(resumed) Advancing political solutions in the Middle East: mediation and dialogue for a lasting peace - Security Council, 10169th meeting

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On the 10,169th 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.
I now give the floor to the representative of Qatar.
You have the floor for three minutes.
Shukran.
Thank you, Madam President.
At the outset, we would like to congratulate your friendly country on assuming the presidency of the Council.
We welcome the participation of His Excellency President Gustavo Petro, the president of the Republic of Colombia.
And we thank him for presiding over this meeting.
We align ourselves with the statement of the Arab group and thank the Secretary General for his briefing and efforts.
We thank you for choosing the theme of this discussion, which lies at the heart of the mandate of this Council.
It is especially important in this critical juncture for international peace and security, especially in the Middle East.
Mediation and the peaceful settlement of dispute is a main pillar for the foreign policy of the state of Qatar.
This is an established approach based on our Constitution and our commitment to the charter.
It is reflected in our ongoing contribution to strengthening the efforts of mediation in the Middle East and the world.
It was reflected in the successful mediation in a number of areas, including facilitating ceasefire agreements, the exchange of prisoners and peace agreements around the world.
Madam president, when it comes to the situation in the Gulf, the state of Qatar continues its tireless efforts with its peers in the region and the world to guarantee an ongoing cease fire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
It resulted from the mediation efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in order to prevent a return to escalation to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, to spare the people of the region the repercussions of any new escalation.
All parties should respond to the efforts of mediation to pave the way for addressing this crisis through peaceful means, to prevent a renewed escalation.
It is important to fully adhere to Security Council Resolution 552 and resolution 2817.
We reaffirm the responsibility of the Council to carry out its role in this regard.
The state of Kuwait strongly condemns the Iranian attacks against the state of Kuwait.
The Kingdom of Bahrain and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
These are a blatant violation of the sovereignty of these countries, and they violate the rules of international law.
The state of Qatar underscores that any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, or any legal characterization that would limit freedom of navigation runs counter to international law, including the UN close.
We reaffirm the need to respect the freedom of navigation and free and safe passage in the strait as a natural international waterway.
The role of the Security Council is decisive in achieving peaceful political solutions.
One of the main lessons learned from the successes of the Council in shouldering its responsibility is the unity of the Council that led to the adoption of resolution 2803 on the situation in Gaza.
This could be built upon to implement Security Council resolutions and strengthen its efforts to achieve political solutions in the Middle East and beyond.
In this regard, we refer to the joint mediation efforts of the State of Qatar alongside Egypt, the US and Turkey to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Last October.
All parties must honour their obligations, fully implement the agreement and open crossings to guarantee the sustainable and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian assistance to the strip.
We also reaffirm our commitment to the Board of Peace, and we support its efforts to reach a final settlement.
We will continue to coordinate humanitarian and development efforts with our partners to guarantee a response to the urgent needs, and we support the path of recovery and reconstruction.
In this regard, we reaffirm our firm position to achieve a just comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question based on the principle of the two state solution pursuant to international law and relevant UN resolutions to achieve the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state along lines.
June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
We remain ready to work with the Council and all our partners to strengthen dialogue and mediation, to achieve peace in the region and strengthen our bilateral and international partnerships in the humanitarian areas and development to break the vicious cycle of conflicts, I thank you.
Gracias.
I thank the representative of Qatar, and I now give the floor to the Syrian Arab Republic.
Syria.
Continues.
To rise.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
We welcome you in this council, and we thank you for holding this important meeting on mediation in our region, which needs and recognises the importance of mediation for the people of the region, have paid a heavy price due to its absence.
Mr.
president, New Syria takes pride in adopting in its foreign relations a balanced, moderate approach based on dialogue and cooperation to build the best relations with all countries of the world, away from the policies of destructive alliances and axes.
We reaffirm that we will continue with this approach to achieve the interests of our people, and to guarantee stability and prosperity for all.
Dear colleagues, throughout its long history, Syria has known war as much as it has known peace.
It recognises the importance of peaceful means to resolve conflicts and end wars.
We also fully know the challenges and difficulties confronting the role of mediators.
We also know how difficult it is for parties to a conflict to agree on an honest mediator.
Today we will not focus on difficulties.
We will focus on positive aspirations and exploring solutions.
Ladies and gentlemen recently Syria has emerged from an era of war and crises.
Syria now has good relations with everyone, and it is trying to seize this opportunity to bring perspectives together and start to practice the role of a positive mediator in a number of regional files.
This is considered a paradigm shift for Syria in this era of recovery and renaissance.
This radical political transformation in Syria contributed to defusing an international conflict that could have lasted for decades.
Unfortunately, Syria has.
Rather, Syria has turned from an arena for conflict, for regional and international powers during the past 15 years to a state where achieving security and stability is a true and genuine interest for all these parties.
For all these powers today, with the current regional and international balances, Syria is seeking to practice its natural role in the heart of the most complicated region in the world.
It is high time for Syria to go back to being a centre of civilisations and religions.
A meeting point linking the East with the West, a route for trade, peace and prosperity.
Syria wants and is capable of adding value to regional stability based on our expertise and history.
Mr.
president, the UN charter, particularly chapter six, remains the reference point.
The legal and political reference point for settling conflicts.
Mediation and dialogue play the most important role in this regard.
We engaged in security talks with Israel, brokered by the United States, who remained committed to achieving peace in the region and sparing the people of the region the scourge of destruction and wars Although this path did not yet produce tangible results on the ground, however, we are keen to continue with these efforts to break the stalemate and reach agreements acceptable to all parties and that would achieve security and stability in the region, especially that new Syria has declared since day one that it does not wish to go to war with anyone, and it is ready to discuss security concerns of everyone through dialogue, which we believe is the best way to reach a solution.
Mr.
president, we welcome the positive response to this new Syrian approach by the international community and this council in order to strengthen stability in the region.
In conclusion, those who have known war also know the value of peace, and they know that mediation requires courageous solutions and realistic approaches.
This is what we we've experienced in Syria during years of struggle against the former regime.
Through local mediation and field mediation that we have carried out, along with courageous approaches based on our field expertise that allow us to distinguish between successful and unsuccessful approaches.
The long civilizational experience of Syria and what we have learned from our crises, have reaffirmed time and again that the destiny of Syria is to bring people together and not to tear them apart, to be a space for harmony and peace and not wars and tragedy.
Syria is ready to practice its positive role to contribute to resolving regional and international conflicts.
This is part of our recovery process.
This is part of our civilizational responsibility.
We, the Syrian people, are ready for this, not just in words, but also in deeds.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.
And I apologise to the representative of Qatar, because I arrived a little bit late to the room.
And now we will hear.
From the representative of Egypt.
I was there recently, in fact.
Thank you.
And yes, you may begin.
Mr.
President.
Allow me to thank you for your distinguished leadership of the Council's deliberations this month and leadership of this session.
I also express appreciation to the Briefers for the valuable information provided.
I would like to raise the following four points first The success of mediation efforts to settle conflicts in the Middle East remains contingent upon political will to end wars and address their root causes.
We need approaches that are based on the principles and purposes of the UN charter, International Law and Security Council resolutions.
Approaches that are underpinned by respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of states non-interference in their internal affairs, refraining from the use of force and rejecting policies that impose a fait accompli.
Second, peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without a just settlement of the Palestinian question, ending the Israeli occupation and establishing the independent Palestinian state along the lines of the 4th of June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In implementation of the two state solution.
Against this background, Egypt supported President Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza.
We are contributing daily to efforts aimed at ensuring that the various parties fulfil their commitments under this plan, in cooperation and coordination with mediation partners, namely the United States, Qatar and Turkey.
While we are gathered here to support and strengthen efforts to end the war, to restore stability and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the people of Gaza, the world is witnessing escalatory measures by Israel and the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
Attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause displace.
Displace Palestinians from their land, alter the existing historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, and the systemic, systematic, rather targeting of humanitarian organisations and UN bodies, particularly on Rua.
In addition to restrictions imposed on the Palestinian Authority.
We therefore condemn this destructive Israeli approach, and we call upon the Security Council to assume its role in demanding that Israel, the occupying power, implement international resolutions, including resolutions 24, 34 and 2803.
Third.
The blatant Israeli violations of Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity require a firm stance from the international community represented by this council.
While Lebanon has taken a courageous and historic decision to work towards reaching a peaceful and lasting settlement to the conflict with Israel under US auspices, Israel continues unabated to flagrantly violate Lebanese sovereignty, displace and kill its people, and threaten its social fabric.
This reinforces the point I raised earlier, that any mediation efforts in the Middle East will inevitably be stymied by the absence of political will and the precedence given to illusions of settlement by military and coercive force.
A case in point is the situation in Syria.
Israel is violating Syria's sovereignty, usurping its territory.
And threatening civil peace.
This only underscores the dilemma facing our region obstructing efforts to achieve peace and security in the region.
Egypt renews its call for Israel's withdrawal from all Syrian territories, including the occupied Syrian Golan, and for the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions.
Fourth, and finally, Egypt condemns the Iranian attacks against the Gulf Arab states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Iraq It is of utmost importance to swiftly reach an agreement between the United States and Iran that takes into account the concerns of all relevant parties, most notably the countries of the Gulf region.
In this regard, Egypt values the effective mediation led by Pakistan with the support of regional partners, including Egypt.
Regional parties, including Egypt, with the aim of sparing the region the dangers of escalation, tension and terrorism while addressing all pending issues, including the Iranian nuclear file and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
These efforts thereby contribute to ending wars and overcoming the grave security, economic and geopolitical repercussions that the region is witnessing.
Mr.
president, in conclusion, Egypt renews its commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at settling disputes through peaceful means and to working within the framework of the United Nations and with regional and international partners to achieve peace and security, and to unlock the potential for development and progress in the Middle East.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you to the representative of Egypt.
He will be followed by the representative of Kuwait You may have the floor.
I have the honour to to deliver this statement on behalf of members of the core group of the shared commitment on, namely Algeria, Brazil, Guyana, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kuwait, Luxembourg.
Norway.
State of Palestine.
Qatar, South Africa, Spain and Turkey.
As the council discusses pathways towards lasting peace in the Middle East through mediation and dialogue, we wish to reaffirm a fundamental principle of the charter of the United Nations.
Sustainable peace can only be achieved through respect for international law, the protection of civilians, the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, and the preservation of the humanitarian institutions that sustain vulnerable populations during times of conflict.
Efforts that undermine these principles not only exacerbate human suffering, but also weaken the foundations upon which durable peace and security must be built.
In this regard, the situation facing Oneroa remains deeply alarming.
For more than seven decades, Oneroa has served as an indispensable lifeline for Palestine refugees across its five fields of operation.
Today however, the agency continues to face attacks by Israel, the occupying power and unprecedented campaign aimed at restricting, discrediting and marginalizing its work.
At a time when its services are in need more than ever, we strongly condemn the continued unilateral attacks against the agency, its personnel, its premises and its operations in clear violation of international law.
The death of 391 honourable colleagues represent the highest loss of aid workers in the history of the United Nations schools, health centres, shelters and other UN facilities have been deliberately destroyed, damaged occupied or rendered inoperable At the same time, increasing restrictions continue to impede the agency's ability to carry out its mandate and reach those most in need.
We further express our grave concern regarding measures aimed at obstructing UNRWA's operations in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
We deplore the occupation, the closure and demolition of onerous facilities, including Israel's recent decision to establish military facilities at the Oneroa compound in East Jerusalem and the forced closure of schools and health centres, and other actions that seek to undermine the agency's ability to fulfil its U.N.
mandate.
These actions constitute a breaches of international.
Of the charter of the United Nations and the convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and undermine the principles governing the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel in situations of armed conflict.
We are equally concerned by ongoing efforts to marginalize Oneroa and restrict its ability to carry out its core mandate.
Such measures undermine the agency's capacity to provide essential education, health care, relief and social services to millions of Palestine refugees and jeopardize a humanitarian lifeline upon which countless families depend on.
At a time of immense humanitarian need, weakening UNRWA's operational capacity can only deepen suffering and increase instability and further erode the conditions necessary for peace and recovery.
Furthermore such restrictions run counter to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on the 22nd of October 2025, according to which Israel remains under the obligation to facilitate humanitarian assistance provided by the United Nations and its agencies in Gaza, including Oneroa.
