [2:19:43]:

I thank the representative of the United States of America for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation [2:19:55]:

Mr. Minister, we welcome your Excellency to the quarterly open debate of the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. We note the active role of the Algerian delegation, the purveyor of the aspirations of the Arab world in the Security Council, in keeping various important aspects of this topic a focus of the Council's attention. We would like to thank the UN Secretary-General for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East, where for more than 15 months now, the bloody Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been raging. Just very recently, we heard reports of an agreement reached between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. As far as we're aware, the agreement was approved by both sides, and a few hours ago, it entered into force. One would like to hope that the result attained through the mediators will last. Nonetheless, this is a reason not only to be glad, but also to take stock of the sad situation. We must not forget that over these months, the inhabitants of Gaza paid for this with their own lives. Over the past 15 months, the military operations by Israel in Gaza killed at least 47,000 Palestinian civilians. The exact figure will only be known once the rubble is cleared. Such civilian losses have not been seen in the world since the Second World War. This bloodshed should have been stopped much earlier. However, each attempt by the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution with a call for an immediate ceasefire came up against Washington's veto. That referred to its so-called quiet diplomacy, did everything it could to ensure that the Security Council did not hinder Israel's actions on the ground. Russia, right from the beginning of the crisis in Gaza in October 2023, along with like-minded countries, consistently sought to establish a lasting ceasefire and put forward the first resolution calling for this. We also insisted upon an urgent need to supply humanitarian assistance to all in need. It is a bitter pill to swallow to know that, despite these efforts, the UN Security Council still was not able to implement its mandate because of the actions of one permanent member. As far as we can tell, the deal concluded a few days ago doesn't fundamentally differ from the deal that was discussed back in December 2023. This begs the question: Was the fine-tuning of its details really worth the thousands of lives that were lost since in Gaza? And this thought, frankly, does not spark joy in us, despite the fact that a deal has been concluded as something, of course, that Russia welcomes. Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, yesterday saw the start of the first phase of the deal providing for the release of 33 hostages held in the Gaza Strip. in exchange for a group of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. The implementation of this first phase will help to assess the sustainability and viability of the entire agreement. It is a cause for cautious optimism that, despite the difficulties in the initial phase, on 19 January, the first Israeli hostages were released, as were detainees held in Israeli prisons. From that point in time, pursuant to the provisions of the deal, military hostilities stopped in the Strip and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces was started. We note the start of the withdrawal of Israeli armored vehicles from Rafah and also the return home of thousands of inhabitants of the town. However, let's have a look at the first page of the New York Times today. On the photo, of the houses where Palestinians lived. These aren't houses, they are just ruins. We note that the agreement provides for an increase in the volume of food, fuel, and medicants supplied to meet the Gazans' needs. According to the representative of the WHO in Palestine, Pepper Corn, it will take many years to rebuild the healthcare system in Gaza and at least tens of millions of US dollars. Less than half of Gaza's hospitals are currently operational. The issue of supplying sufficient volumes of humanitarian assistance to Gaza should become a priority of the work of the Council. Now the Council's resolutions can work properly, so we should focus on implementing them. We commend the efforts of the mediators, first and foremost Qatar and Egypt, thanks to whose painstaking and persistent work this important agreement was reached. We note that at the final stage of the negotiations, representatives of the new American administration got on board, who, as we understand it, helped ultimately to overcome the repeated stubbornness of Israel. We trust that the implementation of the agreement will pave the way for a stabilization of the situation in Gaza, for a return of those who temporarily and on numerous occasions been displaced, who are in their millions, and to rebuild Gaza, which is currently lying in ruins and reminds us of scenes from a post-apocalyptic film. and also reunite Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees with their families. We expect that these will include the Russian citizen in Gaza, Alexander Trufanov. We have repeatedly said that the ceasefire in Gaza is a precondition for stabilization for the entire region. The implementation of the agreement gives a glimmer of hope not only for a lasting normalization of the situation in the area of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but also creating conditions for long-term improvements in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. Furthermore, there is now an opportunity to create conditions to establish a comprehensive political settlement process for the Palestinian question on a broadly recognized international legal basis, the ultimate aim of which is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace and security with Israel. The implementation of the two-state solution alone, approved by UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, will help to curb the vicious cycle of violence and will help to bring genuine, lasting peace to the region. As is clear from recent years, no agreement which bypasses the matter of a just settlement of the Palestinian question will ever bring about peace in the region. However, this is still far off. The recent months of war have highlighted the problem of a lack of mutual trust and have led to radicalisation on both sides. The long-awaited deal is fragile and any provocation may upend its implementation. It is important in particular for Israel to stop its practice of building new settlements in the OPT and expanding the existing ones, and it needs to comply with UN Security Council resolutions. It is pertinent how and who will monitor the ceasefire. On both sides, voices are already rising up of those who are not happy with the agreement and who are just waiting to accuse their opponents in violation of their agreements. It is the duty of the entire international community to protect this ceasefire and to strengthen the voices of those Palestinians and Israelis who prefer peace to war. From our side, we will carefully follow the implementation of the terms of the deal, and we will support any initiative focusing on an unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire, on ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and on relaunching negotiations on the recognized international legal basis, including the decisions of the Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations. Thank you very much.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [2:28:25]:

