Security Council Hears Fresh Calls for Ceasefire, Two-State Solution During Ministerial Meeting on Israel-Gaza War
Warring Parties Must Abide by International Law, Secretary-General Asserts
Fifty-three days since the Israel-Gaza war began, speakers called today for the current humanitarian pause to become a sustained ceasefire — and for renewed efforts to be made for a two-State solution in the Middle East — during a ministerial-level meeting of the Security Council that coincided with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, recalled that through resolution 2712 (2023), adopted on 15 November, the Council demanded that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably regarding the protection of civilians, especially children. “In a matter of weeks, a far greater number of children have been killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza than the total number of children killed during any year, by any party to a conflict, since I have been Secretary-General,” he said.
Noting that United Nations facilities are sheltering more than 1 million civilians seeking protection, he said that the 111 UN employees killed in Gaza represented the largest loss of personnel in the Organization’s history. Gaza needs food, water, fuel, blankets, medicines and health-care supplies, he said, underscoring the importance of a true humanitarian ceasefire as well as the two-State solution.
Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, emphasized that a political and security framework is needed to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Welcoming the agreement to secure the release of Israeli hostages, to pause the fighting and to release Palestinian prisoners, he said that “such respite from the weeks of horror is long overdue”.
He pointed to heightened tensions across the occupied West Bank where settler violence has continued at high levels. Also highlighted in his briefing was Israel’s decision to deduct all funds designated for the Gaza Strip from the clearance revenues that Israel transfers to the Palestinian Authority, which has further weakened that body in the wake of the economic collapse of Gaza.
Riyad Al-Maliki, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, said that the Prime Minister of Israel’s selling point for retaining his position is that he is the best positioned to obstruct Palestinian statehood. “The man in charge of the assault against our people is one whose very political survival depends on prolonging the massacres,” he said. Accountability will not come from a Government whose agenda reflects the agenda of West Bank settlers, he said, emphasizing that the current truce must become a ceasefire.
Israel’s delegate — noting that today marked 76 years since the General Assembly decided to partition Palestine into two States, one Arab and one Jewish — said that it was paradoxical to call for both a ceasefire and peace because “every call for a ceasefire means Hamas gets to live to see another day”. The war could end today if Hamas returns all hostages and turns in all terrorists that took part in the massacre. He added that the leaders of Hamas, as well as the Houthis in Yemen and the Ayatollahs in Iran, are all driven by the same goal — Israel’s annihilation and the mass murder of Jews. While Israel strives for peace, the Palestinians strive for war, he stated.
“Where is this peace agreement or peace plan that Israel agreed to and which Arabs refused?” asked Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, as he detailed the diplomatic efforts undertaken by his country, Egypt and the United States in the last few weeks. Palestinians have gone through hell since the conflict erupted on 7 October, he said, noting that the agreement has so far led to the release of more than 90 hostages in Gaza and more than 210 women and children held in Israeli prisons.
Sameh Hassan Shoukry Selim, Egypt’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, said that what is happening in Gaza in full view of the world is also happening in the West Bank. Rejecting any plans to transfer Palestinians away from their land, he said that unless the root causes of the conflict are addressed — and unless the Israeli occupation ends — new cycles of violence will unfold.
Along similar lines, Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, said that if this problem is not fixed, the world will be haunted again by aggravated radicalism. Noting that millions of people worldwide have rallied in support of Palestine, he said Member States must actively engage in a peace process based on a two-State solution. He also highlighted Türkiye’s proposal for a guarantorship mechanism that would prevent breaches by either party.
Several delegates, including Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of China, Council President for November, emphasized the importance of seizing the moment to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire. The current pause in the fighting in Gaza proves the value of dialogue, and it should be the beginning of further diplomatic efforts for a lasting ceasefire, he said.
The representative of the United States said that an outcome that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza will deny Palestinian civilians a chance to build something better. She envisioned a two-State solution, in which Gaza and the West Bank would be reunited under a single Governance structure under a revitalized Palestinian Authority.
THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION
Briefings
ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said that more than 1,200 people were killed and thousands were injured in the abhorrent acts of terror by Hamas on 7 October, and more than 14,000 people in Gaza have been killed since the start of the Israeli military operations. “In a matter of weeks, a far greater number of children have been killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza than the total number of children killed during any year, by any party to a conflict since I have been Secretary-General.” Security Council resolution 2712 (2023) demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children. It is clear that before the pause, there were serious violations, he said, adding that beyond the many civilians killed and wounded, 80 per cent of Gaza’s people have been forced from their homes. This growing population is being pushed towards an ever-smaller area of southern Gaza, but of course, “nowhere is safe in Gaza,” he said.
United Nations facilities are sheltering more than one million civilians seeking protection, he said, adding that 218 internally displaced people sheltering in United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools have been killed. Moreover, 111 members of the UN family have been killed in Gaza — “the largest loss of personnel in the history of the Organization”. Underscoring the importance of protecting civilians, he said that the pause has enabled the Organization to enhance the delivery of aid into and across Gaza. For the first time since 7 October, an inter-agency convoy delivered food, water, medical supplies and shelter items to northern Gaza — specifically to four UNRWA shelters in the Jabalia camp. Expressing appreciation to Egypt for making this assistance possible, he said that the level of aid to Palestinians in Gaza remains completely inadequate to meet the huge needs of more than two million people.
Recalling that resolution 2712 (2023) calls for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups”, he said that the arrangement that was announced on 22 November has so far led to the release of 60 hostages held by Hamas and other groups, with another 21 hostages released outside the arrangement. The arrangement also saw the release of 180 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israeli jails, mostly women and children. Going forward, Gaza needs food, water, fuel, blankets, medicines and health-care supplies. Calling on the international community not to look away from the epic humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, he called for a true humanitarian ceasefire. It is essential to move in a determined and irreversible way toward establishing a two-State solution, on the basis of United Nations resolutions and international law, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. Failure to do that will condemn Palestinians, Israelis, the region and the world to a never-ending cycle of death and destruction, he said.
TOR WENNESLAND, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, via videoconference, acknowledged the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States in facilitating the agreement to secure the release of hostages, to pause the fighting and to release Palestinian prisoners and detainees. “Such respite from the weeks of horror is long overdue.” In addition to the fighting in Gaza, there are also heightened tensions, intensive violence and widespread movement restrictions across the occupied West Bank. “The period has been marked by some of the most intensive Israeli operations in the West Bank since the second intifada”, including armed Palestinians using improvised explosive devises and Israeli security forces’ drone strikes. Settler violence has continued at high levels, driving mounting intensity, increased violence and Palestinian displacement. During this reporting period, 154 Palestinians, including 37 children, were killed, nearly all of them in the context of Israeli army operations, many involving armed exchanges with Palestinians. Israeli settlers have killed two Palestinians, while three Israelis, including two security forces personnel, were killed by Palestinians in attacks, he said.
“Amid the surging violence and extensive Israeli movement restrictions, the Palestinian Authority’s long-standing fiscal crisis has worsened significantly, as economic activity in the West Bank has ground to a halt, and the economy of Gaza has collapsed.” The 2 November decision by the Israeli security cabinet to deduct all funds designated for the Gaza Strip from the clearance revenues that Israel transfers to the Palestinian Authority further weakened that body’s revenues, impacting many critical services and the payment of public sector salaries. “The situation is boiling and getting worse rapidly,” he said, emphasizing that more must be done to stabilize the situation in the West Bank.
On potential regional escalation, he said that in Israel’s north, tensions along the Blue Line have calmed over the last few days, but the situation remains volatile. About 100,000 Israelis remain displaced in the north and 50,000 Lebanese are displaced from southern areas near the Blue Line. On the Golan, he said, firing from Syria towards the Israeli-occupied Golan and strikes by Israel against targets in Syria took place. He said missiles and drones were reportedly launched from Yemen towards Israel, most being intercepted but with a drone strike recorded on a school in Eilat on 9 November claimed by the Houthis. An Israeli-affiliated ship was seized by Houthi forces in the Red Sea on 19 November.
Without an effective political and security framework for when the fighting ends, it will be impossible to sustainably end the violence and shape a new reality, he continued. Over the coming weeks and months, the international community must engage with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and regional partners on constructive and practical political solutions. Terror attacks must not happen again, Gaza must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian State and there must be an end to the occupation and the realization of a two-State solution. Our past efforts have certainly not been enough, he said, adding that a new and different approach is needed now.
