UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/zh/sc/10098/3
（续会）中东局势，包括巴勒斯坦问题 - 安全理事会第10098次会议 — Security Council — 29 January 2026
Language: en
Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record.

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SC · President [0:00]:

The 10,098 meeting of the Security Council is resumed.

I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than three minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. The flashing light on the microphone will prompt speakers to bring their remarks to a close after three minutes.

I now give the floor to the representative of Syrian Arab Republic.


Syrian Arab Republic · Permanent Representative [0:40]:

Thank you, Mr. President. I address you today as a permanent representative and also as an eyewitness. On the 10th of January, I went to the separation zone in southern Syria alongside the Undersecretary General Jean Pierre Lacroix.

We met with Syrian citizens, men and women from Quneitra Governorate. We listened to the suffering of parents who shared the pain they felt after their children had been kidnapped by the Israeli occupation. We felt the pain of Syrian farmers who have lost their agricultural lands and their fruit trees which had been flattened or torn up by the bulldozers of the occupation. Syrian women told us about their homes in which they had lived their entire lives, which had then been destroyed.

To what end? So that the occupier could build earth berms and military posts in the place of those homes on Syrian territory.

We heard the testimonies of defenseless Syrians describing how the Israeli occupiers continue to target these persons even as they attempt to earn their livelihoods. And all of this under false security pretexts. We promised these men and women that we would convey their voices to the entire world through the United nations, and that we would do everything possible to make sure that their children, kidnapped in the dozens by the Israeli occupiers, could return. The occupier has taken these children children by erecting military checkpoints that severed village connections, paralyzed inhabitants who were searched and subjected to repeated forced disappearances, and all of this again on Syrian territory. In recent days, Israeli occupation aircraft on repeated occasions have sprayed unknown chemical substances over Syrian lands and forests.

And the question is the following.

The security concerns that the Israeli occupiers use as the pretext. What do they have to do with Syrian pasture land and trees? Does the occupier not understand that the dignity and the livelihoods of the Syrian people are no less important than their very lives.

Mr. President, we will continue to act and we will not stand idle. We will take all urgent and necessary measures to identify and to assess the damage resulting from the unlawful Israeli presence in southern Syria. My country's government is making great efforts to document these human and material damages, to use then all legal means to request to demand compensation linked to these Israeli military practices. In this context, we reiterate our demand for an end to the unlawful, the illegal presence of the Israeli occupation forces in the separation zone, a presence that has been continuing since 8th December 2024. Mr. President, we are going through a critical time where the importance of the mandate of peacekeeping forces is in southern Syria is evident.

And in this context, the Security council adopted resolution 2811. The text of this resolution is concise, but it nevertheless preserves the established international parameters, in particular, Resolution 338 and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. We reiterate that Andoff plays a particularly important role alongside the observer group Golan that I had the honor to meet the members of. I had the honour to meet the members of that group. It observes various violations and it reports as a neutral witness on behalf of the United Nations.

By way of conclusion, although Syria has acted positively and has participated in direct talks with Israel through US mediation, Israel is continuing its destructive actions, inciting Syrians against one another through the use of fallacious false slogans. But the Syrian people is fully aware of this.

Today we are witnessing the unity of all Syrians.

You have seen how the children of the Druze community offered condolences to the families of Beit jin who lost 13 martyrs following an Israeli massacre. Syrian American Jews were among the first to call for the end of sanctions on Syria after returning there. And this was at a time when Israel was asking the US Administration to maintain those sanctions. Syrian Jews have stood alongside their state.

The Syrian will was thus victorious. Let us be clear, Mr. President. The ceasefire line and the separation zone established by the 1974 agreement constitute a geographical area that separates the Syrian homeland of the Syrian mother from the occupied Syrian Golan. This is not a border with Israel. The question of the occupied Syrian Golan is clear.

It is not a disputed area. There is no Israeli sovereignty over this territory. Israel can think whatever it wants about the borders by building barriers or military checkpoints. But that is not realistic from a geographical or political point of view. My country will pursue all peaceful means to resolve any dispute.

The fact that we have opened the door to diplomacy, dialogue and restraint does not mean that we have demonstrated weakness. Quite to the contrary, there are questions that are not subject to negotiation. We will continue to negotiate, but that does not mean that we are abandoning the rights of the Syrian people. If that is what Israel thinks, then Israel is mistaken. Thank you, Republic.


SC · President [7:31]:

I now give the floor to the Bulgarian Republic of Venezuela.


Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) · Group of Friends in defense of the Charter of the United Nations [7:43]:

Gracias, senor. Thank you, Mr. President. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honor to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in defense of the Charter of the United Nations. Mr. President, we meet today once again under the shadow of a tragedy that continues to unfold in the full view of the international community. Three months after our last quarterly debate on this agenda item, the situation on the ground throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, and especially in the Gaza Strip, has remained dire and catastrophic.