Mr.
president, until a just solution to the plight of Palestine refugees is implemented, Oneroa is and will remain indispensable and irreplaceable, representing a lifeline for almost 6 million people in the OPT, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
We therefore reaffirm our support for Oneroa and its mandate as entrusted by the United Nations General Assembly.
We call for the protection of its personnel, premises and operations, and for the preservation of the operational space necessary for the agency to carry out its responsibilities safely, effectively and in accordance with its U.N.
mandate and without interference.
As 2026 marks the mid-point of the horizon for implementation of the Colonna Report.
We we commend Oneroa for maintaining a strong focus on consolidating gains, embedding reforms within institutional culture, operational practices and regulatory frameworks, and managing implementation risks proactively.
We also underscore the urgent need for predictable adequate, and sustainable funding at a time when humanitarian needs continue to grow.
Supporting Oneroa is not only a humanitarian imperative, it is an investment in regional stability, human dignity and the prospects for a just and lasting peace.
The upcoming the upcoming Oneroa pledging conference on the 30th of June here in New York is an opportunity to do so.
Mr.
president, if mediation and dialogue are to deliver a lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the two state solution, the international community must also safeguard the institutions that preserves lives, sustains communities, and uphold hope amid conflict.
In this regard, honourable remains indispensable pillar of international efforts to advance peace, stability and human security in the region.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Gracias.
Thank you.
To the representative of Kuwait I.
Well, it says other here, not rule 37.
I don't really understand why, but the Republic of Colombia has requested that what today is called the observer state of Palestine is actually called the state of Palestine.
And that is why I will now give the floor to the representative of the State of Palestine.
Mr.
president.
Thank you for this gesture.
And also allow me first to thank Colombia for organising this timely, open debate on peace in the Middle East at the presidential level.
And I want to add the voice of the State of Palestine to all those who have welcomed you among us in the Security Council and for presiding over this important meeting.
Allow me also to thank Colombia, South Africa and other countries who launched The Hague Group at the height of the genocide and I was honoured to be sitting next to you in Colombia when there was a high level meeting for that group a few months ago.
We also thank the Secretary General for his briefing and for his relentless efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East and to uphold the UN charter and international law.
Mr.
president, there are those who believe the Middle East is one war away from peace.
We believe the Middle East is one piece away from peace, the peace that would end the Israeli occupation and bring about Palestinian independence.
In line with the relevant UN resolutions leading to the implementation of the two state solution.
The Arab Peace Initiative and the New York Declaration have encompassed this vision and translated it into urgently needed action.
Until just and lasting peace is achieved in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions guaranteeing peace, security and prosperity for all, it is essential to ensure protection of civilians and Palestinian civilians are anything but protected.
They are targeted by Israeli bombardments in Gaza.
Even after the ceasefire was declared and by Israeli occupying forces and Israeli settlers terrorising communities in the West Bank.
Mediation is critical to deal with conflicts, but if it is to produce lasting outcomes, it needs to be grounded and anchored in international law.
While efforts to achieve ceasefire in Gaza were under way, we worked closely with the mediators the US, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, and eventually with the eight Arab and Islamic countries and the Security Council to anchor six principles in the ceasefire agreement and resolution 2803, namely, one fully respected ceasefire, which should be permanent, two humanitarian aid and access in accordance with international law.
Principles three.
No occupation, no annexation four.
No forcible displacement five.
Reunification of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority, and six and last, self-determination and independence.
Palestinian statehood.
Mediation to work requires legitimacy and power.
In this regard, the UN remains of cardinal importance for all such efforts.
There is also no ceasefire agreement without the personal involvement of President Trump himself.
Without the consistent efforts of the other mediators, including at the highest level, without the support of the regional actors and the international community, and the pressure they brought to bear.
However, agreements and international law requires enforcement, mediation and dialogue need accountability to ensure all parties respect their obligations.
Fire has not ceased, and almost 1000 Palestinians have been killed.
Aid is still being obstructed and humanitarian access for the UN and NGOs is being severely restricted.
Israel is now controlling 70% of the Gaza Strip, with the aim to annex it, and 2 million Palestinians are squeezed in 30% of the Gaza Strip in UN livable conditions to forcibly displace them.
The Palestinian Authority is subject to an all out assault, aiming at its collapse and Israel's war against Palestinian self-determination and statehood is evident everywhere from the E1 plan to the Jordan Valley, from Gaza to East Jerusalem.
It is time to rein in Israel's colonial appetite, evident not only in Palestine but also in Lebanon, where the civilian population is experiencing untold suffering.
And in Syria, it is time to support the government in these countries, trying to protect their people, their territorial integrity, their sovereignty, and to enforce the principle of one state, one law, one gun.
Palestine still requires the full mobilisation of all actors If all these horrors could take place while the world is watching.
Can you imagine what will happen when the world is distracted or looks away? It is time to end the occupation and conflict, to respect the sovereignty.
And I thank you very much, Mr.
President.
Gracias, senor.
I thank the representative of the State of Palestine.
I will continue with the list.
With the Islamic Republic of Iran, because I think I'll have to go back to my country soon.
Um, and so now I will give the floor to the representative of Oman.
You have the floor.
Your Excellency, President Gustavo Petro.
At the outset, I would like to extend to Your Excellency our sincere appreciation for presiding over this important open debate.
We express Sultanate of Oman's appreciation to Colombia for selecting this topic, a topic that touches upon the very core of the challenge facing the Middle East today, namely, transforming opportunities for de-escalation into sustainable peace and turning political understandings into lasting stability.
Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
The lessons of past decades are clear crises that have not been addressed at their roots have re-emerged in new forms, and conflicts lacking just settlement have continued to cast their shadows over the region's security and stability.
Generation after generation, hence, the value of political solution lies not only in their ability to contain crises, but in their capacity to address the underlying causes and to open real prospects for peace, stability and development.
It has been demonstrated that a building trust among parties, respecting the sovereignty of states, adhering to international law and providing spaces for dialogue and understanding are not merely ideal principles, they are political necessities dictated by the nature and complexity of crises.
Experience has also shown that successful mediation is that which helps parties move from managing disputes to addressing the root causes.
Your Excellency, Mr.
President, when discussing the issues that continue to affect the security and stability of the Middle East, the Palestinian question remains the most prominent and ever present.
After decades of resolutions, initiatives and international efforts, the Palestinian people are still awaiting for the principles endorsed by the international community to be translated into tangible reality.
The occupied Palestinian territory continue to remind us that peace is not secured through temporary calm, but through justice, and that stability remains incomplete so long as the legitimate rights of an entire people continue to wait and await redress.
The recent events in the occupied Palestinian territories have revealed the magnitude of humanitarian and political costs resulting from the absence of a political horizon.
They have confirmed that addressing this issue is no longer only necessary to achieve justice for the Palestinian people, but is also essential for the stability of the entire region.
Accordingly, the Sultanate of Oman affirms that achieving just and lasting peace requires ending the occupation, enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and to establish their independent state.
On the borders of June 4th, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Your Excellency, Mr.
President, the Middle East does not need more crisis management as much as it needs to establish a collective conviction that peace is a strategic choice, and that addressing the causes of conflicts represents an investment in the security of peoples, the stability of states, and the future of coming generations.
In this context, the United Nations, by virtue of its international legitimacy, remains called upon to continue supporting mediation efforts.
Good offices and preventive diplomacy.
It is required to strengthen complementarity between international and regional initiatives in a manner that builds trust and creates conditions conducive to sustainable political solutions The Sultanate of Oman will continue, guided by its steadfast approach based on wisdom, moderation, mutual respect and good neighborliness to support every effort aimed at bridging differences, enhancing understanding, and consolidating peace.
This stems from our belief that true security is not built on balance of power alone, but on justice, trust and the ability to trust, to translate the legitimate aspirations of peoples into reality, one that fosters stability and preserves human dignity.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Gracias, Senor Representante.
I thank the representative of Oman.
I give the floor to the representative of the United Arab Emirates.
Sidi Rezegh.
I.
Mr.
president, I would like first to thank the Republic of Colombia for organising this open debate and to express my appreciation to you, Your Excellency, President Gustavo Petro, for chairing this session.
Undoubtedly, Colombia's experience in national reconciliation offers valuable lessons to address the current challenges.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency Secretary General Antonio Guterres for his valuable briefing.
Mr.
president, the United Arab Emirates believes in the importance of dialogue and mediation, in settling conflicts and preventing their outbreak or escalation.
In this regard, our efforts included engagement in numerous individual and collective efforts aimed at breaking the stalemate and deadlock in regional and international crises.
My country has facilitated 24 prisoner exchange operations between Russia and Ukraine, leading to the return of more than 7000 individuals to their homes and families.
We also continue to support efforts to words a sustainable political solution in the occupied Palestinian territory, in Sudan, and in other conflicts in our region and beyond.
In the context of today's discussion, I would like to reiterate the following points.
First, effective mediation must be grounded in neutrality, integrity, and acceptance by all concerned parties.
It has to be grounded on the ability to communicate with all relevant stakeholders, while remaining credible and showing respect for state sovereignty and the principles of international law, including the principles of the UN charter.
Second, it is crucial that any mediation effort be accompanied by robust follow up and verification mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of such agreements and their translation into sustainable peace.
The Colombian experience clearly demonstrated that the success of mediation efforts cannot be measured solely by the signing of agreements.
Rather, it depends on the establishment of implementation and verification mechanisms, an approach embodied by UN efforts to monitor progress toward peace in Colombia over recent years.
Third, dialogue and mediation efforts must serve as a fundamental pillar of crisis prevention, rather than being limited to responding to crises after they have already erupted The most dangerous wars and crises in history did not emerge overnight.
Instead, they were the result of years or even decades of accumulation and unaddressed factors such as extremism, hate speech, or violations of international law In this context, Security Council Resolution 2686 underscores the importance of ensuring inclusivity in mediation efforts, including by engaging women, youth and local communities.
Culture, identity and ethnicity must also be viewed as unifying rather than devising divisive elements, thereby fostering understanding and contributing to the resolution of tensions before they escalate.
Mr.
president, this important discussion comes at a time of serious developments in our region.
Despite the ongoing mediation and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and achieving a peaceful and lasting settlement.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been for more than 100 days, targeting civilians and critical infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates and several neighbouring countries by launching thousands of missiles and drones either directly or through their affiliated militias and proxies.
This is instead of engaging constructively in diplomacy, such actions weaken the prospects for peace and further erode regional trust.
These terrorist attacks have continued despite the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2817, in clear violation of the resolution and the principles of international law.
These attacks remain an ongoing threat to regional and international peace and security.
In conclusion, Mr.
President, the United Arab Emirates will continue to support dialogue and mediation efforts and to work with our partners to strengthen security and stability in the region and around the world.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank the representative of the United Arab Emirates.
And just something as the President of Colombia, I would like to reply and speak to Colombia's issue in terms of peace.
We know what war is, and we are experiencing a war.
And peace is the basis for social justice and.
We support this.
And I want Colombia to um, I want to make it clear that this is Colombia's position.
Um, we want to reach the SDGs throughout the world as they have been proclaimed by the United Nations, because part of violence is not just a lack or a breakdown of social communication, but rather social injustice throughout the world, as I said in my statement.
And there are tangible instruments for that which are the goals of the United Nations.
And with that, I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful, we welcome the President of Colombia's leadership in convening and presiding over this important, high level open debate in the context of today's discussion.
I would like to highlight the following points.
First, to advance peace, stability and security in the Middle East, the Security Council must address the root causes of the conflict and its stability.
This includes the continued occupation of Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian territories repeated act of aggression by the Israeli regime across the region, and the prolonged military presence of the United States in the region, coupled with its malicious policies of hegemony that have fueled confrontation, insecurity and mistrust for decades until occupation and aggression persist, resistance against it will continue.
No political or diplomatic process can legitimize or justify occupation or aggression, nor can any durable solution be achieved without addressing this fundamental reality.
Accordingly, lasting peace, stability and collective security in the region require an end to the occupation.
Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Accountability for acts of aggression, and the consistent application of international law without selectivity or double standards.
Only on this basis can the region move towards genuine peace, stability and shared security.
Second, recent development in the region particularly unwarranted and unjustified war waged by the United States against Iran have once again demonstrated that the continued foreign military presence in the Persian Gulf cannot bring lasting security to the region.