Statements
RIYAD AL-MALIKI, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, said that the current truce must become a ceasefire and the massacres cannot be allowed to resume. Recalling that over 15,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza, he said that no one and nowhere is safe in Gaza. “How many times can the world afford to fail the test of humanity in Gaza, in Palestine?” he wondered, adding that a solvable political conflict has been turned into a never-ending religious confrontation. In the General Assembly, the Prime Minister of Israel presented his vision for the new Middle East that wiped Palestine off the map — and now 1.7 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are displaced. Israel has turned Gaza into hell on Earth and the lives of Palestinian communities in the West Bank into a living hell. “The Palestinian people are here to stay, they are from this land and of this land and their destiny is to live in freedom and dignity on this land. Isn’t it time we found a way to live side by side?”
Turning to the situation in the occupied West Bank, he said that while the entire world rejects Israel’s colonial policies and violence, accountability cannot come from a Government whose agenda is the settlers’ agenda. “We need international protection and international action to end impunity so as to prevent the recurrence of these crimes that occur daily and in broad daylight,” he said, adding that what the Palestinians are now enduring is the result of the international community’s failure to provide such protection and accountability. The current Government in Israel, more than any other, considers Palestinian statehood to be a strategic threat, and its Prime Minister’s selling point to keep his post is that he is the best positioned to obstruct Palestinian statehood in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. “The man in charge of the assault against our people is one whose very political survival depends on prolonging the massacres and continuing to deny Palestinian rights,” he said. “His interests do not only conflict with our inalienable rights but with all those who seek peace and security for all.”
GILAD MENASHE ERDAN (Israel) recalled that on 29 November 1947, the United Nations adopted a partition plan and the establishment of the Jewish State. However, the Arab States rejected that resolution and tried to annihilate Israel. Today, 76 years later, history is repeating itself. A century ago, more than one million Jews lived in Arab countries, but now there are only a couple of thousands left. The genocidal ideology of Hajj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, continues to poison many Arab minds and Israel is defending itself from this ideology. Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah, the Houthis and the Ayatollahs in Iran are all driven by the same goal of Israel’s annihilation and the mass murder of Jews. “It’s time for the Security Council to address this evil, before another atrocity is committed,” he said.
Anyone who supports a ceasefire supports Hamas’ continued reign of terror in Gaza, he said, adding that it is paradoxical to call for both a ceasefire and peace. “Every call for a ceasefire means Hamas gets to live to see another day.” Iran, which publicly supports the 7 October massacre, armed, funded and trained Hamas, he said, adding: “This Council must also not remain silent about the Shiite elephant in the room.” Meanwhile, the United Nations has been co-opted by those that have no real interest in a solution. “Every UN body has been weaponized against Israel.” Reiterating that Israel strives for peace while the Palestinians strive for war, he said that his country has facilitated the establishment of field offices, opened humanitarian corridors and approved the entry of fuel. The only way to dramatically improve the situation is to support Israel’s mission to eradicate Hamas’ terror capabilities, he stated, adding that the war can end today if Hamas returns all hostages and turns in all terrorists that took part in the massacre. “Demand this from Hamas. This is the solution,” he said.
WANG YI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of China, Council President for November, speaking in his national capacity, reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire. While the current pause in fighting did not come at the earliest, it nevertheless shows that dialogue is the best way to save lives. Calling on the international community to work for a comprehensive ceasefire, he warned that the resumption of fighting will likely turn into a calamity that will devour the whole region. The past days of pause should not just be a hiatus before a new round of violence; rather, it should be the beginning of further diplomatic efforts for a lasting ceasefire. The protection of civilians is a red line in international law that cannot be crossed, he added, expressing concern about the collective punishment of people in Gaza and the forced transfer of Palestinian civilians. Stressing the importance of humanitarian access, he drew attention to China’s contributions to humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Justice demands the establishment of two States, he said, welcoming those Ministers attending today’s meeting as well as their mediation efforts.
MAURO VIEIRA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Brazil, underscoring that the Council has to be held accountable to its main obligation to uphold peace and security, observed it did not unite in the past and it does not seem to be ready to do so now. The violence in Gaza is at unacceptable levels — especially against children — and the plight of pregnant women is disturbing. The Council and the international community must join forces to end violence and provide humanitarian help to Gaza. He welcomed the release of hostages and the recent truce deal. It is a sign that agreement is possible, even when it seems unattainable. He also welcomed the extension of the truce and urged all parties to “cling to this spark of hope”. However, the Council must do more and unite for a more decisive course of action that can achieve gains, and sustainably address the crisis on the ground. Solidarity is the Council’s duty, not just a moral obligation, he stressed.