And it continues to deteriorate further, revealing an alarming pattern of deliberate defiance of international law by the occupying power. Despite the ceasefire announced in October 2025, Gaza remains a devastated enclave. Israel, the occupying Power, has repeatedly violated this ceasefire, carrying out airstrikes and other types of attacks, killing and injuring Palestinian children, women and men, restricting humanitarian access and subjecting a traumatized civilian population, most of whom remain displaced from their homes, to conditions that, to say the least, are incompatible with human dignity. Winter has only compounded this suffering with reports of deaths, including of children, caused by exposure, lack of shelter, food insecurity and inadequate medical care. A ceasefire that does not translate into protection, reconstruction and freedom from siege is not only fragile, it is not peace.

It is merely a pause in the destruction and the human devastation that continues today. We must recall, moreover, that in the west bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli settlement expansion has accelerated in recent months, with thousands of new units approved, land seizures being intensified, and entire communities threatened with forced displacement. We must also warn, we must also caution, that plans to colonize the E1 area would only serve to sever the territorial contiguity of the west bank and irreversibly undermine the viability of the two state solution. Moreover, daily military raids, arbitrary arrests, including of children, and rampant settler violence, often carried out with total impunity and official protection, have regrettably become the norm. Settler gangs are terrorizing the Palestinian people, forcing entire communities to leave their lands in fear of their lives.

These acts constitute grave violations of international law, including international humanitarian and international human rights law, and they directly contravene Security Council Resolution 2334 of 2016. Mr. President, over the past months, Israel has intensified its systematic campaign to dismantle the humanitarian lifelines that are sustaining the Palestinian people. Our group expresses its profound concern over the legislative assault against unrwa. For the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The legislation adopted by the Israeli Knesset in December 2025, mandating the suspension of water, electricity, fuel, communications and banking services to UNRWA facilities facilities, and authorizing the seizure of United nations property, represents a grave and unprecedented escalation which entails, among other things, the revocation of privileges and immunities accorded to UNRWA via the invocation of domestic law.

The episode on 8th December 2025 and also on 20th January 2026 at ANRWA's Sheikh Jarrah compound and also on 12th January 2026 at Anrwa's Jerusalem Health center provides concrete examples of what the future may look like. Let us be clear, this is not an administrative dispute. It is an attack on the United nations itself. As we have clearly stated in the Special Communique that we issued on this subject on 8 January 2026, it is an attempt to extend the exercise of sovereignty in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and openly violates international humanitarian law, the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United nations, as well as legal obligations reaffirmed by the International Court of Justice in its advisory opinion of 22 October 2025. By criminalizing cooperation with a UN agency and attempting to paralyze its operations, especially in East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, Israel is not only failing to comply with its obligations as an occupying Power, it is also seeking to unilaterally dismiss the international community's permanent responsibility towards the question of Palestine.

Equally alarming is Israel's decision to deregister dozens of international non governmental organizations which effectively halts their life saving work across the Occupied Palestinian territory. This coordinated campaign against humanitarian actors, many of which Israel has further categorized as supposed terrorist organizations, reveals an undeniable intent to deprive the Palestinian population of the means to survive, to force their displacement and to impose demographic and political changes on the ground through coercion rather than law.

Having said this, we take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for UNRWA and to renew our rejection of any attempt to dismantle, replace or weaken its mandate through illegal measures. UNWA is indispensable not only for humanitarian assistance but also for safeguarding the inalienable rights of Palestine refugees, including to return and compensations. We must reiterate that an attack on UNRWA is an attack on the United nations system as a whole.

Mr. President, these developments cannot be viewed in isolation. They are part of a broader strategy aimed at entrenching the illegal occupation and at foreclosing any possibility of a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine, thereby precluding the realization of peace and stability in the Middle east and further undermining international peace and security.

In this context, the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United nations reiterates that accountability is not optional. Rather, it is a legal and moral imperative. Impunity has only emboldened the occupying power and fuelled the current catastrophe that we have witnessed with profound shock and distress. And this against a backdrop of years of a deplorable military occupation. The use of the veto by the United States of America cannot continue to be used as a means to shield Israel from responsibility.

This would only continue to prolong this unlawful situation which over years has gravely undermined the credibility of this body and eroded trust in multilateralism.

Justice is essential for putting an end to the prevailing cycle of impunity. Mr. President, let us also express our deep concern over the broader regional implications of Israel's illegal actions. Continued provocations, violations of sovereignty and threats or the use of force against countries in the region risk igniting a wider conflict with catastrophic consequences. This is coupled with the unilateral actions of the United States of America in the region, including through continued large scale airstrikes or through permanent threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non use of force as enshrined in the UN Charter is essential. To prevent further destabilization in this critical moment, the international community must act with courage and consistency. Words of concern are no longer sufficient.

The Security Council must uphold its responsibilities, demand a permanent ceasefire or call for full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access and protection of the United nations and its personnel and take concrete measures to ensure the full respect of and compliance with international law in connection with unrwa. It must also call for the repeal of the latest and previous laws enacted by the occupying Power. It must call for the return of United nations property and call for the restoration of UNRWA's full operational capacity throughout the Occupied Palestinian territory. The Group of Friends in defense of the Charter of the United nations reaffirms its steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people and its firm support for their just cause and their inalienable rights, including to self determination and independence. We reiterate our call for a sovereign and viable state of Palestine Based on the pre1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law, relevant United nations resolutions and on the basis of the two state solution that also guarantees the right of return of refugees, the refugees of Palestine in line we also call on those that have not yet done so to recognize without further delay the State of Palestine.