Sustainable peace, stability and security can only be achieved through dialogue, cooperation and confidence building among the countries of the region themselves on the basis of mutual respect, sovereign equality, good neighborliness and full adherence to international law, and the purposes and principles of the charter of the United Nations.
Free from external interference and coercion.
Third, the United States and Israeli regime have repeatedly violated the comprehensive cease fire of 8th April.
In the face of this continuing violation and armed attack.
Iran has exercised and will continue to exercise its inherent right to self-defense as recognized under article 51 of the charter of the United Nations.
In response to any act of aggression, Iran remains fully determined to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security, and its people.
The United States and the Israeli regime, as the aggressors, will bear full responsibility for all consequences arising from their unlawful action of any ensuing escalation.
Fourth, no sustainable deal can be reached through threats, intimidation or the use of force.
The president of the United States should refrain from his recurring threats against Iran, including his renewed threat of force made today.
Iran has never negotiated under threats and pressure and will never submit to pressure or coercion.
The United States has repeatedly pursued this failed policy, and should have learned by now that the Threats and military intimidation are counterproductive.
If Washington is genuinely interested in a diplomatic solution, it must abandon the language of threats and engage with Iran on the basis of mutual respect, sovereign equality and full adherence to international law.
I thank you, Bueno.
Gracias.
Thank you.
I will now give the floor and listen to the representative of Indonesia.
And then I will be stepping away.
Mr.
president, Indonesia thanks Colombia for convening this open debate.
We also thank the Secretary General for his briefing and his commitment to a just and lasting peace.
History has taught us that even in the worst conflict situation, the door to diplomacy must remain open.
Every war must end in negotiation.
Otherwise there will be no genuine peace, only subjugation.
Allow me to offer one perspective that would ensure mediation and dialogue lead to lasting peace.
It is the regional perspective, region based solution built from the region's own strengths institutions and political realities and traditions.
First dialogue and mediation must go beyond ending conflicts.
It must aim at building regional institutions for cooperation and friendship.
Peace is a long process.
It is not an event.
It requires consistency and habit of dialogue among neighbors, regional institutions play an important role in nurturing this habit of dialogue and the culture of peace.
Other regions have shown that transformation from animosity to amity is possible.
In Southeast Asia, for example, the Asean experience demonstrates how neighbors can turn tension into trust and trust into lasting cooperation.
In West Europe, post-war institutions helped former warring parties build a shared future.
Second, dialogue and mediation must be inclusive Inclusive processes ensure that peace is not just the agreement of the few, but the commitment of many.
Differences in ideology must be embraced, not feared.
Shared traditions and collective values among countries in the region must be respected and used to garner convergence.
In Southeast Asia, we are proud of our values of deliberation to reach consensus ensuring all stakeholders have equal opportunity to contribute to peace.
Inclusion must be extended also to grassroots and civil society organizations, as well as to include women and youth.
Third, regional framework must be supported by the multilateral system anchored in international law, the international community and the Security Council must exercise all available tools under its disposal to secure, conducive and enabling environment for dialogue.
Long term solution must be grounded in international law and implementation of the relevant council resolutions to ensure its legitimacy.
International law must be upheld with no exception.
Violations erode trust, undermine mediation and weaken the credibility of any peace efforts.
Mr.
president, durable peace must go hand in hand with freedom and social justice.
Otherwise, it is just a hollow peace and not a path to enduring stability in the Middle East.
Palestine remains the clearest measure of our collective commitment to peace.
The two state solution remains the only politically viable path to achieve a just and lasting peace.
Let's give diplomacy a chance.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I thank you for your attention during my transitory presidency and I will now give the floor to my deputy.
To my foreign minister, Roza.
Now I'm off to Spain.
Good luck Ahora doy la palabra.
I now give the floor to the representative of Portugal.
Muchas gracias, Senor Presidente.
Thank you very much president.
I would also like to thank Colombia for organising this debate and for the presence of the president during a large portion of this debate.
Violence continues to spread and civilians continue to pay an unacceptable price in Gaza and Lebanon.
We urgently need that the ceasefires be respected.
Settlers violence in West Bank must stop.
Furthermore, conflict in the Gulf demonstrated how quickly regional confrontations can have global consequences, including food and energy insecurity.
This is especially true for the most vulnerable, namely developing countries.
The Security Council has repeatedly called for de-escalation, the protection of civilians and humanitarian access.
Those calls remain valid.
History shows that military action in general does not resolve the underlying drivers of conflict.
Sustainable peace requires dialogue, diplomacy and political engagement.
Portugal therefore, commends the efforts of the Secretary General and his envoys, as well as regional organisations and states that have offered their good offices to prevent further escalation and create space for dialogue.
Mediation is most effective when supported by political will.
Mediators can open doors.
Parties themselves must choose to walk through them.
This council also has responsibilities.
First, we must defend the centrality of the charter and international law.
Second, we must support mediation efforts before crisis spiral out of control.
Third, we must ensure greater coherence among diplomatic initiatives currently underway.
And finally, we must listen to local voices.
Durable solutions cannot be imposed.
They must be owned by those who will ultimately live with them.
The consequences of instability in the Middle East are felt globally.
This is why advancing political solutions in this region is a global necessity.
Portugal remains convinced that diplomacy is possible, dialogue is necessary and peace is achievable.
This is the spirit that will guide us as we humble take on the responsibility entrusted to us by the General Assembly to serve as elected members of the Security Council in 27 and 28.
I thank you, Madam President.
Gracias.
Thank you for your statement.
And now we will hear the representative of Lebanon.
Madam president, we welcome the presence of His Excellency, President Gustavo Petro.
And we thank you for organizing this timely debate.
Madam president, for too long, the Middle East has endured invasions, occupations, repeated escalations, double standards, and profound human suffering.
Yet the region does not lack legal frameworks, UN resolutions, peace initiatives, or political roadmaps.
In many instances, the contours of a just and lasting peace are already known.
What is too often lacking is the political will.
Sustained engagement and mediation necessary to move from agreement on principles to implementation in practice.
Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing the root causes of instability and conflict.
The lesson is clear.
There can be no just and lasting peace through occupation, threat and use of force, injustice or protracted wars.
The charter of the United Nations recognised this reality long ago.
Article 33 places mediation and other peaceful means at the heart of the settlement of disputes.
Madam president, coming from Lebanon, a country that has witnessed firsthand both the value of mediation, preventive diplomacy and dialogue, but also the devastating consequences of their absence, we can attest to a simple truth the cost of diplomacy is always lower than the cost of war.
The government of Lebanon remains engaged in the ongoing US brokered discussions with Israel, following the initiative launched by President Aoun on March 9th.
These efforts seek to bring an end to the devastating Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the occupation of all Lebanese territory.
Restore Lebanon's full territorial integrity and sovereignty, and lay the foundations for lasting stability and security.
While our government remains committed to this path and to ensuring the conditions conducive to its success, it has become evident based on actions and facts, that Israel does constantly, constantly attempt to undermine the US led efforts.
So does Iran, which, for instance, publicly declared its rejection of the June 3rd ceasefire agreement and a start and a stark statement of interference in Lebanon's internal affairs.
Indeed, one would legitimately wonder whether perpetual confrontation is a deliberate policy to pursue, not a problem to be solved.
Madam president, allow me to make three observations.
First, mediation must be a priority, not a last resort.
The international community invests enormous resources in crisis management while devoting far fewer resources to prevention.
Second, mediation is indispensable to the protection of civilians.
Humanitarian access, ceasefires confidence building measures and the escalation do not emerge spontaneously.
They are the product of dialogue, political engagement and sustained mediation efforts.
Third, mediation must create a credible political horizon.
We must move from a logic of conflict management to one of conflict settlement, from addressing symptoms to addressing root causes.
Madam president, the United Nations has a unique convening power and a central responsibility.
It remains the only universal platform capable of bringing all relevant actors together, sustaining dialogue and giving legitimacy to mediation efforts As the international community looks ahead to the selection of the next Secretary general.
This is also an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the organisation's capacity for preventive diplomacy, mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Madam president, let me close by expressing Lebanon's appreciation to the countries that have played and continue to play a constructive role as mediators in our region The US, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and others, Oman and others.
Their efforts have helped preserve channels of communication, prevent escalation and keep alive the possibility of political solutions even in the most difficult times.
The Middle East does not need another temporary pause between conflicts.
It needs a genuine horizon for peace grounded in dialogue, justice and full implementation of international law.
I thank you.
Gracias.
I thank the representative of Lebanon for the statement.
I now give the floor to the representative of Switzerland.
Madam.
Madam president, Switzerland congratulates Colombia on presiding the Security Council in the month of June.
The lack of negotiated alternatives to the ongoing military escalations has serious consequences for peace and security in the region and beyond the region.
Switzerland strongly condemns attacks directed against civilian populations and infrastructure.
Such attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law.
They must cease immediately.
Switzerland welcomes the efforts being made by Pakistan with the support of regional actors, to end the ongoing confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran.
In Gaza, as in Lebanon, Switzerland calls on the parties to respect the ceasefire agreements.
Such agreements, particularly those endorsed by this council but also those that preserve humanitarian access or provide for the release of detainees, constitute important confidence building measures.
However, they cannot replace the pursuit of a lasting peace through diplomatic efforts.
Such efforts must be based on international law, in particular the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force and requires respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states as reiterated in this council's resolutions.
The New York Declaration provides a framework that could serve as a model for strengthening the security architecture in the region.
Madam president, the United Nations Charter establishes negotiation, mediation and other peaceful means of dispute resolution as the essential pillars of the maintenance of peace and security.
Mediation is not an end in itself, but an indispensable tool for opening spaces for dialogue, reducing the risk of escalation, and promoting the search for political solutions.
In the Near and Middle East, Switzerland supports mediation efforts of the UN, including those of the secretary general, his special envoys and political or peacekeeping missions.
We welcome the appointment of Mr.
Jean Arnault as the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy and encourage him in the implementation of his mandate.
Through the consultations currently underway when mediation takes place under the auspices of the UN, it can.
It can lead to significant results such as the recent release of 1600 detainees in Yemen in the region.
The challenge is often not a lack of mediation initiatives, but a lack of coherence and coordination amongst them.
The multitude of security, humanitarian and economic challenges call for coherent political responses.
This requires inclusive and locally rooted mediation initiatives, so as to build the trust necessary for the emergence of sustainable solutions.
Indeed, it's up to us, the member states, to support the UN in its efforts to preserve spaces for dialogue in the Middle East and to accompany the parties on this path.
In this context, the current security general, as well as his successor, must be able to rely on the support of member states to play an active role in promoting dialogue, conflict prevention and the search for sustainable political solutions.
Switzerland remains ready to offer its good offices and expertise in mediation.
To this end, International Geneva remains available to host any form of negotiations.
Um.
Thank you.
Thank you for your statement to the representative of Switzerland.
I now give the floor to the representative of Liechtenstein.
Thank you so much for the floor.
Madam president, and thank you for bringing the need for mediation and dialogue in the Middle East to the Council's attention.
The concept note you have put forward for our debate outlines a striking distinction between the purposes and principles of our organisation and the action that this Council has been able to take in relation to the Middle East region.
Liechtenstein has also signed the UN charter with the understanding that it was a peace organization created to peacefully settle disputes and that its political bodies, foremost among them, the Security Council, would take timely and decisive action to prevent and end armed conflict wherever it occurs.
In this respect, we continue to encourage all members to sign the act Code of Conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in the Middle East.
The UN was, of course, central to the creation of the two state solution, which the GA again endorsed last year through the New York Declaration.
Unfortunately, the Security Council has frequently been unable to bring conflicts to an end.
The Security Council in recent decades has instead settled in the Middle East for addressing the consequences of conflicts, expressing concern over the protection of civilians and for violations of the laws of war.
In situations where council members provide support to conflict parties or engage in conflicts themselves.
We may not even see this level of engagement by the council.
The people of Iran, of Palestine, of Lebanon, of Israel and across the whole region suffer the consequences of this inaction.
It is, of course, crucial that the Council continues to speak up for international humanitarian law, which has itself been undermined in unprecedented ways in recent years.
We are proud to have joined many initiatives in this regard, not least the Icrc's Global Initiative.
But the council cannot settle for mitigation.
Instead, it must act to bring forward the horizon for a political solution to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Failing to do so allows conflict parties to institutionalise illegal annexation, settlement or effective control.