TARIQ AHMAD, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Commonwealth and United Nations, stressed every innocent civilian life lost, Palestinian or Israeli, was a tragedy. Thus, the ceasefire agreement should not be a one-off. He reported that, last week, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where the Foreign Secretary announced another $38 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and underlined the need to find a long-term political solution to this conflict based on the two-State solution. Turning to the escalation in the West Bank, he called on Israel to hold accountable those responsible for the settler violence. Underscoring that country’s right to self-defence, he urged it to act in accordance with international law, pointing to the too many innocent civilians, including children, who have lost their lives. A negotiated settlement in line with Security Council resolutions is a vision that needs to be turned into a reality, he stressed, noting that while peace may seem difficult, it is achievable.
LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD (United States), noting that the humanitarian pause would not have been possible without the leadership of Qatar, Egypt and Washington, D.C., spotlighted direct, personal presidential diplomacy. Reporting that her country is airlifting UN medical items, food aid and winter necessities, she said that it delivered 54,000 pounds of assistance to the Humanitarian Logistics Hub. In addition, during the first five days of the pause, 1,000 trucks and regular shipments of fuel were provided to UNRWA. She further expressed concern over the possible regional spillover of the conflict, condemning violence by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. Stressing that an outcome that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza would deny Palestinian civilians a chance to build something better, she emphasized: “We need a two-State solution where Gaza and the West Bank are reunited under a single Governance structure, ultimately under a revitalized Palestinian Authority.”
KHALIFA SHAHEEN AL MARAR, Minister for State of the United Arab Emirates, condemned Israel’s policy of collective punishment against the Palestinian people, as well as attempts to displace them. Stating that the future and governance of Gaza must remain in the hands of Palestinians, he underscored that any plans that seek to separate the Gaza Strip from the State of Palestine are “unacceptable”. He also stressed the need for the international community to adopt unified rules condemning violations of international humanitarian law, including the indiscriminate bombing of civilians, civilian objects and UN facilities. “Applying double standards across these matters causes chaos and undermines our international order,” he observed. Turning to the truce recently reached by the parties, he underlined the need to build on this measure and, simultaneously, to work towards reaching an immediate, permanent ceasefire. Also urging persistent efforts to prevent the region from sliding into war, he underscored that ongoing skirmishes in Lebanon, the Syrian Golan and the Red Sea must cease.
THOMAS GÜRBER (Switzerland), while recognizing Israel’s right to ensure its security, underscored that respect for international humanitarian law is imperative. Civilians have paid the heaviest price since the start of these hostilities, including Israelis killed in the 7 October attacks, hostages taken, and the thousands of civilians killed in Gaza. Welcoming the release of hostages, he called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still being held. Further, calling for an extension to the humanitarian pause and the continuing, full implementation of resolution 2712 (2023), he voiced concern over increased settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. “All violations of international law committed in Israel and throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice,” he stressed. Finally urging a political solution to the conflict, he underscored the importance of Palestinian and Israeli women’s participation in the process, as well as the Council’s role in taking steps towards a two-State solution.
MAVIS NKANSAH-BOADU, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, said that the tears, suffering and deaths on both sides must end. She welcomed the humanitarian pause and appealed to Israel and Hamas to extend it. She also emphasized the need to swiftly deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza and demanded that UNRWA facilities be separated from the conflict. The parties must respect international humanitarian law and renew constructive dialogue. Warning against a spillover of violence in the region, she said that Ghana sees no alternative to the two-State solution. The exchanges of fire across the Blue Line, the seizure of Israeli cargo ships in the Red Sea and drone and missile strikes on Israel must stop. Voicing concern that more than 80 per cent of Gaza’s population has been displaced, she called on the Council to step up efforts so that Palestinians can enjoy their right to a homeland while ensuring Israel’s security, including by appointing a rapporteur to unify its position on how to proceed with the two-State solution.