While reaffirming in this context our support for the admission of the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations. Mr. President, history will judge not only those who committed these crimes and those that enabled them, but also those who stood by idle or in silence.

The humanity of our time cannot accept that injustice becomes destiny. Saving Palestine means preserving the international legal order and the United nations for all peoples. Let us choose law over impunity, justice over force, and dignity over despair. Thank you very much, Mr. President.


SC · President [20:05]:

I thank the representative of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

I now give the floor to the representative of Armenia.


Armenia [20:14]:

Mr. President, we extend our gratitude to the Presidency of Somalia in the United Nations Security Council for continuing this open debate on the situation in the Middle east and thank the Briefers for their insightful remarks. Due to geographic proximity to the Middle east, historically friendly relations with the countries of the region, as well as the sizable presence of the Armenian communities across the region, Armenia has always closely followed the developments in the Middle east and contributed to the international efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace and security to this important part of the world through tangible engagement, including peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance. In this context, we are deeply concerned by the reports of recent escalation in the south of Lebanon. Despite the ceasefire of November 2024, we call on all sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to address issues of concern through peaceful means.

Armenian peacekeepers in unifil, alongside with their international partners, continue to fulfill their peacekeeping duties with professionalism and dedication and to maintain peace and security in the region. Mr. President, we reiterate Armenia's position in support of achieving a peaceful, just and comprehensive settlement of the Israeli Palestinian conflict in line with the two state solution. Armenia emphasizes the necessity of protecting civilians, ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access and upholding international humanitarian law as indispensable elements of any lasting peace. Currently, the Government of Armenia is working with the WHO to organize the treatment of dozens of children from Gaza in the hospitals of Armenia in solidarity with those facing acute humanitarian crisis. We also stress the importance of consolidating the ceasefire and preventing further regional escalation that could undermine fragile stability across the Middle East.

In this vein, Armenia participated in the Middle East Peace Summit in Sharm El Sheikh. We appreciate President Trump's personal contribution and continued efforts aimed at establishing peace in Gaza and addressing humanitarian issues. We also value the contribution of mediator states, in particular Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and others, to advancing dialogue and facilitating steps towards a sustainable settlement. Armenia welcomes the UN Security Council Resolution 2803 on Gaza, adopted on 17 November last year, and our Government stands ready to contribute to the Board of Peace and the International Stabilization Force in this regard. Armenia signed the Charter of the Board of Peace as a founding member reaffirming its principal commitment to post conflict stabilization, reconstruction and peace consolidation.

Armenia stands ready to actively engage within the Board of Peace in close coordination with international partners to contribute constructively to sustainable peace on the ground. Mr. President, we reiterate Armenia's consistent support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of friendly Syria, Syrian led and Syrian owned post conflict rehabilitation and peacekeeping process is crucial to ensure durable peace in the country. Armenia stands ready to contribute to the post conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts including through further provision of humanitarian and medical assistance and the renewal of humanitarian demining activities. The Republic of Armenia looks forward to working with all international partners genuinely interested in achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle east and in establishing prosperity for all. I thank you, Mr. President.


SC · President [24:23]:

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


Chile [24:36]:

Senor Mr. President, I would like to thank you for convening this debate and congratulate you on the conduct of your presidency during this month. We likewise would like to thank Mr. Ramiz Alakbaroff for his briefing. Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ANSCO and Chile welcomes the ceasefire agreement that was signed on 8th October thanks to the mediation efforts carried out by the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. We value the release of all hostages by Hamas, including the most recent release of a hostage this last weekend. Chile observes with deep concern the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip where limited emergency services due to restrictions imposed in areas occupy occupied by Israeli forces is the case.

The scale of human suffering is alarming. The high number of civilian casualties, including thousands of girls and boys, and the massive destruction of essential infrastructure run counter to the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. We call on the parties to comply in good faith with the commitments undertaken to guarantee the protection of the civilian population, to urgently address humanitarian needs and to maintain dialogue as the only way forward towards a just and sustainable peace through the implementation of the two state solution in accordance with international law and relevant United nations resolutions.

Chile wishes to reiterate that all parties to the conflict are obliged to fully respect international law, international humanitarian law and human rights.

We also view with deep concern how the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen due to the severe weather conditions which have led to an increase in respiratory diseases, rising levels of overcrowding and the lack of dignified living conditions. The Commissioner General of UNRWA has emphasized that the Occupied west bank is experiencing its most severe humanitarian crisis since 1967, with nearly 33,000 people continuing to be forcibly displaced in Palestinian refugee camps in the north.

With regard to Occupied west bank, we reiterate our concern over the continued expansion of settlements and the plans announced by Israeli authorities with regard to new construction as well as the violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in these areas. As emphasized by the International Court of Justice in 2024, the settlements are illegal in nature and constitute a flagrant violation of international law because they irreversibly alter the the demographic composition of the territory and undermine the viability of the two state solution. The Court further demanded that Israel put an end to the settlements as soon as possible.