Unfortunately, this year, the Security Council will play an important role in the selection and appointment process of the next SDG.
We encourage members of the Security Council in their deliberation, with candidates to look for the peacemaker at a time when the UN's reputation as a peace organisation is being so publicly tested.
The Secretary General must be prepared to lead from the front in leveraging the UN's moral authority and legitimacy, and to urge peace in line with the purposes and principles of the charter.
The next Secretary General must have a clear strategy for supporting credible and inclusive dialogue in the Middle East, including by working with regional organisations and with this council.
Madam president, in turn, the Security Council needs an SG that will work with them to create the political conditions for peace and to provide the political backing for peace when it is tested.
Nowhere are the consequences of the decisions of the Council this year clearer than in the Middle East, where all SDGs have been mandated to pursue peace over the last 80 years, including through constellation such as the quartet.
If the UN is to last another 80 years, it cannot fail.
The central test of its credibility.
I thank you so much.
Gracias.
Thank you for your statement.
I now give the floor to the representative of Austria.
Madam president, today's open debate on advancing political solutions in the Middle East through mediation and dialogue, deals with one of the most pressing challenges to international peace and security.
Austria's response to the crisis in the region has been and remains.
We must make maximum use of all diplomatic tools at our disposal to achieve de-escalation.
Above all, the United Nations must remain at the centre of political solutions, and international law must remain our compass.
Allow me to highlight three points.
First, on the wider regional situation, the escalation across the wider Middle East with the Iran war, the unprovoked and unacceptable attacks on Gulf countries, as well as the spillover and secondary effects of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, pose serious global risks and undermine our global rules based order.
Our answer is diplomacy and international law must prevail.
The current ceasefire must hold across the region, and we call on all parties to respect it and work towards de-escalation.
Austria reiterates that Vienna is host to a large number of key international organisations, stands ready at any time to serve as a venue for dialogue, including on nuclear issues.
We have communicated our readiness to the parties concerned and to the mediators whom we thank for the important work.
Second, on Lebanon, we are deeply concerned that Hezbollah has pulled both Lebanon and Israel into this conflict and about the recent escalations, in particular, affecting the civilian population and civilian infrastructure.
We emphasize the urgent need to restore and fully implement the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire arrangements, as well as unSc resolution 1701.
At the same time, we welcome the recent talks facilitated by the United States.
We are hopeful and look forward to concrete results as a troop contributing country.
Austria strongly condemns Unifil's casualties, including the recent loss of the life of a Serbian peacekeeper.
We strongly urge all parties to strictly adhere to the principles of international law in protecting civilians and guaranteeing the safety of peacekeepers.
As an incoming member, Austria looks forward to working with all council members on the follow up to Unifil and ensuring that the envisaged drawdown does not result in a security vacuum in Lebanon and the region.
A continued UN presence will remain essential for security and stability in the region, and we are ready to contribute to these efforts.
In this context, we welcome the Secretary-General's report and proposals as a solid basis for discussions.
Third, on the occupied Palestinian territory, Austria calls for the swift implementation of unSc resolution 2803 as a critical pillar of efforts to stabilise Gaza and finally bring peace to its inhabitants.
This requires, as a priority the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in sync with the withdrawal of the Israeli Defence Forces, as well as the sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance and the establishment of a functioning civilian administration in Gaza led by Palestinians.
It is crucial that the NCAG the Palestinian National Technocratic Committee, can finally take up its duties in Gaza and that all Palestinian and international actors fully coordinate and cooperate on the ground.
In closing, Madam President, let me express an appeal that we do not lose sight of the broader political horizon.
There can be no sustainable peace in the region without a viable political solution.
Both Gaza and the West Bank must remain Palestinian.
The only sustainable and realistic path forward remains a negotiated two state solution based on international law.
In this regard, Austria fully supports the New York Declaration and the commitments made therein.
Excellencies, colleagues.
As an elected member of this Council in 2027 and 2028, Austria looks forward to working with you and contributing towards peace across the wider region.
A robust and central role of the United Nations, respect for international law and an approach based on dialogue, partnership and trust will remain the basis of our engagement.
I thank you.
Gracias.
I thank the representative of Austria for the statement.
And now I give the floor to the representative of Brazil.
Madam president, I would like to warmly congratulate Colombia for its presidency of the Security Council this month.
Brazil values the very timely opportunity that this debate affords us, and its emphasis on mediation, dialogue and diplomatic solutions of conflicts which in our region, an area of peace and without nuclear weapons, has great examples to offer from its history.
Mediation and good offices depend on the political will of the parties without impositions or stalling tactics The council should support those initiatives and condemn ceasefire violations, as well as insincere commitments beyond contributing to conflict resolution.
These diplomatic efforts should, from the very beginning, ensure humanitarian assistance and civilian protection.
The Middle East needs diplomacy, respect for international law and specific commitment when it comes to the protection of civilians.
Brazil reiterates its call for moderation, the cessation of hostilities and full compliance with the United Nations Charter especially chapter six and international law, and specifically international humanitarian law in Gaza.
The immediate priority continues to be a permanent ceasefire safe, full and unrestricted humanitarian access, protection of civilians and rebuilding the strip in the OPT.
Brazil rejects forced displacement, the expansion of settlements and any kind of unilateral measure that implies annexation or undermines the two state solution.
The only sustainable way out of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a negotiated political solution with trust and credibility that ensures the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and safety for all.
For that, it is urgent to create an independent Palestinian state that would live side by side with Israel in peace and security on the basis of the borders prior to 1967, and with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Political dialogue and seeking diplomatic solutions should also guide our response to other regional crises, including repeated violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Syria.
The diplomatic efforts of the United Nations and regional actors in the Gulf in Yemen and the Red sea should also be highlighted.
Political and diplomatic processes should be inclusive, candid, constructive and with full national appropriation and supported staunchly by the international community.
We also underline the importance of preserving the freedom of navigation in the region and stability of supply chains for food security and for energy security across the world in the Strait of Hormuz.
For instance, the transit of fertilizers is critical for global food security as well as humanitarian aid.
Brazil supports the task force established by the United Nations for the Strait.
That mechanism should remain on standby in order to be activated as necessary, favoring political dialogue and building trust among the parties and hope around the world.
Madam president, dialogue and mediation will only be effective if they go along with genuine political will, credible guarantees and verification mechanisms.
The Council should act with unity, reject the logic of strength and beef up the multilateral architecture for peace.
Lasting peace in the Middle East will not be imposed by weapons.
It will be built through dialogue, justice and respect for international law.
I thank you.
Thank you for the statement to the representative of Brazil.
I now give the floor to the representative of Norway.
Thank you, Madam President.
And good afternoon, colleagues.
We highly appreciate Colombia's efforts to focus this Council's attention on mediation and dialogue as pathways to lasting peace.
Like we affirmed in the recent General Assembly meeting on strengthening mediation, Norway is deeply committed to peaceful conflict resolution and to the United Nations indispensable role in such efforts.
There is no substitute for lasting political solutions to war and conflict, and there is no substitute for the multilateral system and the UN in providing legitimacy, inclusiveness and sustainability to such solutions.
Madam president, the dramatic escalation across the Middle East has caused massive suffering, fear and setbacks for the population in the region.
This includes Lebanon, where renewed conflict is undermining both national and regional stability with civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian, medical and UN personnel targeted.
For Palestinians, the Iran crisis has diverted international attention from the urgency of their plight, and it has very real consequences on all continents, with an unprecedented disruption of both energy distribution and global trade in fertilisers.
It is important to recall that the current crisis is rooted in a much longer trajectory of conflict.
Cycles of violence have deepened instability, ultimately drawing in actors across the region and contributing to the situation we are witnessing today.
Madam president, the past few months have also revealed something else that most states share an interest in de-escalation and stability in preserving the space for mediation, in investing in the institutions that support de-escalation, and in preserving the basic tenets that have served us so well, such as the United Nations Convention on the law of the sea.
There can be no compromises when it comes to freedom of navigation.
The Strait of Hormuz must be reopened fully.
It is essential that a lasting, predictable solution is found between Iran and the United States, and no way fully supports Pakistan's mediation efforts.
Madam president, this council can play a vital role in empowering mediation and de-escalation efforts conducted both by regional actors and the UN.
It can lend its authority to efforts made to alleviate the massive global implications and supply chain disruptions that the current conflicts in the Middle East are generating, and it can take steps to ensure meaningful participation of women, youth, civil society and affected communities in ongoing mediation and peace building processes, improving prospects for a lasting peace.
And I thank you.
Gracias, gracias.
I thank the representative of Norway for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Turkey.
Madam president, thank you for convening this timely, open debate on advancing political solutions in the Middle East through mediation and dialogue.
As a country of the region, a long standing champion of mediation and co-chair of a group of friends of mediation at the UN, Turkey welcomes this important discussion.
Madam president, the Middle East continues to face multiple and interconnected crises with profound consequences for regional and international peace and security.
Today, our region is experiencing one of the most volatile periods in recent history.
Millions of people continue to live under conditions of insecurity and uncertainty in Gaza after nearly two years of devastating war.
Israel continues to disregard its obligations under the ceasefire arrangements and pursue policies that further entrench its occupation in the West Bank, deliberately, deliberately undermining the two state solution.
Israel's continued military activities in Lebanon and its occupation of Lebanese territory risk rendering affected areas uninhabitable, while deepening displacement and human suffering in Syria.
Israel's destabilizing actions threaten the progress achieved by the Syrian government and risk undermining recovery and stabilization efforts.
The recent war in Iran and its repercussions across the Gulf demonstrated once again how rapidly regional tensions can escalate, endangering civilian lives, disrupting global markets and threatening regional and international security.
These developments underscore the urgent need for renewed diplomatic engagement and sustained political efforts Madam president, for decades, the Middle East has remained at the forefront of the Security Council's agenda because developments in the region have direct implications for the maintenance of international peace and security and stability in the.
In the Middle East rarely remains confined within national borders.
Its consequences are felt beyond the region through humanitarian crises, forced displacement, food insecurity, disruptions to international trade and energy markets, threats to freedom of navigation, and heightened global tensions.
Advancing peace, stability and cooperation in the Middle East is is therefore not only a regional imperative, but also a global responsibility.
At a time when our region is surrounded by multiple crises and conflicts, Turkey continues to promote dialogue, facilitate engagement among parties, and support efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful resolution.
Madam president, the peaceful settlement of disputes has long been a cornerstone of my country's foreign policy.
In full accordance with the purposes and principles of the charter of the United Nations.
Guided by the principle of peace at home, peace in the world.
Turkey has consistently promoted dialogue, mediation, preventive diplomacy, humanitarian engagement, and development cooperation as a tool for fostering peace and stability.
From Gaza to Ukraine to the Horn of Africa and beyond, Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to constructive engagement and practical diplomacy.
Turkey's efforts, including the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Ankara process between Ethiopia and Somalia, have shown that sustained dialogue, political will and effective facilitation can produce tangible results even under the most challenging conditions.
In addition to our mediation efforts in Gaza, Turkey has actively supported initiatives aimed at facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.
In this regard, the joint efforts of Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia contributed significantly to advancing the process that ultimately led to the ceasefire.
Turkey stands ready to support all mediation efforts aimed at ending conflicts in our region.
Madam president, we commend the indispensable role of the United Nations in mediation and preventive diplomacy.
We pay tribute to the efforts of the Secretary General, his special representatives and envoys, the Mediation Support Unit, as well as regional organisations and other relevant actors engaged in facilitating dialogue and promoting peaceful solutions at a time of growing political tensions and protracted conflicts.
The UN must continue to strengthen its mediation and preventive diplomacy capacities In this regard, the Group of Friends of Mediation, co-chaired by Turkey and Finland, will continue supporting the United Nations through initiatives aimed at advancing effective, inclusive and sustainable mediation efforts.
Madam president, at this critical juncture, it is essential to reaffirm our collective commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy first.
Respect for international law must remain the foundation of all peace efforts.
Mediation can help parties find the path toward peace, but no political process can endure if the rules adopted to protect human life, dignity, international and international peace and security are disregarded.
The Security Council bears a particular responsibility in this regard.
Second, mediation efforts are most effective when their inclusive, flexible and tailored to the historical, cultural and political realities of the region.