UEMURA TSUKASA, Special Envoy of the Middle East Peace of Japan, said that he has been engaged in the region for four decades, with friends in both Israel and Palestine including in the Gaza Strip. “I am convinced that sadness and hope are shared,” he said, adding that Middle East peace should be built on this common ground. Japan’s approach to a two-State solution is based on three pillars: political dialogue, confidence-building and economic assistance to the Palestinian people. He also cited Japan’s efforts to promote important policies such as the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development. Calling for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and without conditions, he said that the humanitarian situation in Palestine must not deteriorate further. “The current conflict since 7 October must not block the path to peace”, as there is no solution other than the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine, he said.
LILLY STELLA NGYEMA NDONG (Gabon) welcomed the agreement which allowed for the truce that began last Friday and the release of several Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, calling it “a window of hope” that must allow for a return to international humanitarian law in the ruins of Gaza. The lethal violence unleashed by the barbaric attacks of Hamas on 7 October has reached an unbearable level and it is time to stop the bloodbath. All parties must exercise restraint and respect their obligations under international law, she said, adding that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be political and diplomatic, and made through good faith negotiations ensuring respect for the legitimate concerns of each party. She reiterated condemnation of all indiscriminate murderous violence and called for the unconditional release of all the hostages.
FERIT HOXHA (Albania), welcoming the pause, said it has been six days without “the deafening noise of war”. The continued release of hostages is very positive, he said, urging Qatar, Egypt and the United States to continue their efforts until all hostages are united with their families. Also welcoming the considerable increase of the volume of humanitarian aid to Gaza, he said that the horrific events of 7 October cannot be forgotten. Civilians have paid an unprecedented price in this conflict and their protection must be a primary concern. While the attention is focused on Gaza, innocent civilians, including children, are also dying in the West Bank, he continued. Israel must commit the same efforts to saving innocent Palestinian lives as it does in its efforts to decimate Hamas. However justified the frustration and fatigue that Palestinians feel, they should not be fooled into believing in Hamas, he added.
VANESSA FRAZIER (Malta) commended the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, which have led to the humanitarian truce and release of Israeli hostages and detained Palestinian women and children. She also welcomed the truce extension. “We urge the parties to continue to build on these steps,” she said, adding that the truce must continue to be extended. She called for the release of all remaining hostages, adding that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is untenable. “We cannot afford to lose more lives. We cannot return to further bloodshed and insecurity,” she said, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. She noted violence in the occupied West Bank and underlined Israel’s obligations to ensure the protection of Palestinians against all acts or threats of violence. Settlements are illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. It is imperative to consider a credible foundation for future peace and Malta remains committed to a two-State solution, she said.
ANDRÉS EFREN MONTALVO SOSA (Ecuador) condemned the unjustifiable terrorist attacks perpetrated against the Israeli people and called for an immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas. Underscoring Israel’s right to self-defence, he emphasized the need to make every effort to prevent harm and casualties among innocent civilians. The recent pause in hostilities is a hopeful first step towards peace, he said, urging the parties to seek its extension to give civilians “a breathing space”. Highlighting the importance of implementing resolution 2712 (2023) to improve conditions for civilians in Gaza, he also called for an immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire. Turning to the situation in the West Bank, he warned that any measure which undermines the viability of the two-State solution contributes to perpetuating the conflict. In this regard, he urged all protagonists to show restraint and prevent expansion of violence to other areas, including the border between Israel and Lebanon.
DOMINGOS ESTÊVÃO FERNANDES (Mozambique), welcoming the four-day truce, extended for two more days, underscored that the situation remains worrying and urged all parties to persist in discussions. Both Israelis and Palestinians should assess the humanitarian pause as a starting point to a more consistent and lasting solution which brings the war to an end. The situation on the ground warrants a long humanitarian pause or agreed compromise to ensure that all those in a dire situation have access to basic needs, such as water, electricity, food, and medicine. He called for the urgent implementation of resolution 2712 (2023) to facilitate the delivery of critical goods and services necessary for the health, survival, and protection of civilians, especially children. He also called for the imperative release of hostages and further affirmed that the two-State solution remains relevant and indispensable for a lasting peace and harmony in the region.