With respect to the attack that occurred on the 20th of January against the UNR Sheikh Jarrah compound in Jerusalem as well as the recent arson attack, we echo the statements made by the Secretary General who strongly condemned these actions and recalled that the compound continues to remain United nations property and is therefore inviolable and immune from from any form of interference.

We urgently call for guaranteeing full, safe and sustained humanitarian access and for respect for the fundamental role of United nations humanitarian agencies, in particular unrwa, whose work is indispensable for the survival of millions of people.

Likewise, Chile recalls that only the implementation of a political solution based on international law and relevant United nations resolutions will make it possible to advance towards a just and lasting peace. Finally, Chile calls upon this Council to fully assume its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security by adopting concrete measures that contribute to the protection of the civilian population, respect for international law and the creation of the necessary conditions for a cessation of hostilities and the resumption of a credible political process. Thank you very much, Mr. Mr. President.


President [30:42]:

I thank the representative of Chile for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Uganda.


Uganda · NAM [30:52]:

Mr. President, I'm honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the 121 members of the Non Aligned Movement. Nam I congratulate the Federal Republic of Somalia upon its accession to the Presidency of the Security Council this month and express appreciation for granting NAAM the opportunity to present its position on the question of Palestine. NAM reaffirms its long standing, common and principled position on the question of Palestine and it's deeply concerned about the implications of this historic injustice against the people of Palestine and most critically, the Gaza conflict and its unprecedented Humanitarian catastrophe. NAAM supports all prospects for a just solution to this historic injustice and for peace and security in the region. The grave situation in Gaza has led to the worsening humanitarian situation not only in Gaza, but but also throughout the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.

With rising Israeli military raids, forced displacement of entire Palestinian communities and settler violence, and the constant violations against the historic and legal status quo at the holy sites of Jerusalem. NAM condemns in the strongest terms all forms of violence, particularly Israel military attacks and Israel's collective punishment against the Palestinian people as grave breaches of international law, including humanitarian and human rights law. The killing and injury of 72,000 Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the majority of whom are children and women, as well as medical personnel, humanitarian workers and journalists, is an indictment to the mandate of the UN Security Council. NAAM demands an immediate and complete cessation of all forms of armed hostilities, violent repression and illegal Israeli policies and practices against the Palestinian people and other nations in the region. The Members of the United nations conferred on the Security Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

In accordance with articles 12 and 24 of the charter. The Security Council must uphold its mandate to maintain international peace and security and must act to implement its own resolutions as provided for in the United Nations Charter. We call on the Security Council to uphold its responsibilities and to act forthwith for the full implementation of all its resolutions pertaining to the question of Palestine, including its most recent resolutions 2334 of 2016, 2712 of 2023, 2720 of 2023, 2728 of 2024, 2735 of 2025 and 2803 of 2025 that were adopted following the ceasefire agreement. The Non Aligned Movement expresses its appreciation to the role played by the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Qatar in ongoing efforts to ensure a permanent ceasefire. We call for safe and effective distribution of sufficient humanitarian assistance throughout the Gaza Strip to all Palestinian civilians who need it, including medical needs, in full respect of the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

Healing, recovery and rebuilding for the Palestinian people in Gaza cannot be delayed any longer. They cannot continue to be deprived of, to be deprived of the food, water, medicines and shelters that are desperately needed to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian conditions they have suffered for too long. In this regard, the Non Aligned Movement commands the efforts of the Arab Republic of Egypt to convene and host the Sharm El Sheikh peace summit on October 13, 2025, which focused on unequivocal support to the implementation of the Sham El Sheikh Agreement to end the illegal Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire agreement concluded on October 9, 2025 and mediated by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Qatar, Turkey and the United States of America, aimed at ending the illegal Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, enhancing the resilience of Palestinian people on their land and advancing the achievement of a just, lasting and peaceful political settlement for the Palestinian question through ending Israeli's illegal occupation of the State of Palestine including East Jerusalem and achieving the Two States solution in accordance with international law and the relevant UN resolutions. NAM condemns the daily Israeli violations of the cessation of hostilities announcements since its entry into force on November 27, 2024 by committing thousands of aerial and territorial violations against Lebanon and launching raids claiming the lives and wounding hundreds of victims.

NAAM calls on the Security Council to assume its responsibilities and to force Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese occupied territories immediately, fully and unconditionally and to release all Lebanese held captives in Israel. NAAM condemns the Israeli incursions into the Syrian Territories in a flagrant violation of international law, UN Charter and 1974 disengagement agreement and calls on the Security Council to exert pressure on Israel to fully withdraw from all Syrian territories. NAM condemns the repeated Israeli attacks against the Syrian Arab Republic as they constitute a clear aggression against a sovereign state and a flagrant violation of the provisions of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The Non Aligned Movement welcomes the New York Declaration arising out of the High Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the implementation of the Two State Solution as a reaffirmation of the unwavering international commitment to a just and peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine. The Movement calls for the necessary coordination and cooperation among all States to advance the Declaration's objectives to mobilize international efforts at the political, economic, financial, legal and security levels and to foster momentum by building on national, regional and international initiatives aimed at achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace for the Palestinian people.