They must be rooted in regional ownership, build trust among the parties, and take local dynamics into account.
Third, mediation must be accompanied by inclusive political processes and that address the root causes of conflicts and encourage meaningful dialogue.
Madam president, the people of the Middle East have endured conflict for far too long.
It is our shared responsibility to advance political solutions that can bring lasting peace, security and prosperity to the region.
My country remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at advancing dialogue, mediation and peaceful resolution of conflicts in the Middle East and beyond.
I thank you.
Gracias.
I thank the representative of Turkey for her statement.
And I now give the floor to the representative of Morocco.
Say there is.
Madam president, it is my honor to welcome His Excellency President Gustavo Petro Orrego on this open debate.
And we commend the wise leadership of Colombia and presiding over the works of the Council this month I thank the Secretary General, Mr.
Antonio Guterres, for his valuable briefing.
Madam president, this discussion comes at a time when the Middle East is needed for collective support for political solutions as the best means towards settling disputes and building lasting peace in the region through mediation and dialogue.
Experiences have demonstrated in the past that that a ceasefire in many conflicts will not hold unless it is accompanied by political commitments that are clear and international guarantees, mechanisms that are credible.
And at a time when the Middle East region suffers from the multiple crises and conflicts and the violations of international obligations and Security Council resolutions.
The multilateral system remains the only framework that is capable of providing political and lasting solutions.
The UN, with all its mechanisms and powers, is required to be at the core of the political settlement tracks in the region including, of course, with the Security Council, which should shoulder its responsibility in supporting peace tracks and urge parties to engage in diplomacy and negotiations in this regard.
The pact for the future that the General Assembly adopted in 2024, in line with its resolution 1/92, is an opportunity to support a peace, particularly through special political missions.
Security Council Resolution 2788 regarding supporting mechanisms for settling peaceful settlement of disputes is also another pillar, which talked about a dialogue about mediation and to use a goodwill efforts of the Secretary General to guarantee the protection of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes, and in good neighborliness and peaceful coexistence.
We cannot isolate political processes from economic stability because every lasting solutions require economic stability for the peoples of the region to lift the restrictions, to engage in reconstruction and strengthening international institutions in this regard.
The Kingdom of Morocco recalls the outcomes of the fifth meeting on the implementation of the two state solution that was held in Rabat in 2025, that the economic foundations for peace are not a reward that come after political settlement but is a precondition for the success of these political solutions.
The Kingdom of Morocco believes that the stability in the Middle East will not be achieved through security arrangements that are isolated from their political contexts, nor through mediation that stopped the war without establishing the foundations for peace.
The region suffers from interrelated crises that cannot be addressed in isolation from the Palestinian question that remains at the central and cornerstone for building stability in the Middle East.
The King of Morocco stressed in his letter on the 20th of November 2025, which he addressed to the chair of the Committee on the rights of the Palestinian People on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people.
And I quote the commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco that is unwavering in defending the Palestinian question and to contribute constructively and effectively in finding a solution as the cornerstone for building the foundations of peace and stability in the Middle East region.
End of the quote.
Madam president, Morocco is not satisfied with just saying words in support of the peace.
We embody our engagement in contributing to achieving peace in the Middle East and our support to international and peace and security.
Is the King, who is also the chair of the Jerusalem Committee, accepted the invitation of President Trump for Morocco to join the Board of Peace as a founding member as.
Because this is an initiative that seeks to contribute to peace efforts in the Middle East and adopting new approaches to settling disputes around the world.
In conclusion, Madam President, the Kingdom of Morocco reiterates again its full solidarity with Arab countries in the GCC member states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to support them in all the legitimate measures that they would undertake to protect their security and the safety of their citizens and residents The Kingdom of Morocco stresses that the security of the brotherly Arab countries in the Gulf is part and parcel of its national security.
Thank you, Madam President.
Gracias por su Thank you for the statement.
And I wish to remind all speakers that they should limit their statements to three minutes in order to enable the council to carry out its work expeditiously.
I now give the floor to the representative of India.
Madam president, I congratulate Colombia for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month.
And thank you for convening today's open debate.
I also thank the Briefers for their insightful remarks.
Today's open debate is especially significant in the backdrop of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the immense humanitarian and human toll in terms of loss of lives, injuries and large scale displacement of vulnerable civilian populations, impediments to freedom of navigation, and consequent impact on global flow of commerce, including massive disruptions to established supply chains and global energy supplies.
India would like to re-emphasize its position on the recent developments in the Middle East.
First, we express our deep concern that the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region that unfortunately began in the holy month of Ramadan and urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians.
The intensification of the conflict and its spread to other nations have evoked great anxiety.
The mounting destruction and deaths and cessation of normal life and economic activities have deeply impacted India.
Approximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region.
There are almost 10 million Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf region.
Their safety and well-being are of utmost priority to us.
Our trade and energy supply chains are dependent on stability in the region, and any major disruption has serious consequences for the Indian economy.
India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping, as many of our nationals are prominent in its global workforce.
Many Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of attacks against countries of the region and against merchant vessels and sea lanes of communication.
In this background, India strongly reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy, avoiding impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, avoiding military targeting of commercial shipping, avoiding targeting of civilian population and infrastructure, and seeking an early end to the conflict.
India expressed its support to all efforts aimed at peaceful resolution of issues.
Second, regarding the situation in Gaza, we believe it has grave humanitarian implications that calls for a sustained cease fire, humanitarian access and a credible pathway towards a durable and peaceful solution based resolution based on a negotiated two state solution with a sovereign, independent, viable state of Palestine living side by side in peace and security with Israel within secure and recognized borders.
This remains the only path to achieve lasting peace and overall prosperity.
India is also a committed development partner of Palestine with projects worth $170 million.
We will be handing over in a few days, $2.5 million to Unwra.
The first tranche of our annual contribution of $5 million.
Third, regarding Lebanon, we call for respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty and affirm the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 of 11th August 2006, as well as a declaration on the cessation of hostilities issued on 26th November 2024.
Indian troops are deployed in Unifil and we call for ensuring safety and security of peacekeepers.
They carry out a vital mandate entrusted by this council and they must not be targeted.
India will also be sending medical assistance to Lebanon.
Fourth, on Yemen, we remain committed to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen.
Condemn attacks on maritime navigation.
Emphasizes the protection of the vital Bab el Mandeb Strait and the southern Red sea is a shared international responsibility and a matter of global interest, and remain opposed to attempts to undermine stability in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
With regard to specific issues highlighted in the concept note, I would like to make the following points.
First, the UN charter offers a repertoire of options to address conflicts and de-escalate tensions.
None of these options have universal applicability.
Every situation warrants a tailor made, customized approach.
The context must be an important consideration in identifying the best approach.
For instance as article 36, two of the UN charter specifies, procedures that have been already agreed upon by concerned parties need to be given due consideration wherever applicable.
In the context of the Middle East, peace agreements between Israel and Egypt and Jordan have been very durable.
Second, national ownership must be a central parameter for the implementation of third party interventions.
External solutions must not be imposed.
Parties concern must be on board with regard to undertaking actions that are aimed at achieving peaceful resolution of issues.
These parties must also be fully involved at all stages.
Third, the international peace and security landscape is dynamic and fast changing.
There are growing complexities due to economic crises and de-development.
Demographic challenges, supply chain disruptions, rising terrorism impulses, and increasing risks from emerging technologies.
The UN must remain agile and equipped to deal with contemporary and future challenges.
Fourth, the biggest casualty of all conflicts and disputes is human welfare and well-being, especially of vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Any intervention must therefore attach centrality to alleviating human suffering.
There must be a human centric approach towards all efforts that endeavor to resolve disputes and address conflicts.
Fifth, mediation frameworks, once created, are not fit for purpose forever.
If they fail to fulfil their mandated tasks, and new realities emerge that make such earlier frameworks redundant, we must adapt and continue our efforts in tune with the new realities.
For example, the Palestine issue is replete with outdated mediation frameworks that are not relevant in today's context.
Today's Gaza peace plan and the Board of Peace framework are very distinct as compared to earlier frameworks.
Finally, the UN is facing questions related to legitimacy, credibility and efficacy.
Raging conflicts in different parts of the world and the immeasurable human suffering are driving factors.
The perception about this organization has changed considerably among the world's citizenry due to its inability to address conflict situations.
A primary reason has been an eight decade old, outdated architecture of the Security Council, the principal UN organ that is tasked with maintenance of international peace and security.
Implementing real reforms through expansion of both the permanent and non-permanent categories in accordance with today's geopolitical realities is vital to humans continued relevance and future.
The unSc has to be fit for purpose.
Madam president, in conclusion, India would like to stress that the people across the Middle East deserve sustained peace and normalcy.
India stands fully ready to contribute towards realising this goal in order to secure peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of the region and beyond.
I thank you, Madam President.
Gracias, por.
I thank the representative of India for his statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Algeria.
Madam President, Algeria expresses its appreciation and gratitude to Colombia for organising this open debate at a critical juncture.
We commend the distinguished leadership of Colombia of the council's deliberations this month.
Madam president, mediation efforts in the Middle East are made today in a highly complex environment Agreements are at risk of collapsing, and the spectre of confrontation is at risk of returning.
These developments would have grave repercussions that go far beyond the region.
This fragility is most clearly manifested in Gaza today, despite of continued mediation efforts, despite the relaunching of talks, Gaza remains plunged in suffering and pain.
Since the ceasefire agreement in October 2025, the killing machine has not stopped.
Daily attacks by Israeli occupation forces killed more than 970 martyrs and injured more than 3000.
In light of this continued violence, humanitarian aid, which are being restricted by the occupation, remains insufficient.
The people of Gaza are being exposed to the spectre of famine.
These actions aggravate the health situation in the strip.
The situation in Gaza goes beyond the blockade.
It's a much harsher reality.
The Israeli occupation is expanding to include Gaza.
The people of Gaza.
2 million people are forced to live in on less than one third of the area of the strip.
This injustice is not confined to Gaza alone in the West Bank.
Territories are being confiscated.
Forced displacement and settler violence persist.
These are tools that undermine the establishment of an independent contiguous and sovereign state of Palestine.
Madam president, this tragic situation prompts us to pose a very legitimate question in our open debate today.
How can any mediation efforts be crowned with success when basic commitments provided for in international law are being violated systematically, most notably the protection of civilians and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and stopping illegal settlement activities based on the Algerian experience.
As mediator in a number of regional and international conflicts, I would like to stress the following points.
First, neutrality and impartiality are the most decisive factors to achieve durable peace.
They are the guarantee to engage in just negotiations, to build trust between parties and ensure the fulfilment of commitments by all parties.
Second, mediation cannot lead to sustainable results unless it's based on reliable guarantees and oversight mechanisms, especially through the engagement of regional and international organisations in negotiations without clear accountability mechanisms.
It remains very difficult to reach a genuine political solution.
Third, the Security Council bears a significant responsibility.
What is transpiring today in Gaza is a continuation of atrocities committed against the Palestinian people and violations of international law The situation in Gaza today also reflects an alarming decline of the credibility of the Council and the trust in its ability to enforce its resolutions.
Madam president, the lesson learned from Gaza is crystal clear accountability is not a matter of choice.
It is a main pillar for trust.
Only through accountability can commitments be honoured.
Only through accountability.
Do we have a chance to achieve a sustainable, peaceful solution.
I thank you, Madam President.
I thank the representative of Algeria for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Australia.
Thank you, Madam President, for convening this open debate.
This debate comes as tensions across the Middle East escalate deepening humanitarian suffering and eroding confidence in our collective capacity to resolve conflict.
Australia is clear there is no substitute for political solutions.
First, we must empower effective and inclusive mediation.
This requires unified political support for the Secretary-General's Good Offices.
We must equip UN mediators with the mandate and the resources that they need and ensure women, youth and civil society are fully included.
It also means supporting complementary efforts beyond the UN, including regional actors.
We acknowledge Pakistan, Qatar and others efforts to mediate a ceasefire in the Iran conflict.
Washington's mediation between Israel and Lebanon, and international efforts towards a two state solution.
Regardless of the table at which agreements are reached, the UN remains absolutely indispensable to implementation providing credibility verification, sustained monitoring, transitional governance and accountability mechanisms.
Second, mediation and dialogue must not delay nor preclude urgent humanitarian responses.