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for his statement. And I now give the floor to the representative of France.


France [2:28:36]:

Mr. President, allow me at the outset to thank Algeria for having organized this meeting. as well as the Secretary-General for his briefing. France welcomes the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in Gaza, made possible thanks to the efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt. We call upon the parties to implement this in its entirety. This agreement must allow for the release of all hostages, including two French citizens, Zofa Calderon and Ohad Yalomi, and also the scaled-up entry and delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population. Given the all-out humanitarian emergency, access is very important. International organizations and humanitarian actors must be allowed by Israel to do their work in accordance with international law and the orders of the International Court of Justice. The United Nations must be able to deliver aid unhindered. France reiterates our full support for the irreplaceable work of UNRWA in the occupied Palestinian territories. The future of the Gaza Strip must be part of the future of a future Palestinian state. We must avoid Hamas regaining a foothold in the enclave and therefore prepare for the arrival of the Palestinian Authority, which has the intention to govern the territory. We must also ensure the security of Israel. No massacre such as that committed on 7 October 2023 should ever be allowed to happen again. France calls for this ceasefire to be the moment to begin an irreversible process for the implementation of the two-state solution with security guarantees for both Israelis and Palestinians. This is the only way to ensure just and lasting peace. France is committed within the Security Council and in all fora To this end, we will co-chair in 2025 in New York with Saudi Arabia an international conference for the implementation of the two-state solution. We call upon the Israelis and the Palestinians to embark upon the only path that will guarantee them peace and security. Mr. President, the implementation of the ceasefire agreement must make it possible to write a new chapter in the Middle East. In Lebanon, the election of President Joseph Aoun and the nomination of Mr. Nawaf Salam for appointment to the post of President of the Council of Ministers of Lebanon is a source of hope. We hope that this government will be able to bring together Lebanon in all of its diversity and that it can be established as soon as possible. It's urgent to fully implement Resolution 1701 in order to arrive at a long-term solution along the Blue Line, which will ensure respect for the security of Israel and of Lebanon. In Yemen, the inter-Yemeni peace process must resume under the aegis of the Special Envoy of the United Nations, and France would call upon the Houthis to cease their destabilizing actions. I thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [2:31:41]:

I thank the representative of France for his statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Luis Gilberto Murillo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia.


Colombia · Minister for Foreign Affairs [2:31:59]:

Thank you very much. Your Excellency Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Algeria and President of the Security Council of the United Nations. Your Excellency Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. Your Excellencies, ministers, Your Excellencies, ambassadors, permanent representatives to this organization and to the Security Council, distinguished attendees. For the government of Colombia and for myself in particular, it's a duty and an honor to participate in this important debate. that brings us here today. It's a very symbolic day also because it's a day when in the United States and in the world, we recognize Martin Luther King, the day of his birth, for his tireless efforts to build peace. And we're grateful for the proposal and invitation made by Algeria to hold this open debate, and we acknowledge the importance of the work that it is doing during this month as President of the Security Council and its support, as well as that of other Member States of the Security Council, support for peace in Colombia. The international community and this forum in particular have witnessed the tireless commitment of Colombia to the search for peace and reconciliation, both within our borders and outside our borders, and even in the midst of various difficulties, because obviously building peace is a difficult task, but we always speak of peace rather than war. Colombia is following the situation in the Middle East very closely, and particularly in Syria, where we're expecting the formation of a new government that is internationally recognized. that takes into account all the ethnic, cultural and religious groups that inhabit the territory of the country. The war unleashed in 2011 in Syria has been one of the most devastating situations that humanity has witnessed over the past few years. Syria became a kind of laboratory for the conduct of geopolitical confrontations where no respect or consideration was shown for the civilian population. This was a war that lasted 13 years and left an estimated 620,000 people killed, 7 million IDPs, and over 6 million refugees. This is something that we cannot accept, nor should we as an international community accept it, and we must make sure that it is never repeated anywhere. Colombia reiterates its readiness, its good offices and capabilities to coordinate and work with countries of the region and the international community to undertake all necessary efforts to rebuild Syria and ensure that It becomes a country that can protect its civilian population and becomes a source of stability. Now, as far as Palestine is concerned, we are facing a horrific reality that demands the immediate and coordinated response of the international community. We want to reiterate with absolute clarity the Palestinian population that has for decades experienced the horrors of war today is confronting a genocide, a war that has reached unimaginable levels and that has spread to the rest of the region. My country reiterates our appeal to the parties in conflict to conduct negotiations that lead to a definitive ceasefire and the full guarantee of human rights and international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip, with a special emphasis on the protection of the rights of women and children. And with this in mind, we in Colombia acknowledge the good offices of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar in reaching the recent agreement to implement a ceasefire between the parties that includes the release of Israeli hostages. And we'd like to reiterate our appeal for the release of the Colombian-Israeli citizen, Elkana Bobot, as well as all the other hostages unconditionally so that they can return to their families, as well as to release Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. We hope that this will be the starting point in achieving a stable and lasting peace. Unhindered access of humanitarian assistance is urgent and mandatory. We have insisted that the absence of a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question is is a very serious challenge to multilateralism as a principle of international relations and to the capacity of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, in fulfilling their main mandate, which is to maintain international peace and security. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 45,000 people have been killed. Some 130,000 have been wounded since the beginning of the war. We also have to face a very harsh situation of forced displacement experienced by thousands of families daily due to military operations and Israeli evacuation orders. We have presented various proposals for a solution, including the proposal made by the Kingdom of Norway and approved by the General Assembly for the International Court of Justice to issue an advisory opinion on the legal obligations of Israel with regard to the activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states on occupied Palestinian territories. Colombia will continue to insist that only a comprehensive solution that necessarily requires a two-state solution reiterated in the Oslo Accords of 1993. The solution is urgent and it's necessary, and it is the optimal way of guaranteeing the rights of the people of Israel and Palestine and their ability to coexist in peace. All this must be seen in the framework of reaffirming the sovereignty of both states and the establishment of secure and internationally recognized borders in conformity with what has been set down in resolutions adopted by the United Nations. Colombia is ready to contribute to consolidating peace and for this is ready to make available its good practices in the area of peacebuilding and resolution of conflicts when this is considered useful and necessary. Furthermore, as President Gustavo Petro indicated, our country is absolutely ready to send humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the armed conflict and the war. Lastly, we would echo the appeal of the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, to guarantee the territorial integrity of Lebanon and that the attacks against its population stop immediately. It is our moral and legal duty to act in solidarity with those who are most vulnerable, and to work tirelessly for a world where tolerance, peace, and mutual respect prevail. It is our duty to protect life, to build peace, and to protect our planet. Thank you very much.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [2:41:01]:

I thank His Excellency, Mr. Luis Gilberto Murillo, for his statement. And I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Piya Mushilanga, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia.


Namibia · Minister of International Relations and Cooperation [2:41:21]:

Mr. President, allow me from the onset to congratulate the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria for assuming the presidency of the Council this month. I wish to align my statement to the statement delivered on behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, which Namibia is the honour of serving as a Vice-Chair. May I also take this opportunity to thank the distinguished Secretary-General for presenting the latest update on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. I join speakers before me in welcoming the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas as an immediate path to halt the bloodshed and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. The devastating consequences of the war in Gaza have preoccupied the work of both this Council and the General Assembly for the greater part of the past 15 months. The toll on human life and infrastructure have set a precedent of levels of violence and destruction in an ugly chapter in human history that should never be condoned anywhere. The escalation of violence over the past 15 months was characterized in flagrant violation of international law by gruesome atrocities including genocide, wanton destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the tragic loss of thousands of innocent Palestinian lives. Over this period, aspirations have been cast on the ability of the Council to carry out its core mandate of maintaining international peace and security. Namibia commends the General Assembly for its consistent effort to ensure that where Council was paralyzed, the membership of the General Assembly demonstrated its presence and made strong and consistent calls to bring this war to an end. This substantiates and validates the call to reform the Council to be more representative, as the need to do things differently has never been more urgent. Namibia commends the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, and hopes that the ceasefire prepares a foundation for just peace, scaled-up humanitarian aid, and ends the prolonged program of annexation and settlement expansion. Namibia's position on this conflict remains grounded in our unwavering commitment to international peace, justice, and respect for international law. Mr. President, the consequences of this war will reverberate for generations to come. For this reason, Namibia underscores the dire need to address both the immediate crisis and the underlying causes of the conflict. The cycle of violence cannot be broken through military means alone. Sustainable peace requires addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the occupation, the blockade, and the denial of fundamental rights to the Palestinian people. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is alarming, and it is our fervent hope that scale up humanitarian assistance will be prioritized as a matter of agency and in accordance with the humanitarian aid protocols agreed to as part of the ceasefire agreement. Unhindered access for humanitarian aid must be guaranteed to provide life-saving assistance to the people of Gaza. This includes food, water, medical supplies, and the restoration of essential services to alleviate the immense suffering. Namibia demands that Israel rescinds with immediate effect its legislation against United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which violates international humanitarian law. Namibia further calls on Israel to uphold its obligations under international law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and necessity. Alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable. This crisis must serve as a reminder of the urgent need to return to a credible, inclusive, and negotiated peace process aimed at achieving a just and lasting solution. This includes the unconditional realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security with Israel, based on the pre-1967 borders and relevant United Nations resolutions. Mr. President, Following the request by the General Assembly for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice regarding Israel's obligations in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, international organizations and third States, Namibia encourages all Member States to actively engage in impending International Court of Justice proceedings by submitting written statements and observations. This is a critical opportunity to reaffirm the principles of international law and underscore the importance of accountability, cooperation, and the protection of international organizations as they fulfill their mandates by contributing to this process. Member states can help clarifying the legal responsibilities of all parties involved and strengthen the international community's commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law. Mr. President, the people of Palestine have endured immense suffering for far too long, a suffering that no nation and her people should ever endure. Namibia stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterates its call for the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to fulfill its mandate in maintaining international peace and security. We also urge Member States to act in unison with urgency to ensure that the rights, dignity and aspirations of the Palestinian people are upheld. As a nation that has experienced the painful legacy of occupation and emerged triumphantly attaining liberty, Namibia firmly believes that the arduous road to peace in the Middle East is approaching its ultimate destination. It requires political will, mutual respect, and a commitment to human rights and dignity for all. In closing, the war in Gaza is a stark reminder of the consequences of decades of unresolved conflict and unfulfilled promises. Posterity will judge us for our inaction in the face of injustice, and we will forever stand condemned for committing sins of omission. This war is a test of the international community's resolve to uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and peace. Therefore, in keeping with the resolve of the world leaders reaffirming the principles of equal rights and self-determination of people in the Pact of the Future, we are duty-bound to reflect on what more we can do to bring about a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine. I thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [2:49:51]:

I thank His Excellency Mr. Phiya Mushilenga for his statement. And I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Taher Salem El-Baour, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Libya.


Libya · Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs [2:50:14]:

In the

name of God, the most merciful, the most compassionate. Mr. President, I would like from the outset to congratulate you on acceding to the presidency of the Security Council this month. I would like to wish you every success in managing the work of the Council. We would like to thank Algeria through the Minister of Foreign Affairs for having convened this important meeting. And there have been meetings for more than a year calling for a ceasefire. Today, we are meeting following an announcement of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, a ceasefire which came into force yesterday after Over 470 days of killings and bloody combats and air raids and air strikes and bloodshed. A true genocide in the Gaza Strip. This council was not in a position to bring an end to these crimes and the suffering of the Palestinian people that were besieged. This ran counter to all international resolutions. We saw large-scale destruction 471 days before reaching that ceasefire agreement. A huge toll for a besieged people without food. And today, we are delighted that this agreement has been reached. Today, the Gazans are finally going to be able to spend a night calmly and at peace. The Gaza Strip has shown the inability of the international community to maintain international peace and security and to prevent wars and to guarantee human dignity and human rights and to hold criminals accountable. But these are the very values for which our organization was founded. These are the very values for which the Security Council was established. Mr. President, we are delighted with this ceasefire agreement concluded on the 15th of January 2025. Nonetheless, rather, we would like to thank Qatar, Egypt, and the United States of America for their mediation efforts. To this end, we should recall that there is a need to guarantee the implementation of this agreement and to monitor its implementation in order to ensure that the painful chapters that we've recently experienced do not happen again in the Gaza Strip. Mr. President, The Middle East region, the whole region, is facing economic, humanitarian, political, and even military repercussions because of the situation in Gaza. The situation is even worse in the Gaza Strip. We see that was the theater of war. And here we should stipulate that this ceasefire agreement in and of itself cannot bring an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. We need to assist this ceasefire and accompany it with urgent international action to improve the devastating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. As the international community, we need to act in order to coordinate our work and we need to provide humanitarian support and assistance for the people in the Gaza Strip. This is particularly true because it is just a scene of debris and rubble at the moment. The Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip have become homeless. We've disappointed the Gazan people. We did so during the war. And today we need to stand side by side with them as the international community. We need to do this in order to repair what was by the war. In these difficult circumstances, we are also confronting provocative actions by the occupying power that said it wanted to suspend the activities of UNRWA and operations thereof in the Gaza Strip. This decision is not only a a highly political administrative measure, but it is a direct attack on the rights of the Palestinian people and a systematic attempt to undermine their cause and to undermine their rights that are all nonetheless guaranteed by international law. We would call upon the Security Council to guarantee that the occupying power honors its commitments pursuant to international obligations, the UN Charter, and the UN resolutions. The international community needs to protect UNRWA as an agency, and it needs to provide it with necessary financial resources so that the agency can provide essential services to the people in the Gaza Strip and all occupied Palestinian territories. In conclusion, this agreement should not be viewed as an ending point. We should not view the 7th of October as the start of this conflict. Rather, that date needs to be placed in its appropriate context. This agreement must be considered as a stage that paves the way towards a new stage so that a fair solution can be found to the Palestinian question. This painful experience really shows how ignoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people just leads to an escalation that is likely to exacerbate the situation further. Mr. President, the struggle of the Palestinian people must continue, the international community must engage in finding a solution to the Palestinian cause and must enable the Palestinian people to establish their own state with East Jerusalem as capital. I'd like to take this opportunity to reiterate the firm, robust position of the Libyan state in supporting the Palestinian people. We stand alongside our brotherly Palestinian people, and we will spare no efforts to support them. True peace can only be achieved by enabling the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination and by recovering their rights and by bringing an end to their suffering. Thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [2:58:05]:

Thank you, Tahr Salem Al-Bahur, for his statement. And I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Armanatha Kristiawan Nasir. Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.


Indonesia · Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs [2:58:25]:

Mr. President, I thank Algeria for convening this important meeting, and I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. The issue before us has lingered on the Council's agenda for over 70 years, yet Israeli's injustices against the Palestinian people remains unresolved. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, illegal settlements are expanding with growing violence and impunity. The Council's failure over the last 15 months has obliterated Gaza with a catastrophic humanitarian disaster. We therefore sincerely welcome the ceasefire agreement in Gaza that has begun to release hostages, release Palestinians held arbitrarily. Although it comes at the devastating cost of tens of thousands of innocent lives, we thank the mediators that have helped bring the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire is a vital first step towards attaining peace in the Middle East. This Council must safeguard the agreement so that every phase and I repeat, every phase is upheld. This Council must help break the cycles of violence. Mr. President, the international community must focus on two priorities post the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. First, ending the humanitarian catastrophe, and second, develop a comprehensive political plan to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this regard, we fully support the Secretary-General's call for sustained humanitarian relief for people in Gaza. Humanitarian aid must flow freely and without obstruction in a sustained manner. Humanitarian workers must be fully allowed to operate safely. Construction efforts, reconstruction efforts in Gaza must be prepared, including by lifting the 18-year-old blockage that has strangled its economy. The role of UNRWA is indispensable in these efforts. We must restore and strengthen its capacity. This Council must shield the agency from persistent threats and misinformation campaigns. Mr. President, beyond addressing the immediate humanitarian needs, we must work towards a just and comprehensive political plan with a two-state solution at its core, where an independent Palestinian state lives side by side in peace and security with Israel. Any other alternative will only lead to apartheid and subjugation. A peace process imposed by a select few will also fail. That is why the international community must unite to foster genuine dialogue and negotiation that addresses the root cause of colonialism and historical injustices in Palestine, including the right of return of the Palestinian refugees. Such a process must place Palestine on equal footing, guided by international law and internationally agreed parameters. The upcoming high-level international conference on the implementation of the two-state solution must serve as a turning point. This Council must create conditions conducive to ensure the success of the conference. Finally, Mr. President, it is time for the Council to prove its relevance. Continuing to leave this agenda unresolved is not just unconscionable, but also a great showcase of the urgent need to expedite reform of the Council. to the five new members of the Council, we give you our heartfelt support. Our expectations are clear. Please be guided by humanity and leave no stone unturned in advancing the Palestinian cause. To the five permanent members of the Council, it is time to end the Council's paralysis and restore the Council's honor. History will judge us whether the Council rose to the occasion or faded into irrelevance. I thank you, Mr. President.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [3:03:32]:

I thank His Excellency, Mr. Armanatha Christiaon Nasir for his statement. And I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Ahmed Shihan, Secretary, Multilateral, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Maldives.