The NAAM welcomes the recognition of the State of Palestine by a majority of countries and calls on the United Nations Security Council to urgently recommend the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United nations in respect of the right of the Palestinian people to self determination as long as a long overdue commitment to lasting peace in the Middle East. Now Member States once again reiterate their call for the continued provision of the needed humanitarian and socioeconomic assistance to the Palestinian people, including the Palestine refugees. The movement reaffirms the continued indispensability of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees in the near east, unrwa, along with other United nations agencies and international organizations in the provision of urgently needed humanitarian assistance in line with international standards and urges the international community to support the Agency in all ways, including with sufficient and predictable funding. NAM rejects all attempts by Israel to weaponize humanitarian assistance and undermine UNRWA as a threat to maritarism and UN General assembly mandates to provide humanitarian assistance and also rejects Israeli's attacks on UNRWA facilities and all its illegal measures against the Agency in violation of its Charter obligations, the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United nations, relevant resolutions and ICJ advisory opinion of 22 October 2025 and 19 July 2024. Such illegal actions must be halted.

They are a threat to multilateralism and the right and duty of the UN General assembly to mandate the provision of humanitarian assistance, including to the Palestinian people. To conclude, Mr. President, the movement seizes this opportunity to reiterate its call for collective international efforts to uphold international law to end the historic and grave injustice against the Palestinian people. Now Member States reaffirm their commitment to promoting a just, lasting, comprehensive and peaceful solution to the question of Palestine in all its aspects, including for the plight of the Palestine refugees and reaffirm their support for the Palestinian people in their struggle to achieve justice and fulfill their inalienable rights and legitimate national aspirations, including the right to self determination, freedom and independence in the sovereign and independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. NAM calls on all Member States to uphold their obligations in accordance with international law, the relevant resolutions and the rulings by the International Court of Justice and undertake tangible actions, including urgent measures of accountability, to bring an end to this prolonged and tragic injustice and to end the illegal Israeli occupation and to assist the Palestinian people to finally realize their rights. I thank you.


SC · President [43:32]:

I thank the representative of Uganda for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Timur Leste.


Timor-Leste [43:44]:

Mr. President, Timor Leste warmly welcomes Somalia's leadership of the Security Council and thanks thank you for convening this timely open debate. We express our sincere appreciation to the Briefers for their candid and comprehensive assessments of the situation in the Middle East. Mr. President, the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2803 in 2025 is a significant step toward ending the conflict in Gaza. By endorsing a comprehensive plan and establishing transitional mechanisms, the Council has reaffirmed its responsibility to act decisively in support of international Peace and security. Timor Leste underscores that the credibility of these measures will depend on their full implementation in conformity with the UN Charter, international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Mr. President, protecting civilians must remain paramount at this time. All parties have an obligation to ensure the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of civilians and to guarantee the security of both Palestinians and Israelis. We reiterate our call for a peaceful UN led transition in Gaza grounded in clear mandates, robust oversight and strict adherence to Security Council resolutions to ensure legitimacy, accountability and sustainability. Timor Leste emphasizes the importance of consolidating and monitoring the ceasefire. We support the establishment of an independent UN mandated ceasefire monitoring mechanism with regular and transparent reporting to the Council.

Safe and sustained humanitarian corridors must be ensured and they mediate Unconditional release and return of all hostages which actually have already done have been the priority and congratulations to both sides for resuming the situation. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to demand swift and coordinated action. Humanitarian access must be restored and expanded under UN coordination with full protection for humanitarian personnel and facilities. In this regard, Timor Leste underscores the indispensable role of UNRWA and calls for decisive measures to prevent further disruption of life saving services. With respect to transitional arrangements, the Board of Peace and the International Stabilization Force, what happens must operate strictly under the explicit authority of the Security Council.

Their mandates should include transparent reporting, independent oversight and a clearly defined timeline towards civilian led governance. These mechanisms must remain temporary and stabilizing, facilitating, not replacing a return to legitimate civilian administration. Timor Lester reaffirms the importance of accountability and the rule of law. We support impartial and independent investigations into alleged violations of international law conducted with due process and protection of witnesses and calibrated to support reconciliation and long term peace. We also note the risk of regional spillover.

Timor LES supports convening a UN led regional dialogue to promote de escalation, address cross border security concerns and enhance coordination on humanitarian access. Mr. President, achieving lasting peace requires guaranteeing also Israel's existence and security alongside the demilitarization of Gaza and a clear path toward Palestinian self determination, economic recovery and statehood. Robust confidence building measures are essential to transforming political frameworks into durable lived peace. Looking ahead, Timor Leste encouraged the Council to mandate periodic reviews based on measurable benchmarks for security, humanitarian access, civilian protection and human rights while investing in early recovery, institutional capacity building and inclusive peace building, including the meaningful participation of women and youth. While acknowledging initiatives outside its Council, Timor Leste firmly believes that a UN centered approach anchored in international law and collective responsibility offers the most credible pathway to a just and lasting peace.

Mr. President, Timor Leste stands ready to support diplomatic and humanitarian efforts that protect civilians, advance peace and reinforce multilateralism. The credibility of this Council and the hopes of affected civilians depend on our collective resolve. I thank you.