NICOLAS DE RIVIÈRE (France) called for the extended truce to be permanent and lead to a ceasefire. Welcoming the release of three French children taken hostage, as well as all other hostages, he called for the rest held by Hamas and other terrorist groups to be released immediately without condition. Urging the Council to condemn without delay or ambiguity the terrorist attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups against Israel on 7 October, he affirmed that Israel has the right and duty to defend itself in strict compliance with international law. He noted that France has deployed more than 100 tons of humanitarian freight and provided €100 million since 7 October, including €54 million for UNRWA. Condemning the violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, he further called for the guaranteed safety of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) peacekeepers.
VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation), noting that Western delegations demand that every Council meeting includes the “mantra about women’s participation in decision-making”, stressed that the right to life and security has been taken from the Palestinian women. For the West, Palestinians are second-class people, he said, emphasizing that those nations have no interest in defending such people’s interests. Recalling that the Russian Federation proposed two resolutions, he emphasized that the “maximum the Council has been able to bring forth is a toothless resolution”. He further suggested an expanded mandate for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, also spotlighting the meeting of his country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs with the members of the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh. Underscoring the importance of relaunching the peace process, he pointed out that an updated mechanism for a two-State solution must include regional stakeholders.
SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ABDULRAHMAN AL-THANI, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, said that Palestinians have gone through hell in the past seven weeks. Last week, relentless diplomatic efforts led by his country, Egypt and the United States led to an agreement that extended the humanitarian pause, led to the release of more than 90 hostages in the Gaza Strip and more than 210 women and children who were held in Israeli prisons, and enabled the delivery of humanitarian aid. The Council must take more steps towards a sustainable ceasefire, guarantee the flow of sufficient humanitarian aid and establish a monitoring mechanism to monitor the humanitarian aid delivery through all the crossings, he underscored. Further, the occupying Power must abide by its obligations under international law. Instead of launching lies against Arab States, Israel must go back to the books, he said, asking: “Where is this peace agreement or peace plan that Israel agreed to and which Arabs refused?” The Gaza Strip is part and parcel of the occupied Palestinian Territory, he stressed, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.
SAMEH HASSAN SHOUKRY SELIM, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, said that the destruction of Gaza and targeting of civilians are flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law that cannot be justified under any pretext. “This tragedy is happening amidst the silence of the international community,” he said, adding that what is happening in Gaza in full view of the world is also happening in the West Bank. Egypt totally rejects any plans to transfer Palestinians from their land, he added, calling on the international community to oppose such actions. He called on the Council to support efforts to achieve a ceasefire and to consider a draft resolution, tabled by Egypt, focused on the humanitarian aspect in Gaza. Double standards must be avoided and sympathetic statements must be turned into actions. The only alternative for the day after is to address the root causes of this conflict and end the Israeli occupation. “If not, new cycles of violence will unfold,” he said, calling for vain statements to be put aside and for international efforts to be directed towards achieving the two-State solution.
PRINCE FAISAL BIN FARHAN AL SAUD, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, whose country is Chair of the Ministerial Committee mandated by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, said that in an absence of international accountability measures, a summit of leaders was convened in Riyadh resulting in resolutions which reaffirmed the will to stand with the Palestinian people, their demands to take back their occupied territory and to establish an independent State. An immediate and permanent ceasefire that paves the way for a credible peace process is urgently needed, he said, adding that while a humanitarian pause is a good first step, it is insufficient. Moreover, the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid is required to match civilian needs. In that regard, resolution 2712 (2023) must be fully implemented. Rejecting weak pretences of self-defence in the face of the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, he rejected Israel’s assertion that humanitarian aid will not bring peace. Saudi Arabia is a peace-loving nation and wants it to be Israel’s choice as well, he said, calling for a two-State solution and for the convening of a UN-mediated peace conference.
AYMAN SAFADI, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan, said Israel’s aggression has become more barbarous and deadly than before. Israel considers the Council’s silence to be authorization for its crimes, he said, adding that the occupying Power has no right to self-defence according to international law. Ending the occupation is the viable way for peace for Palestinians and the entire region. This is not a religious conflict; rather, it is due to the unfair occupation and injustice. He urged the Council to call for a ceasefire and the international community to end the occupation and conflict. A new peace process instrumentalized by Israel is not the solution. Rather, the Council needs to adopt a resolution recognizing the Palestinian State and end unilateral Israeli actions that further enshrine the occupation. Israel’s acceptance of such a resolution would ensure peace. If Israel refuses, the result will be ongoing violence, he said.