Australia remains deeply concerned by humanitarian situations in Gaza Lebanon and the broader region.
Civilians must be protected and aid must reach those in need without obstruction.
Respect for international humanitarian law is non-negotiable, and threats to aid workers demand urgent action.
The declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, endorsed by 112 states, reaffirms adherence to international humanitarian law and offers practical pathways to improve humanitarian access, to strengthen risk management and safety, and to protect aid workers as they do their vital work.
We urge all states to join as signatories.
Third, we must protect global stability.
The United Nations system has a vital role in managing wider consequences safeguarding freedom of navigation, supply chain resilience and food security.
These effects are global, and they are particularly acute in the Indo-Pacific.
Australia supports the Pacific Island Forum's regional response mechanism and reaffirms support for the International Maritime Organisation.
Noting the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General's Task Force, Ohchr and UN ops.
Greater coordination across the UN system and regional efforts is essential.
Madam president, today I reiterate Australia's calls for peace and stability in the Middle East.
We want to see a permanent end to the Iran conflict, the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and assurance that Iran can never develop a nuclear weapon.
We want to see an end to the devastating situation in Gaza, an end to settler violence in the West Bank, and respect for Lebanon's sovereignty.
Alongside Hezbollah's disarmament, we are also realistic.
Peace processes are lengthy, and mediation will not always succeed.
But that can't deter sustained commitment.
Now, ultimately, mediation is about building trust.
Step by step, and Australia remains committed to mediation and dialogue to build durable peace in the Middle East.
I thank you.
Gracias por su intervencion.
Thank you for your statement.
I now give the floor to Japan.
Thank you, Madam President.
With the Middle East facing increased increasingly complex challenges today, the importance of dialogue and mediation in fostering mutual trust and easing tensions cannot be emphasized enough.
To this end, it is obvious that Security Council has a vital role to play.
This responsibility must be urgently fulfilled in addressing the passing regional touch points regarding the situation surrounding Iran.
An agreement between the US and Iran must be achieved as soon as possible.
Japan is gravely concerned about the recent exchange of strikes between Iran and Israel while Us-iran talks toward an agreement are underway and strongly calls on all parties concerned to maintain the ceasefire and exercise maximum restraint.
Furthermore, we emphasize free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is vital to the global economy as a whole, not to mention global food and energy security.
The call for the immediate restoration of stability in the strait.
Japan will continue to make diplomatic efforts towards de-escalation of this of the situation.
We are deeply concerned about the situation in Lebanon, especially the casualties among civilians, medical personnel and UN Unifil peacekeepers, as well as destruction of civilian infrastructure resulting from the exchange of attacks between Israel and Hezbollah.
We strongly urge all parties to fully implement the ceasefire agreement to navigate the current instability and chart a clear future trajectory in Gaza All parties must implement Security Council Resolution 2803 in advancing to the second phase of the Comprehensive Plan Hamas must disarm and Israel must allow unimpeded delivery of aid to add volume.
In this regard, Japan joined the Joint Statement on Humanitarian Access in Gaza and Registration law affecting international NGOs led by the Netherlands.
Japan is committed to playing a proactive role in improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza and in engaging in early recovery and reconstruction through our efforts for Sustainable Peace Initiative.
The situation in the West Bank is also of great concern, exacerbated by the rapid escalation of shared settler violence against Palestinian civilians and unilateral actions taken by the government of Israel, including its settlement policy, such as E1 plan.
Japan expresses its grave concern over the settlement activities as they are in clear violation of international law and seriously undermine the viability of a two state solution.
We call upon Israel to take prompt and appropriate measures to prevent such violence and completely freeze all settlement activities.
Japan is committed to taking a greater role in building bridges to resolve conflicts.
This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Japan, established the International Peace Mediation Unit to further strengthen its active and flexible engagement in peace mediation efforts.
Japan will continue to contribute to diplomatic efforts toward a lasting peace in the Middle East and the world.
I thank.
I thank the representative of Japan for his statement, and I now give the floor to Poland.
Madam president, we thank Colombia for organizing this timely debate on advancing political solutions in the Middle East.
We also thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing.
Madam president, Poland has consistently supported the UN led international efforts aimed at settling the situation in the region and delivering aid.
We strongly believe that the lasting security can only be built on the principles enshrined in the charter of the United Nations respect for international law, responsible leadership, restrained and sustained dialogue.
Madam president, I would like to focus on four points today.
First, on the situation in the Gulf.
As a strong supporter of the peaceful settlement of disputes, we still hope that the negotiations between the United States and Iran will bring a satisfactory resolution The priorities are clear calming down the situation and reaching an agreement that could help stabilise the the broader Middle East and ensure freedom of navigation.
We unequivocally condemn all acts of aggression and express our solidarity with all victims of the conflict in the Gulf region At the same time, the current tension risks repercussions well beyond the region.
Rising transportation costs, disrupted trade routes and growing food insecurity, particularly in developing countries.
Against this backdrop, humanitarian crisis may deepen, migration pressures, intensify and radicalisation gain further ground.
Second on Lebanon, Poland welcomes the joint statement issued by Lebanon, Israel and the United States on June 3rd.
It is vital that all parties respect the ceasefire and seize this opportunity to work towards lasting peace.
We welcome the EU's continued support for the Lebanese government in empowering its institutions and restoring the state's monopoly on the use of force.
Poland remains a supporter of Unifil and hopes for a continued UN presence in Lebanon beyond the current mission.
Third, on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we reaffirm our strong support for the two state solution.
We hope that the 15 point roadmap recently presented by Mr.
Mladenov will give new impetus to the Board of Peace and move Gaza out of the recurring cycle of war and humanitarian collapse toward recovery and reconstruction.
We also call for an end of illegal, settled settler activity in the pursuit of sustainable peace.
Respect of the.
For the rule of law is essential.
Fourth, and finally, on the protection of civilians and humanitarian law.
As conflicts continue to devastate civilian populations across the region, the humanitarian cost is staggering.
Poland knows that the dimension.
Personally, having lost one of our citizens among the world's World Central Kitchen volunteers in Gaza in April 2024.
That loss is a reminder that those who dedicate their lives to alleviating suffering must never become targets.
Urgent action must be taken to ensure respect for international humanitarian law.
Fully accountability for its violation and robust protection for humanitarian workers on the ground.
Unfortunately, we see the same disregard for civilian life across the globe.
In Africa and in Ukraine, atrocities against civilians have become a weapon of war.
This council and the broader international community must respond with clarity, demanding from the all UN member states, including the permanent members of the Security Council, full observance of IHL in humanitarian access and an immediate end to the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
And I thank.
I thank the representative of Poland, and I now give the floor to the representative of New Zealand President.
Today's meeting comes at a critical time across the Middle East.
Today, it seems that almost no nation is spared from the scourge of war.
New Zealand shares the deep concern of others we have heard from at the scale of civilian harm, at the risks of regional spillover and at the strain on global stability.
New Zealand continues to urge all parties to conflict, to uphold international humanitarian law, enable safe and sustained humanitarian access and prioritise the protection of civilians.
New Zealand welcomes the diplomatic efforts underway across the Middle East to end conflict.
We acknowledge the critical role mediating states have played in establishing ceasefires.
We are regrettably aware, however, that while ceasefires may reduce fighting, they too seldom end it.
Real, sustainable and durable peace requires more than fragile ceasefires.
It requires sustained good faith dialogue to establish lasting, comprehensive agreements.
Without such diplomatic efforts conflicts will remain unsolved, violence will continue, and the people of the Middle East will continue to suffer.
Dialogue is critical not only to end conflicts, but to mitigate conflicts terrible impacts, as we have seen in recent years, even during conflict.
Targeted diplomatic efforts can enable humanitarian access, protect civilians, and address food insecurity and other cascading effects.
President, the conflicts in the Middle East inflict their harshest impacts on civilians across the region, but the impacts of such conflicts are also felt across the world.
Despite geographical distance, we are acutely aware of the impacts in the Indo-Pacific, where the stability of global supply routes is essential.
These global impacts ensure we have a common interest in advancing peace in the Middle East.
President.
The charter empowers this Council with the primary responsibility for maintenance of international peace and security.
Too often, that responsibility has been ignored or prevented by those wielding the veto.
The Security Council should provide unified support to mediation efforts in the Middle East, whether they are led by states, the Secretary General or his representatives.
Through its resolutions, statements and perhaps most importantly, substantive actions, the Security Council should support efforts to bring combatants into dialogue and to end the conflicts that today threaten international peace and security in the Middle East President.
In Lebanon, as in Gaza, we have seen that diplomacy establishes ceasefires, but such agreements are fragile.
Ceasefires require all parties to adhere to them.
They require deliberate de-escalation and the withdrawal of armed forces in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire.
It is only through sustained dialogue, supported by the international community and this council, that conflict can be ended and that fragile truces can be turned into lasting peace for the long suffering people of the region.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of New Zealand, and I now give the floor to the representative of Canada.
Thank you, Madam President.
At this time, more than ever, mediation, dialogue and preventative diplomacy remain essential to achieve and sustain lasting peace in the Middle East, in Israel and Palestine.
Following Hamas's October 7th attack, which killed nearly 1200 people, including Canadian citizens, and Israel's subsequent military operation, which killed more than 70,000 Palestinians in Gaza.
We must redouble our efforts to advance a negotiated two state solution in Gaza.
Civilians continue to face severe shortages of food, water and medical care.
Canada deeply regrets Israel's failure to approve the registration of 37 international NGOs, which undermines humanitarian operations.
Canada continues to support the Gaza peace plan approved through unSc resolution 2803, and we call on parties to abide by their commitments and to continue efforts to reach phase two.
We condemn the mistreatment of detainees aboard the global Sumud flotilla, including Canadians, and call for an independent investigation and accountability.
While Canada does not condone attempts to breach the naval blockade.
We recognize Gaza's humanitarian crisis as a key driver and urge sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access in the West Bank.
We continue to witness an unprecedented level of extremist settler violence against Palestinians.
Despite our repeated calls on Israel to hold perpetrators to account.
Yesterday, we announced the fifth round of sanctions targeting two individuals and five entities linked to violence by Israeli extremist settlers.
We are also extremely concerned by Israel's decision to proceed with the expansion of its settlement and move forward with its discriminatory death penalty legislation, which targets Palestinians while giving impunity to Israeli settlers.
In two days, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs will participate in the Paris Call conference.
This underscores Canada's support for people to people engagement Civil society is indispensable to create the human foundations for a two state solution.
Canada realizes these conflicts have repercussions beyond the region.
In Canada, the Jewish community is facing an unacceptable wave of anti-Semitism not seen in the postwar period.
Our government is fully committed to responding to ensure the safety and security of Jewish Canadians and to combat the scourge of anti-Semitism.
Madame la présidente.
Madame President, Canada is also deeply concerned by the resumption of hostilities between Iran and Israel.
We call all of the parties to the conflict to lower tension, to uphold the international humanitarian law and to respect the current ceasefire.
We think Pakistan and other countries for their continued mediation efforts.
Canada has always condemned the actions of Iran when they threaten regional and global security, in particular the illegal strikes against states in the region, against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the activities which undermine maritime security.
We reaffirm that it should in no case, be able to get a nuclear weapon, and we support the efforts aimed at a negotiated agreement which would guarantee a rigorous monitoring by IAEA and the verification of the Iran nuclear program.
We underscore the importance of respecting international navigation rights including in the Strait of Hormuz.
This is essential for global commerce and economic stability in Lebanon.
We welcome the agreement of the 3rd June between Lebanon and Israel.
It aims to implement a cease fire, and we welcome the continued efforts by the United States to facilitate the resolution of the conflict.
However, we remain concerned by the persistent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, in particular the Israeli strikes in the south of Beirut on the 6th of June, and by the death of Lebanese Armed Forces service members.
We also deplore the loss of a Unifil peacekeeper and reaffirm that it is necessary to ensure the safety of blue helmets, and we call on all of the parties to guarantee the protection of civilians, including journalists.
Hezbollah must lay down weapons and cease attacks against Israel.
We support the efforts made by the Lebanese government, aiming at extending its authority throughout the country, in line with the resolution 1701 of the Security Council.
Israel, of course, has the right to defend itself.
However, any action UN undertakes must be in line with international law, in particular when it comes to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.
At this critical moment, the international community has to act urgently and be unified.