SC · President [48:35]:

I thank the representative of Timor Leste for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Arabia [48:46]:

In the name of God, most gracious, most merciful. Thank you, Mr. Chair. President, at the outset, allow me to thank you for convening this important meeting on the situation in the Middle east, including the question of Palestine. Our meeting comes at a critical and delicate juncture.

President, we meet today, more than two years after the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. It is now more urgent than ever for Israel to uphold the ceasefire agreement to save the distressed people of Gaza and end Israel's ongoing violations of this agreement. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterates its call for the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in its entirety and in all its phases. Crossings must be opened for the unconditional and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale. This will create conditions for the launch of the second phase of the agreement.

Until the full implementation of the comprehensive plan and UN Security Council resolution 2803, early recovery and reconstruction efforts must be initiated throughout Gaza.

Saudi Arabia has recently signed the Charter of the Board of Peace led by the US to support its efforts as a transitional body in accordance with a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict adopted by security council resolution 2803. This process aims to stabilize a permanent ceasefire, support the reconstruction of Gaza and advance a just and lasting peace grounded in the right of the Palestinian people to self determination and to the establishment of their independent state in accordance with international law. We reiterate our categorical rejection of the Israeli blated violations of international and humanitarian law and norms. We hold the international community responsible for countering these practices, including the ongoing crimes against international relief organizations and their personnel. In this context, we condemn the attack on UNRWA's headquarters.

This attack is a dangerous attempt to undermine the status of Palestine refugees and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Humanitarian organizations must be protected and empowered to fulfill their mandate without restrictions.

The Interim National Palestinian Committee must be supported so that it can manage the day to day affairs of the people of Gaza. Institutional and geographical links between the west bank and the Gaza Strip must be maintained. The unity of Gaza and the contiguity of Palestinian territories must be safeguarded. Any attempts to undermine Palestinian territories or undermine territorial unity must be rejected. In conclusion, the only means to achieve just and comprehensive peace requires inter area, a permanent ceasefire, an end to displacement and annexation, the full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the reconstruction of the Strip, and a genuine political horizon leading to the establishment of the independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the 1967 borders in accordance with UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Finally, we call on the international community to shoulder its responsibility and to take practical and serious measures leading to a just and comprehensive peace, thus ensuring regional security and stability. Thank you, Mr. President.


President [52:54]:

I thank the representative of Saudi Arabia for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Italy.


Italy [53:07]:

Yeah, thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. We align ourselves with the statement on behalf of the European Union and wish to offer the following remarks in our national capacity. The situation in the Middle east is fluid, characterized at the same time by instability and unresolved disputes, as well as by historic achievements and positive developments. In this context, Italy believes that the international community must proceed with continued attention, active engagement, without underestimating the progress made.

We must build on the results achieved in order to achieve peace in the region. Regarding Gaza and the Israeli Palestinian conflict, the adoption of Resolution 2803 by the Security Council was both a milestone and a starting point. Two months later, the United States has announced the launch of Phase two of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict that the resolution endorses. We do not forget the compromise that made this development possible, and we welcome the return to Israel of the body of the last hostage still held in Gaza. At the same time, we note with great concern the humanitarian catastrophe still unfold in the Strip, where access continues to be insufficient and subject to excessive restrictions.

The full opening of all crossing points for both vital aid and reconstruction materials is fundamental to allow for the recovery and the development of the Strip. The United nations and NGOs should be enabled to play a central role in assisting the civilian population in Gaza as enviaging the Trump plan ended resolution 2803. From the outset, Italy has strongly supported UN Security Council resolution 2803 and commended the mediation efforts by U S Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. We renew our commitment to the full implementation of the US Peace plan as well as our support for the diplomatic work ongoing for the disarmament of Hamas. We believe that coordination among partners, international engagement, are key to protect the ceasefire, secure peace and build a future for the Palestinians.

The deployment of the International Stabilization Force can make the difference. And Italy will contribute to the training of Palestinian police under the scope of the isf. We welcome the appointment of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza that enjoys the support of the Palestinian Authority. The ultimate goal is the two state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. The end of Hamas rule over Gaza is a crucial step in this direction.

We closely monitor the situation in the west bank and condemn in strongest terms settler violence, settlement policies and all actions aimed at jeopardizing the perspective of a viable two state solution. In the same spirit, Italy will continue to support the Palestinian Authority and its program of reform, encouraging the definition of a clear timetable to monitor its progress. Both policies need resources. We call on Israel to release withheld clearance revenues and to extend the correspondent banking services between Israel and Palestinian banks. The beginning of phase two of the Comprehensive Peace Plan is an opportunity that we cannot miss with potential positive spillovers in the entire Middle East.

In Syria, we have witnessed austerities broken out between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces. We call on the parties to fully respect the agreements in line with our support for an inclusive political transition that guarantees the rights and participation of all Syrians. Syrians. We reiterate our call for a peaceful integration of the Kurds one year after the fall of the Assad regime. The current phase represents a crucial test for the transitional government in economic, political and security terms.