HAKAN FIDAN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, said that Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza and its population constitute war crimes. Pointing to the Council’s failure to call with one voice for an effective ceasefire, he said that this paralysis will reverberate on other global crises and further erode the Council’s credibility. If this problem is not fixed, the world will soon be haunted again by aggravated radicalism feeding on impunity and injustice. Millions of people have rallied in support of Palestine and they expect the Council to act, he said, adding that this “dark episode” is an opportunity to address the root cause of the conflict. When the Palestinians have their own functioning State, most of the current challenges will disappear. Member States must actively engage in a peace process based on a two-State solution that ensures the safety of both Israel and Palestine, he said, highlighting his country’s proposal for a guarantorship mechanism that would prevent breaches by either party.
RETNO LESTARI PRIANSARI MARSUDI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, said that she wants to be on the right side of history, defending justice and humanity for the Palestinian people. While prisoners in Israel are being released during the humanitarian pause, almost the same number of new prisoners are being detained in the West Bank. “When can this atrocity be stopped?” she asked, adding that “out of the small glimpse of peace, we could see hope”. However, the humanitarian pause is too narrow and fragile and it will not create a better situation in Gaza. The Council must ensure that hostilities do not return with a vengeance and its members must work together for a durable ceasefire. “Another day without fighting is a day worth fighting for.” Palestine has the right to an independent State, she continued, adding that now is the right time to restart the peace process.
TANJA FAJON, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, underlined the urgency of a permanent ceasefire. Expressing concern over the blockade and health situation in Gaza, she noted that aid delivered so far — while welcomed — still falls short. For its part, Slovenia has increased its humanitarian support and stands ready to play an active role in the psychosocial rehabilitation of children, she said. She also pointed out that the world is witnessing clear violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, underscoring: “Even wars have rules.” Stressing that the international community must do more, she stated: “We must recognize that we have failed the test of humanity.” Noting her country is an incoming Council member, she underscored that the organ “must step up”. To that end, she expressed her support for the convening of an international conference to agree on a peace plan leading to a two-State solution. “The only guarantee of the safety and security of Israelis is a recognition of the Palestinian State,” she added.
ZAMBRY ABDUL KADIR, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, voiced concern and distress over the 7 October attack against civilians, and the following vengeful and brutal slaughter of innocent lives in Gaza. Recalling heart-wrenching images of children killed, maimed and shell-shocked in the aftermath of indiscriminate Israeli shelling, he welcomed resolution 2712 (2023). However, he stressed that must be the beginning of a lasting peace process and permanent ceasefire. It is outrageous that 15,000 civilians had to die before a deal for a humanitarian pause was reached, “after Gaza had become a hell on Earth and a graveyard for children”, he stated. He further noted it is the deadliest conflict ever for UN employees, urging the Council to heed the resounding cry of concerned citizens of the world and the majority of UN Member States to relieve the dire humanitarian situation. Calling for an independent Palestinian State, he stressed that “the whole world is looking” as the Council has failed Palestinians too many times.
AHMED ABOUL GHEIT, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, stated: “This destruction, this killing, this collective punishment practiced by the Israeli occupation is sowing hatred and rage in Palestine and the region, and these will last for years.” He called for all parties to work on ending the war and turning the humanitarian truce into a permanent truce and complete ceasefire. Further, the Council’s responsibility is not just to people in Gaza, but to achieve peace and stability in the region, he said, highlighting that life in Gaza is unbearable. People have no shelter or basic necessities. Thus, the delivery of humanitarian assistance could mean the difference between life and death for many. However, many people ignore the fact that the humanitarian assistance entering Gaza today is only the bare minimum needed to meet residents’ needs. There must be delivery of enough aid to prevent death by starvation or disease, he stressed, adding that ending the occupation is the League’s priority.
It is important to look towards the future, he continued, calling on the Council to focus on the political horizon of this situation. The future must only mean one thing — a Palestinian State. Yet, the only State rejecting the two-State solution is the occupying State. The Council needs to show courage and decisiveness with that State to remove any illusions concerning retaining the Territory, he emphasized, underlining that this is apartheid. In addition, decisive international will is needed to implement the solution and turn it into a reality as soon as possible by ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian State. The opportunity of this war needs to be seized to find a settlement. An international conference should draw a timebound path to end the last colonial military occupation on earth, he said.
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* The 9488th Meeting was closed.