So to support the continued dialogue and mediation efforts, as well as to restore the credible prospect for lasting peace in the Middle East, I thank you.
I thank the representative of Canada, and I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico.
Thank you, Madam President.
Allow me to first begin by congratulating Colombia for assuming the Security Council presidency in the month of June.
We wish you success in leading the work of this organ.
This main organ of the United Nations.
My country would like to avail itself of this forum to recognize recent mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
Any negotiation to move toward peace is the most viable option for sustainable stability in the region.
This is why it is imperative to respect any ceasefire agreement Mexico notes with concern the deterioration of security conditions in the Middle East and its unacceptable consequences, the loss of civilian lives, the destruction of critical infrastructures, forced displacement, attacks against medical staff and facilities, restrictions to humanitarian assistance, and constant violations of ceasefire agreements.
These facts violate the principles and norms that sustain the international legal order, and its impacts are felt across the world.
Peace in this region cannot remain as a mere aspiration or an item on a wish list.
Current circumstances demand firm responses.
The charter of the United Nations, specifically chapter six, offers a clear guide by prioritizing the peaceful resolution of disputes and by giving the Security Council the fundamental responsibility of promoting the aforementioned solutions.
My country considers that it is indispensable to place narratives for peace in the center of our collective efforts.
As one of the co-chairs of the working groups of the International Conference for the Two State solution.
My country has underlined the need to promote initiatives and spaces to meet each other that would contribute to transform perceptions and strengthen links between Israeli and Palestinian societies.
Peace cannot be limited to the absence of war.
It should be translated into the creation of conditions that allow for mutual recognition, shared dignity and peaceful coexistence.
Mexico reiterates that the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination is a principle enshrined in international law and should be fully respected, regardless of any transitory arrangement or political circumstances.
My country reaffirms that mediation should have a central role in international efforts to reduce tensions, rebuild trust and create appropriate conditions for political understanding.
The United Nations has a unique legitimacy In order to do this job as the most representative and inclusive space for the international community, this organization should recover a visible and active role in mediation and negotiation efforts.
And in this sense, Mexico would like to express its support to the Secretary General of the United Nations in his efforts to revitalize diplomatic initiatives, and we recognize the progress made by the Special Envoy for the conflict in the Middle East and its consequences.
We also welcome the creation of a task force in order to champion political solutions.
Madam president, the international community should prioritize the creation of inclusive spaces for dialogue and should support initiatives, especially local ones, that allow us to reduce the risk of escalation and open up opportunities for political agreements.
Mexico welcomes the initiatives championed by regional actors and countries committed to peace in the Middle East.
We reaffirm the importance of avoiding that a multiplication of parallel mechanisms fragments international efforts, or dilutes true opportunities for dialogue and political consultation.
Madam chair, the lessons learned throughout decades of conflict in the Middle East show us that mediation efforts have greater probabilities of success when they are part of comprehensive strategies.
Mexico.
Urges parties in conflict to strictly, immediately and unconditionally comply with ceasefire agreements in order to decidedly advance in advance in the Middle East peace process.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of Mexico, and I now give the floor to the representative of Spain.
Madam president, we would like to thank Colombia for convening this public debate that puts at the center of the mandate of this Security Council a critical issue the role of dialogue and mediation to find sustainable political solutions.
Spain believes that only a political solution on the basis of international law, the UN charter and relevant resolutions of the United Nations can ensure a just and lasting peace in the Near East.
We condemn violations of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and Lebanon and Israel, and once again, we call for moderation, de-escalation and respect for international law.
The Security Council should decidedly promote the use of all instruments in the charter to move toward just political solutions in the Near East.
It should facilitate dialogue between the parties by supporting mediation initiatives between neighboring countries, and this includes the good offices of the Secretary General's, which should be a priority for whoever assumes the role of Secretary general in 2027.
And for this it is necessary to have clear and coherent political support from the Security Council.
This is the best instrument for prevention, and with the support, we will be able to work in order to determine the next steps to advance in the two state solution.
On the basis of the resolutions of the Security Council, including resolution 2803 and the New York Declaration.
Dialogue is also the only possible pathway to close recurring cycles of violence in Lebanon.
The parties must commit responsibly in order to apply the ceasefire and totally apply resolution 1701 and move towards lasting peace and security for Lebanon and Israel.
We actively support the capacities that the UN has in terms of preventive diplomacy and mediation, including the Mediation Support Unit.
We are part of the Group of Friends of Mediation and the High Level Advisory Board on mediation.
We also contribute to strengthening preventive diplomacy in the framework of the European Union and other multilateral fora.
We also promote an inclusive focus when it comes to mediation.
In line with the WPS agenda.
We are convinced that the full, equal and significant participation of women is key to a sustainable peace.
As an example, in Madrid we hosted in 2024 a group of women mediators from Yemen in the framework of an initiative of the office of the Secretary General's Special Envoy for Yemen, president.
Humanitarian diplomacy through dialogue and mediation is a key tool to mitigate the humanitarian impact of conflicts in Gaza.
We are seeing an unprecedented humanitarian situation with 77% of homes depending on humanitarian aid.
Spain supports all initiatives to ensure humanitarian access and the effective protection of the civilian population, paying special attention to the facilitation efforts of neighboring countries.
In 2025, we championed, along with Palestine a resolution in the General Assembly with measures to mitigate the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and that urged the parties to comply with IHL events in recent months, remind us that regional stability and peace demand, ensuring the safety of trade and energy routes and the freedom of navigation on the basis of international law.
Spain champions respect for the treaty on the UN law of the sea and for preventive mediation to play a key role to avoid greater escalation in strategic spaces.
Spain supports the application of these principles in all contexts, and in this spirit, we firmly defend the implementation of the two state solution with Israel and Palestine living in peace and security within internationally recognized borders with the support of the international community.
Finally, this Council should appeal to the spirit of diplomacy and we should reaffirm our moral responsibility and obligation as United Nations members in order to call for dialogue and use all political, all diplomatic tools at our disposal to reestablish peace and stability in the Near East.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of Spain.
And I give the floor to the representative of Cuba.
Thank you, president.
President, we thank you for convening this debate on the need to champion peace in the Middle East in an international context that is increasingly complex and dangerous, trying to impose upon the world a doctrine of peace through strength, along with unilateral coercive measures, undermine multilateralism, as well as the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN charter.
And they threaten the very existence of humanity.
We should not allow for this doctrine to be extended that has condemned entire regions, such as the Middle East, to live in a spiral of violence.
It will not be possible to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East without a comprehensive and definitive solution to the Palestinian question that puts an end to the genocide and Israel's illegal occupation, it is urgent to recognize the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to an independent and sovereign state within the pre 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and to guarantee the right of return for refugees, Palestine must be admitted without further delay.
As a full member state of the United Nations, we condemn Israel's attacks against civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories, its actions against unwra, obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid, the ongoing violations of the Palestinian people's human rights, as well as the use of hunger as a weapon of war.
We reject the.
Occupying powers systematic strategy of occupation, colonization and collective punishment aimed at forcibly preventing the recognition of the state of Palestine in the exercise of the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination, we denounce the military aggression by the Zionist regime of Israel in southern Lebanon, including the use of white phosphorus bombs and scorched earth operations in flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
Israel must cease its aggression against the Lebanese territory and respected sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We also call for the immediate, total and unconditional withdrawal of Israel from the Syrian Golan and all occupied Arab territories.
We reiterate our firm condemnation of the aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran, motivated by well-known hegemonic interests which has endangered regional and international peace, security and stability.
We appreciate the diplomatic efforts made by countries in the region to resume dialogue and diplomacy, which will enable a negotiated solution that brings an end to the war and its devastating consequences for all states in the region.
We unequivocally reaffirm the principle of respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the region, including Arab Gulf states, while calling for the preservation of good neighborliness and restraint at this delicate moment.
Madam president, the current situation in the Middle East has clearly demonstrated the impact of systematic violations of the principles and purposes of the charter of the United Nations and international law, as well as the disregard for the fundamental principles governing relations between sovereign states, which have led to the escalation of tensions, deepening the suffering of civilians, eroding eroding trust among nations, and significantly undermining regional and international peace and security.
We have repeatedly warned the Security Council of the dangers facing Latin America and the Caribbean due to the U.S.
government's extremely aggressive policy against our country.
The growing and overt threat of direct aggression against Cuba by the world's greatest military power, in violation of the UN charter, international law and the principles of the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace is compounded by the intensification of the economic commercial and financial blockade imposed on this small island to extreme levels, exacerbated by an energy blockade equivalent to a naval blockade, and by the application of secondary sanctions of a distinctly extraterritorial nature.
For more than six decades, the U.S.
government has fabricated pretexts to try to justify its criminal conduct and collective punishment against the Cuban nation.
Now, with completely false and baseless claims, it is putting forward the absurd argument that Cuba poses an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security of the nuclear superpower.
We are a peaceful country that in no way poses a threat to the United States.
An act of aggression against our country would have incalculable consequences, not only for Cuba and the United States, but for the entire region.
We remain open to dialogue without interference in our internal affairs or conditions imposed on our political system.
However, as we have reiterated in various contexts, we will defend our sovereignty and independence to the very end.
It is time for broad for a broad international coalition to prevent the excesses that threaten and harm people's and the sovereign rights of all states.
True to our convictions and principles, we will continue to speak out in every international forum to reject domination and hegemony, to defend the values of multilateralism and the unrestricted respect for the United Nations charter and international law, and to advocate for a just, democratic and equitable international order where solidarity, international cooperation, respectful dialogue, the peaceful settlement of disputes respect for the sovereign equality of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and the prohibition of the threat or the use of force, an international order free of blockades and unilateral coercive measures that guarantees international peace and security for all.
I thank you very much.
I thank the representative of Cuba for his statement, and I now give the floor.
To the representative from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Thank you, Madam President.
The situation in the Middle East remains one of great concern.
Regional stability is in the interests of all, and diplomacy is the only path towards durable solutions.
The recent attack between Israel and Iran again displayed the fragility of the situation.
We call for de-escalation.
We welcome the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by the United States.
We deplore that parties distanced themselves from it and call to adhere to the agreements made.
Hezbollah must cease its attacks and disarm permanently.
We are seriously concerned about the humanitarian situation.
Attacks on U.N.
peacekeepers, aid workers, journalists and cultural heritage are unacceptable and must stop.
The level of suffering we have witnessed on and after 7th October 2023 is horrific and still continues to this day.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls on all parties to adhere to the Comprehensive Plan.
We urge Hamas to disarm, disarm reports of sexual violence by all parties are deeply concerning.
The humanitarian situation is catastrophic and crossings should be opened immediately.
We strongly urge Israel not to implement the NGO registration law in its current form.
Humanitarian access is non-negotiable and aid may never be weaponized.
Safe, unhindered and unconditional humanitarian access.
Must be immediately facilitated by Israel.
We strongly appeal to Israel to restore the medical corridor to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Madam president, the situation in the West Bank deteriorates daily.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands condemns opening tenders for construction of more illegal residential units for settlers in the E1 area.
We condemn any form of annexation and settlement annexation, expansion.
These acts are illegal risk, further displacement, fuel instability and harm.
Prospects for the two state solution for which the Kingdom of the Netherlands remains a staunch supporter.
Thank you.
Muchas gracias.
I thank the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
And I now give the floor to the representative of Namibia.
Thank you, Madam President.
We welcome your leadership and thank you for convening this timely meeting.
At the moment of profound crisis in the Middle East, as a region is engulfed by escalating cycles of violence, unprecedented human suffering, and the erosion of trust in the very mechanisms designed to uphold international peace and security.
The Security Council cannot remain a bystander to these realities.
It was created to prevent precisely this kind of deterioration.
Its continued paralysis in the face of grave violations of international law is not only untenable, it is dangerous.
It is therefore collective responsibility as enshrined in the charter, to prevent conflict, protect civilians, and advance political solutions grounded in international law.
Namibia firmly believes that sustainable peace in the Middle East will not be achieved through military means.
It will only emerge through genuine political dialogue, credible mediation and strict adherence to international law, including the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes Mediation cannot succeed when it is undermined by geopolitical rivalries and selective application of norms, and when not supported by the political will of all parties.
The Security Council must therefore protect the integrity of diplomatic processes, encourage regionally owned initiatives, empower envoys and ensure that all parties engage in good faith.