We trust the President of Sahara and the Syrian authorities will honor the commitments they have made to the international community and mostly to the Syrian people. We believe it's important to support Damascus in taking responsibility while facing demanding challenges such as the control of the northeast and the fight against Daesh. Turning to Lebanon, we applaud the direction taken under the leadership of President Aoun with regard to economic reforms and the disarmament of Hezbollah. We believe that there are margins to overcome the institutional financial crisis. To this end, respect for the ceasefire on both sides of the Blue Line and the stabilization of southern Lebanon are fundamental.

Also, with a view to reconstruction efforts, we warmly welcomed the announcement that the Lebanese Armed Forces have completed the first phase of the plan for the state monopoly on weapons. We continue to support the pivotal role played by UNIFIL in his intentions along the Blue Line, contributing to the de escalation and ensuring the implementation of Resolution 1701. We are concerned by the frequent incidents that are lately occurring at the expense of unifil. We would like to remind to remind the IDF that any action against the safety of peacekeepers and are serious violation of Security Council Resolution 1701 and hinder the prospect to achieve a sustainable peace. At the head of Uniform for the fifth time, Italy will continue to support their life, strengthening their capabilities is crucial now that the UN mission is drawing to a close.

Finally, we call for the resumption of talks between Israel and Lebanese civil representatives to find a lasting agreement that puts an end to the threat of Hezbollah as well as of Israel raids and military presence in Lebanon. I thank you, Mr. President.


SC · President [58:05]:

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


South Africa [58:15]:

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Federal Republic of Somalia for convening this quarterly open debate, thus providing all UN member states an opportunity to address the Council on Defense developments in the region, but also for the plight of the people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to remain firmly in the minds of the global public. South Africa aligns itself with a statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the Nine Aligned Movement. We further align ourselves with a statement delivered on behalf of the core group of the Shared Commitments in support of UNRWA. Mr. President, South Africa believes that peace in the Middle east remains contingent on resolving the question of Palestine in a just and peaceful manner.

Our failure to find a lasting solution to the plight of the people of Palestine and ensure their self determination, security and freedom remains an enduring blight on the credibility of the Security Council. While the ceasefire agreement brought initial hope for an end to the untold suffering of the Palestinians, the ongoing lack of a full permanent solution and the continued slow paced destruction of daily life in Palestine has caused that hope to erode. Hopes were further dashed by Israel's consistent violations of the ceasefire with almost daily attacks on people in a continuing trend of genocide against the population in Gaza as of January 2026. While the ceasefire agreement that began in October 25 has reduced the scale scale of high intensity bombardment, it has not brought the promised relief to the people of Gaza who continue to endure profound suffering. It is alarming to note that since the ceasefire and up until 21st January 2026, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories recorded the killing of 26016 Palestinians, including 46 children and 28 women in Israeli attacks far from the so called yellow line and mainly on shelters of internally displaced persons and residential buildings.

This included 126 reported attacks by Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles across Gaza resulting in the killing of 87 Palestinians including 12 children and seven women. The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza demands urgent action and we call for the rapid, safe and unimpeded delivery and sustained distribution of humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout Gaza. We also call for unimpeded access for the UN and its agencies and humanitarian organizations including international NGOs in accordance with international humanitarian law. Mr. President, since the last quarterly debate of this Council on the question of Palestine, we witnessed the Security Council's endorsement of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza conflict on 29th September 2025 through resolution 2803 which conferred an inordinate amount of power on the Board of Peace. This Board assumes administration of Gaza until the Palestinian Authority completes reforms.

With this endorsement, the Council outsourced the oversight of a non inclusive peace process concerning Gaza to a non UN building which has subsequently been broadened into a mechanism that assumes the Charter given responsibility of the UN Security Council related to the maintenance of international peace and security. This is indeed a concerning development that undermines the right to self determination or the people of Palestine and has been broader implications for the United nations role in pursuing its central mandate. In this respect, South Africa reiterates that the only path to a just, lasting and comprehensive solution of the conflict in the Middle east is the two state solution with the State of Israel and a sovereign viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition in accordance with international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Palestinians deserve peace, security and dignity just like Israelis. Thus, the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Plan and any other effort to establish a just and lasting peace on the question of Palestine must abide with international law and prioritize the human rights of the Palestinians.

Related to this, we express grave concern over the deteriorating situation in the west bank, including East Jerusalem. We reject and strongly condemn any annexation attempts, settlers, violence, including against Christian communities, establishment of settlements which are illegal under international law and unilateral acts of any expulsion or displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank. We further call on Israel to reverse the E1 settlement plan that undermines the two state solution and constitutes a continued policy of brazen violation of international law. Likewise, we support the Palestinian center for Human Rights strongly condemned as Israeli security forces entering the headquarters of UNRWA in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied Jerusalem on 20 January 2026. These actions undermine UNRWA's UN mandate, violate international law, the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions and round counter to the findings of the International Court of Justice justice advisory opinion of 22 October 2025 which calls for the full cooperation with UNRWA and reverses measures that bend UNRA's presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Israel, as the Occupying Power, is obliged under international law to ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and to enable the continued functioning of UN humanitarian operations in line with international humanitarian law and relevant international legal obligations. UNRWA must be permitted to be fully operational as it remains the backbone of humanitarian operations in Gaza. Mr. President, in conclusion, UN member states must work collectively to take take active, irreversible steps to end Israel's unlawful occupation and realize the Palestinian people's rights to self determination through statehood that delivers true sovereignty on equal terms with Israel. South Africa will continue to support all efforts towards this goal. I thank you.