Maldives · Secretary, Multilateral [3:03:51]:

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank Algeria, the President of the Council for the month of January, for convening this quarterly open debate. The Maldives aligns itself with the statements delivered by Djibouti on behalf of the OIC and Uganda on behalf of NAM. The Maldives welcomes the ceasefire deal that has been reached and is now in effect 15 months after the genocidal war in Gaza. The cessation of hostilities is a critical step towards halting the ongoing devastation and loss of innocent lives, particularly of children, women, and the elderly. The people of Gaza have endured immeasurable hardship, and this ceasefire is the glimmer of hope for relief and recovery. It is our hope to see the return of displaced people and the inflow of much-needed humanitarian assistance. The Maldives commends the role of the countries that facilitated the negotiations that have led to this crucial ceasefire agreement. The international community must now ensure the ceasefire agreement is enforced. This ceasefire represents not just a moment of respite, but a critical juncture for Israel to demonstrate its commitment to the values enshrined in international law, particularly international humanitarian law. As such, the Maldives calls on Israel to pay reparations to the State of Palestine for the death and destruction caused over the last 15 months. In Gaza, relentless aerial bombardments and extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, schools, and critical services, have left long-term repercussions for the population. And severe restrictions on humanitarian access have drastically intensified human suffering. Recent UN reports underscore a surge in civilian casualties, especially among children, and ongoing shortages of food, water, and energy. It is crucial that the international community not only support the ceasefire, but also take immediate and meaningful action to address the humanitarian needs on the ground. We call for the urgent and upscaled support to Palestine to ensure a sustainable recovery from prolonged Israeli attacks. Beyond the occupied Palestinian territory, the wider regional context compounds these challenges. In Syria, the decade-long conflict remains unresolved, and recent briefings to the Council highlight a persistent humanitarian crisis, particularly in the northwest, where millions urgently need assistance. Although limited cross-line operations have occurred, gaps in humanitarian cover persist. Millions of displaced Syrians still lack basic necessities, exacerbated by economic instability and insufficient medical resources. We therefore call for the renewed international approach, one that supports the Special Envoy's political track in line with UNSC Resolution 2254, to pave the way for sustainable peace in Syria. Despite the Council's multiple sessions on this crisis, Urgent challenges continue in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon. We need a comprehensive and coordinated strategy, one that enforces accountability, respects international humanitarian law, and addresses the root causes of conflict. The Maldives firmly believes that a just and lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. We look forward to the upcoming United Nations Conference on Palestine in June, which will offer a vital opportunity for the international community to renew commitments, intensify diplomatic efforts, and develop a clear path to end the crisis and secure sustainable peace for the Palestinian people. I thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [3:08:00]:

Mr. for his statement. I wish to remind all coming speakers to limit their statements to no more than three minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. 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 Egypt.


Egypt · Arab Group [3:08:44]:

Thank you very much, Your Excellency, Minister Ahmed Attaf, Foreign Minister of Algeria. I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the Arab Group. I would like to appeal to you that the statement is long. We meet today, Mr. President, as we witness positive developments that we hope will continue after the success of the efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. to reach a three-part ceasefire deal. in the hope to reach a permanent ceasefire. The ceasefire deal includes humanitarian access and rehabilitating hospitals and the return of the internally displaced persons to their homes and facilitating the medical evacuation of Palestinians. We would be remiss not to thank and applaud the efforts of the ministerial committee mandated by the joint Arab-Islamic summit. Yes, the mediation has succeeded to end the killing and destruction against the unarmed civilians in the Gaza Strip. However, the human price was enormous after the death of more than 45,000 Palestinian martyrs and the destruction of the civilian infrastructure, including health buildings and schools and the criminal actions committed against the Palestinians. It is no exaggeration that we have witnessed Israel destroy all elements of life in Gaza. We see destruction similar to what has happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The images reveal a people who are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. after undescribable terror. We must not consider the current ceasefire deal an end, but a beginning that we must build on for a new phase aiming to achieve permanent and comprehensive peace in the region and preventing the successive cycles of escalation. We here will present the Arab Group's vision for the coming phase. First, we call for the full implementation and good conscience of the deal throughout its phases and refraining from any violations or aggression against Gaza under any excuse. We call on the international community to support the efforts to achieve the ceasefire deal and to reject any excuses or motives from Israel that allow for renewed military operations. Second, the Arab Group emphasizes the need for Israel to commit to the provisions of Security Council resolutions and ICJ opinions and rulings. Israel is solely responsible, politically and legally, for the destruction of Gaza, and we call for accountability for the crimes committed against the Palestinian people. The starvation and the killing of civilians that have been broadcast cannot pass without accountability and reparations. We must not raise our voices in support of international law and human rights when it serves a certain race and then not when it serves another. We are no less human than anyone else, and nor is Israel above the law. Third, we call for immediate humanitarian access and the implementation of early recovery projects, considering the catastrophic situation in Gaza. This is a responsibility of Israel as per the Fourth Geneva Convention and customary international law as per the Additional Protocols of the Geneva Conventions. An entire generation of children have been deprived of education for more than a year, and they have suffered unprecedented killing and maiming and mental shocks in violation of international law and international humanitarian law and human rights law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. They have been fully deprived of services such as electricity and water and health care after the destruction of most health care infrastructure. We call on the international community to mobilize the necessary resources to begin reconstruction in coordination with the Palestinian Authority and with a leading and significant role of the United Nations and its agencies, in particular the UNRWA. We must end the silent killing of civilians. Fourth, we emphasize the critical role that is irreplaceable of the UNRWA in the life of Palestinians its central role, supports the -- has supported the Gazans during the war. And we applaud the sacrifices by UNRWA to perform its duties, and we emphasize its role in achieving stability until the establishment of a Palestinian state. Therefore, we call for the protection of the UNRWA against the Israeli plots to end its operations and to bring pressure to bear on Israel, the occupying power so that it does not violate its commitments as per Article 105 of the Charter, and to not alter the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and to allow UNRWA to operate without restriction. Fifth, the Arab Group emphasizes once again that the question of Palestine is a question of a people calling for their right to self-determination. Their cause is not only in Gaza but in the entire territory of entire Palestinian territory. Therefore, we call for an end of settlement and we call for an end to the demolition policy of Palestinian homes and preventing Palestinian access to their resources and the restrictive measures against the Palestinian Authority, and we warn against the incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque or seeking to alter the status quo of the holy sites or altering or violating the Hashemite custodianship. We also call on the international community to heed the lesson the lesson that neglecting the path of peace and neglecting the rights of Palestinians will only lead to successive cycles of escalation which threaten international peace and security. Therefore, Israel must be responsible and end the delusions of expansion and displacement and engage immediately in negotiations that offer the Palestinians their rights to a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital. We call on the parties to participate in the high-level international conference for the settlement of the Palestinian question and implementing the two-state solution, which will be held next June 7th. We state that Israel must withdraw from all Syrian-occupied territories since 1967 until now. And in Lebanon, we welcome the end of the hostilities, and we call on the parties to implement the ceasefire and to end the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, and that it must withdraw as per the 60-day period. and that it must commit to full implementation of Resolution 1701 and to respect the territorial, integratory, and sovereignty of Lebanon. We also welcome the election of His Excellency President Geza Foun as president of Lebanon, and also the appointment of Prime Minister, the Justice Nawaf Salam. And we call on the international community to support Lebanon in the efforts to rebuild. In addition, the UN will play a critical role in supporting Lebanon during this phase. And the visit by the Secretary-General last week to Lebanon was proof that the United Nations supports Lebanon's people. In my national capacity now, Mr. President, Egypt's position is firm in support of Palestinian rights. We will not spare an effort and have not spared effort since the beginning of the current crisis. to support the Palestinian people, and we have engaged with Qatar and the U.S. in negotiations to end the war. We have also convened and participated in international meetings, last of which was in September, to mobilize support for humanitarian assistance in Gaza. And we exerted efforts for humanitarian assistance to enter into Gaza. And we are prepared to host an expanded international conference for the reconstruction of Gaza. Finally, we emphasize Egypt's strategic choice for peace 47 years ago and our commitment to the choice. We engaged in peace from a position of power and confidence. For the sake of peace and stability in the region, we look forward to cooperating with all parties to revive the Middle East peace process with a determined timeframe to end the occupation and establish the Palestinian state. This alone will guarantee safety for all and security for all people in the region and equal rights for everyone. Egypt will continue tirelessly coordinating with the partners to guarantee the implementation of the ceasefire. deal, and we call on all members of the Security Council to uphold the responsibility and the moral duty towards the Palestinian people. We warn against the vacuum or neglecting reality and facts. We see before us a true opportunity today that we must not lose. And finally, I conclude with quoting the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. I quote, "Egypt will always be loyal and will support a fair peace and will be a sincere partner to achieve peace and will defend the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people." End of quote. Thank you very much, Mr. President.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [3:20:24]:

Of Egypt, for his statement. And I now give the floor to the representative of Qatar.


Qatar [3:20:34]:

I thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. country for presenting the Council this month, and we'd like to welcome the Algerian Foreign Minister. We're also grateful to the Secretary-General for his statement. Mr. President, we meet today just a few days after the announcement of an agreement which puts an end to the conflict in the Gaza Strip, a conflict that has lasted over 15 months and has inflicted considerable suffering on the population of Gaza, which has resulted in over 160,000 victims, counting disappeared persons, wounded, and killed. We have made significant efforts, thus contributing to the reaching of this agreement. an agreement made-up of three phases, 42 days for each phase, which envisions an exchange of detainees, a return to normality, and delivery of humanitarian assistance in large amounts throughout the Gaza Strip. The agreement also contains issues related to the restoration of hospitals, provision of equipment and of fuel. The State of Qatar would like to thank Egypt and the United States. We have together launched made an appeal to urge the parties to implement this agreement fully and comprehensively. Mr. President, the State of Qatar has made significant efforts over the past 15 months, and in November of 2023, we managed to stop the fighting and to release over 100 detainees. Then we continued our meetings. with the parties and partners to try to reach an agreement to put an end to the war and to reach an agreement that gives hope to the region. The Security Council must shoulder its responsibility to monitor this ceasefire and pass a binding resolution on the implementation of this agreement. Mr. President, It is now time to continue with regional and international efforts, in particular to deliver humanitarian aid. The state of Qatar will continue to provide support to the families that have suffered to ease their suffering. And the Emir of Qatar, His Highness, has announced a land bridge to provide fuel to the Gaza Strip. The role played by UNRWA is essential during this phase, and we'd like to warn against the banning of the activities of this agency. Mr. President, regarding Syria, the State of Qatar reiterates its unwavering position in support of the Syrian people. We want to reiterate reiterate the strong links between the state of Qatar and the Syrian Republic after an interruption of over 13 years due to the repression conducted, repressive policies of the previous regime. We welcome the new measures taken by the new Syrian administration to protect civilians and guarantee state institutions and allow for the return of displaced persons and refugees. We will continue to provide support to our Syrian brothers, and the current humanitarian situation requires the support by the international community and the lifting of sanctions, because the reasons for these sanctions no longer exist. It's important to ensure the independence and sovereignty of Syria, and we condemn the incursions by Israeli forces into the buffer zone and the Golan. The situation must be stopped immediately. As for Lebanon, we welcome the election of a new president, Geza Faoun, and the appointment of Nouf Salam to head the government. We hope that this new situation will allow the Lebanese people to achieve their aspirations to development and prosperity. We also welcome the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, and we hope that the parties to the conflict will continue to work to implement Resolution 1701 of the Security Council, making it possible to reach a lasting peace and also to respect the mandate of UNIFIL and ensure the security of the Blue Helmets. Mr. President, We must continue with our efforts to find a just solution to the Palestinian question based on international legality and in conformity with Resolution 2334. The parameters of this solution have been reiterated in the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice in July of 2024. We must remove any measures that would undermine the Palestinian statehood. And this ceasefire will certainly contribute to a new phase that will make allow for a just solution to the Palestinian cause. The issue of the government of the Gaza Strip is a purely internal Palestinian matter. Mr. President, in conclusion, we reiterate our position with regard to the Palestinian cause, and we support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital, and to accept Palestine as a fully fledged member of this organization. Thank you.


Algeria · President of the Security Council [3:27:09]:

Representative of Qatar. for her statement. Dear colleagues, 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. I would like to sincerely thank the interpreters for their understanding and for having generously given us part of their time to allow more speakers deliver their statements on this important issue. Thank you very much. This meeting is suspended.