SC · President [1:06:29]:

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


Maldives [1:06:38]:

Thank you, President. I thank Somalia, President of the Council for January for convening this quarterly open debate. Each time this debate returns to the Council, the tolls is visible in emptied neighborhoods, in families driven from their homes and in grief with nowhere to go.

People following this meeting can picture the houses Israel has destroyed, the new settlements it approves and the innocent lives it takes. People are listening for decisions from the Council that change weapons at the checkpoint and occupy Palestine. At the clinic door and in the bread line.

Minutes matter here for inaction turns into rubble, silence turns into permissions. And I will make three points here. First, the government of Maldives condemns Israel's illegal demolition of Andra building in East Jerusalem and the wider pressure campaign against Andra facilities in occupied Palestine, including Jerusalem Health Center. Threats of closure and the cutting of electricity and water turn humanitarian work into a target. When a clinic's light goes out, it is the patients who pay.

When UN premises are treated as disposable, the signal spreads fast. Israel is returning to the law of the jungle. Israel must reverse these measures immediately, restore facilities, reinstate essential services and safeguard humanitarian staff and operations. Second, the ceasefire announced in November is producing one result. That is Israel's continued killing of Palestinians.

The legitimate Palestinian resistance is now being muted under under force and the world is being pushed towards forgetting Israel's genocide in Gaza. At the same time, aid is remaining restricted, hunger is deepening and civilians are dying during supposed pauses. Gaza is staying under siege. Hospitals, water systems and schools are still shattered. More than 2 million people are surviving on humanitarian assistance even as the registration of several international aid organizations is being revoked.

Third, peace cannot be built while the ground is being remade. In late December, Israel has approved 19 new settlements in the occupied west bank, tightening control and sabotaging any credible path to two state solutions. When this goes unanswered, impunity is becoming method. And insecurity is spreading, including actions violating Somalia's sovereignty and threatening Qatars and Iran's. Palestine is needing urgent humanitarian assistance and sustained support to recover to rebuild its economy and secure its people.

A two state solution on the pre1967 borders with East Jerusalem as Palestine capital and Palestine's full membership of the UN must be realized. I thank you.


SC · President [1:10:11]:

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


Iceland [1:10:20]:

Mr. President, we congratulate Somalia on its successful month of presidency. Iceland welcomed the long awaited ceasefire announced a few months ago which offered desperately needed respite to the people in Gaza. UN Security Council Resolution 2803 marked a critical juncture on the path to peace by endorsing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, welcoming the establishment of the Board of Peace and authorizing the establishment of a temporary International Civilization Stabilization Force. Crucial steps have been taken, including the release of all living hostages and the return of those killed. Iceland further welcomes the announcement of the launch of Phase two of the plan, the implementation of which will be critical.

However, as Deputy Special Coordinator Ala Karov highlighted yesterday, many obstacles remain. This is a moment of both profound opportunity and significant risk. Mr. President, Iceland has repeatedly condemned the horrendous terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7th over two years back. We have also unequivocally called for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza in favor of the Palestinian Authority. There is no justification for terror and Hamas has no role in the future of Gaza or Palestine.

For the people in Gaza, however, genuine relief from the immense suffering they have endured depends on receiving the aid, including shelter and medicine they so urgently need. Homes and livelihoods must be restored and forced displacement must end. Regrettably, international obligations remain unmet in Gaza owing to Israel's continued restrictions on both humanitarian access and operations of key humanitarian partners, including the United Nations. As a long standing contributor to unrwa, Iceland has repeatedly voiced its concerns over Israeli action against the Agency. The Recent demolitions of UNRWA's headquarters in East Jerusalem constitute an unprecedented disregard by a Member State for United nations privileges and immunities.

Iceland has also joined others in calling on Israel to ensure that INGOs continue to be permitted to operate in Gaza and that their deregistrations be halted. INGOs provide an important part of the essential assistance so desperately needed in Gaza. Taken together, these measures run counter to last year's Advisory opinion of the icj, which very clearly states that Israel, as the occupying power, has a legal obligation to ensure the well being of civilians under its occupation. This situation must change and without delay. Mr. President.

The continued occupation in the west bank must not fall off our radar. There, Palestinians are experiencing the worst restrictions and the heaviest militarized operation for decades. In addition to settler violence enabled by impunity. Which brings me to My final point, Mr. President. The only viable long term path towards peace remains the two state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and mutual recognition.

The State of Palestine must build its future on the foundations of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This Council must live up to its responsibilities, responsibilities under the UN Charter in its pursuit and maintenance of international peace and security. This includes ensuring the full implementation, in accordance with international law, of resolution 2803. Thank you.


SC · President [1:14:12]:

I thank the representative of Iceland for the statement.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.