Madam president, the unresolved question of Palestine remains the central faultline driving instability across the region.
For over seven decades, the Palestinian people have endured occupation, dispossession and systematic violation of of their fundamental rights.
The world has grown accustomed to this injustice, but Namibia refuses to normalise it.
We reiterate our unequivocal support for a two state solution, which is not a matter of political convenience.
It is a matter of justice legality rooted in the United Nations Charter and the credibility of this council.
Today, Gaza stands as a stark indictment of the international community's failure.
The scale of violence and destruction.
The staggering civilian casualties and the.
And the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian assistance constitute a humanitarian catastrophe that should shock the conscience of humanity.
The continued expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, forced displacement and settler violence in the West Bank further entrench a system that is contrary to international law and systematically undermines the prospects for a viable Palestinian state and for lasting peace in the Middle East.
The Security Council has relegated the Palestinian question to quarterly debates, while human suffering continues The council cannot continue to issue calls for restraint while failing to enforce its own resolutions.
This is unacceptable.
Namibia, therefore, demands a genuine and sustained ceasefire amidst Israel's continued unabated greatly strikes on Gaza.
We demand unhindered humanitarian access, full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and accountability for violations.
The Palestinian people are entitled to dignity, security and self-determination not as a concession but as an inalienable right.
Namibia further underscores that lasting peace in the Middle East is inseparable from the imperative of regional denuclearisation.
The continued absence of the Middle East nuclear weapon free zone remains one of the most glaring and destabilizing abnormalities in the global disarmament architecture.
For more than four decades, the international community has affirmed, including through consensus decisions of the NPT review conferences, that the establishment of a zone of such a zone is essential to regional and international security.
Yet progress has been systematically obstructed.
Namibia calls for the urgent and early establishment of the Middle East zone, free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, which is a legitimate security concern of the countries in the region.
Finally, Madam President, the credibility of this council is measured not by the frequent or eloquence of its debates, but by the consistency of its actions.
We urge this Council to act with unity and resolve to avoid selectivity, paralysis and the failure to implement its own decisions.
Lasting peace in the Middle East will emerge not from the logic of force, but from the courage to negotiate, the willingness to compromise, and the determination to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter.
I thank you, Madam President.
I thank the representative of Namibia, and I now give the floor to Sierra Leone, to the representative of Sierra Leone.
Thank you, Madam President.
Sierra Leone congratulates Colombia on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June.
We deeply appreciate the fact that His Excellency, Mr.
Gustavo Rego, president of the Republic of Colombia, presided over the high level open debate this morning at a moment of acute urgency for regional and global peace.
We also extend our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his important briefing.
We align ourselves fully with the purposes of this debate.
The persistence of conflict in the Middle East, with its devastating human toll and its far reaching consequences for global energy, food and security systems, demands more than periodic condemnation.
It demands a renewed architecture of political engagement grounded in international law, inclusive diplomacy, and a genuine commitment to the aspirations of all peoples of the region.
With that conviction, we wish to advance four conditions that we consider essential to making dialogue and mediation effective.
Firstly, in all active conflict situations, the immediate and unconditional respect for ceasefires and the protection of civilians must serve as the non-negotiable foundation for any political process.
No mediation can succeed where hostilities continue unabated, ceasefires must be honoured and sustained through credible verification mechanisms.
With the full support of the Security Council Secondly, political solutions must be underpinned by respect for humanitarian principles and a serious commitment to addressing humanitarian needs and access.
The scale of suffering in parts of the Middle East, particularly in Gaza and Yemen, is of a magnitude that extends stains the conscience of the international community.
Humanitarian action is not a substitute for political solutions, but its conditions must be guaranteed.
In parallel Sierra Leone calls for safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access, protection of humanitarian workers and full adherence to the humanitarian principles.
Third, sustainable peace in the Middle East requires a strengthening of regional cooperation and support for credible regional peace initiatives.
Sierra Leone commends the efforts of the Arab League and other regional bodies, and encourages the Security Council to work in genuine complementarity with these actors.
We also note with concern recent developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz with which underscore the urgent need for inclusive political solutions that address not only immediate hostilities, but also the broader regional security architecture, including maritime safety, weapons proliferation and the interests of all states in freedom of navigation and security of supply chains.
Fourth, and finally, lasting peace in the Middle East is inseparable from respect for international law.
The charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of its principal organs, including this Council.
Selective application of international law erodes the very multilateral architecture on which smaller and more vulnerable states depend.
Sierra Leone, therefore, reiterates its call for the full implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions relating to the Middle East, including resolution 1701, 28, zero one, 28, oh three and 2817.
We further call for accountability and justice as essential pillars of any durable peace settlement.
Madam president, all four of these conditions converge on a singular foundational imperative the recognition of the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood.
There can be no lasting peace in the Middle East that does not rest on respect for the two state solution an independent, viable and sovereign state of Palestine, living in peace and security alongside Israel within internationally recognised borders, Sierra Leone calls on the council to use every instrument at its disposal to advance and not further defer the political horizon of Palestinian statehood.
The credibility of this body and of multilateralism itself is measured in no small part by our collective willingness to match words with action.
On Palestine, we remain committed to principled multilateralism and will continue to contribute constructively to all efforts aimed at achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.
I thank you Madam President.
Muchas gracias I thank the representative of Sierra Leone, and I would now like to give the floor to Romania.
Thank you very much, Madam President.
Aligning with the statement delivered by the European Union, let me reiterate Romania's commitment to contributing to the collective efforts of the international community in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East region and beyond.
In this highly interconnected world where crises expand far beyond the geographical boundaries, the value of dialogue and mediation is ever more significant.
Romania is deeply concerned that the situation in the Middle East region remains fragile and prone to further destabilization, with direct implications for the international security.
We call on all parties to refrain from further escalatory measures and to ensure that the ceasefire, agreed on 8th April continues to be upheld by all actors involved.
Dialogue and diplomacy must prevail.
We reiterate our solidarity with GCC partners in Jordan, and we condemn recent attacks by Iran against countries in the region Endangering the life of innocent civilians is unjustifiable and unacceptable.
Madam president, the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz generates a high degree of economic instability all across the world, including in Europe.
We reiterate our firm rejection of any attempt by Iran to weaponize the commercial routes around the strait, and specifically the commerce with energy products, food and fertilisers, including by imposing passage tolls.
Romania reaffirms its support for a lasting diplomatic agreement that restores full freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, in line with the Security Council Resolution 2817.
Respect for international law and the principles of the UN charter and the commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes should form the Foundation.
We commend the mediation efforts pursued by several regional partners, and we stand ready to support the efforts aimed at easing tensions and achieving sustainable peace.
Romania will continue to support coordinated efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and the right of transit passage through the strait in accordance with international law.
For this reason, we have joined France and the United Kingdom led initiative regarding the restoration of freedom of navigation, the Strait of Hormuz, and we extended our support to the US led Maritime Freedom Construct initiative.
Turning to the situation in Lebanon, where extremely concerned by the recent hostilities in the region, and we call on all parties to fully implement the ceasefire agreement, Romania welcomes the earlier progress in the direct talks between Lebanon and Israel under American leadership, and this is even more important as they address the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 from 2006.
We reiterate Romania's firm commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.
In this respect, the disarmament of Hezbollah and the full control of the Lebanese armed forces over the entirety of the Lebanese territory are instrumental, and we welcome the government's efforts in pursuit of this objective.
Furthermore, restoring stability along the blue line remains crucial for the overall regional stability.
Madam president, the volatile security region in the Middle East region poses serious risks to the already difficult situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
We urge all parties to double down on their efforts to consolidate progress achieved in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2803.
We remain committed to our long standing position in support of a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of the two state solution, in accordance with the provisions of international law and relevant UN resolutions We reaffirm that respect for international law and the principles of the UN charter, and the commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes is the bedrock of peace negotiations, and the UN continues to play a crucial role in identifying diplomatic solutions for the regional stability, along with other relevant actors.
The complexity of the Middle East region requires long lasting and comprehensive solutions.
Such solutions can only be pursued and sustained through political commitment and continued dialogue when and where needed.
Romania will be a steadfast partner in this endeavour.
Thank you, Madam President.
Muchisimas.
Gracias, El Representante.
I thank the representative of Romania.
I now give the floor to South Africa.
Okay.
Thank you very much, Madam President.
At the outset, permit me, on behalf of my delegation.
To congratulate.
Colombia for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June.
And we welcome the convening of this timely debate aimed at advancing political solutions to crises in the Middle East.
Furthermore, we align ourselves with the statement delivered on behalf of the core group of the shared commitments in support of Unwra Madam president, we have witnessed a dangerous conflagration in the Middle East with a long standing question of Palestine at its epicentre.
With the current conflict in the Persian Gulf, it has become clear that the Middle East cannot absorb another cycle of escalation.
The cost in civilian lives and regional stability is too high.
In this respect, the Security Council must move from mere condemnation to action in order to halt the escalation of violent conflict.
By prioritising peaceful political solutions through dialogue and mediation, using the various tools enshrined in article six of the UN charter, we further believe that it is necessary to address the root causes driving ongoing regional instability, military confrontation and displacement.
The Security Council must speak with one voice and enforce its own resolutions and decisions.
Where resolutions of this council do exist and the council has called for action in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Palestine, and thus the Council must ensure the implementation of these decisions.
This with a view to curtailing the actions of Israel, whose aggressive militarism and blatant disregard for international law continues to worsen instability in the region.
While we reiterate that mediation and dialogue are the only tools that can break that cycle of violence, these only work if they address root causes of instability and are seen as legitimate by all parties.
Rooted in article 33 of the charter of the UN.
These tools prioritize dialogue over violence to achieve sustainable political solutions.
Madam president, we commend all efforts at brokering peace in the region.
However, these efforts must be conducted in good faith and aimed at inclusive solutions that uphold the foundational principles of international law.
South Africa reaffirms that no durable solutions are possible without a holistic, regional approach that includes all regional actors.
South Africa has walked the path from apartheid to democracy through negotiation and dialogue.
We know that peace is hard, but indifference and inaction are harder to bear with more destructive and long lasting consequences.
The Security Council was created to maintain international peace and security.
It must live up to that mandate at all times.
South Africa stands ready to support all genuine efforts towards mediation that deliver justice, accountability and a political horizon for the region as a whole.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of South Africa.
And now I would like to give the floor to the representative of Vietnam.
Madam president, Vietnam, thanks, Colombia for convening this timely debate.
We welcome the focus on mediation and dialogue at a time when the Middle East continues to face multiple and interconnected crises.
Vietnam remains deeply concerned about developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz Continued hostilities and restrictions on humanitarian access in Gaza, the worsening conditions in the West Bank, and the continued attacks against Lebanon.
This crisis are causing immense human suffering, disrupting global trade and energy supplies, heightening uncertainty and undermining confidence in multilateral mechanisms for crisis management and the peaceful settlement of disputes Madam president, the persistence of these conflicts demonstrates a fundamental reality.
There can be no military solution to the challenges facing the Middle East.
Lasting peace can only be achieved through political political solutions supported by dialogue, mediation, confidence building measures and sustained diplomatic engagement.
In this regard, we reaffirm the central role of the nations, particularly the Secretary-General's and his good offices, in facilitating dialogue, reducing tensions and supporting inclusive political processes.
The Security Council must also redouble efforts to advance preventive diplomacy, mediation, ceasefires and the protection of civilians.
Vietnam believes that successful mediation requires three essential elements respect for the purposes and principles of the UN charter.
Genuine political will from the parties concerned and consistent, impartial support from the international community and regional stakeholders at large.
Accordingly, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states must be respected at all times and in all circumstances.
The threat or use of force and actions that risks widening conflicts and instability should be rejected.
Vietnam firmly opposed military attacks against all sovereign states in the region, in violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity, maritime safety and security as well.
Freedom of navigation and overflight must be upheld in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 International Convention on the law of the sea.
This is essential not only for stability in the Middle East, but also for safeguarding global energy security, food security and economic stability Madam president, recent developments in the Middle East must not be allowed to overshadow the Palestinian question.
The legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and the state of Palestine's full membership in the UN should be fully supported.
The two state solution, based on the pre 1967 borders and in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, remains the only viable path towards a just lasting and comprehensive peace I thank you.
Muchisimas.
Gracias.
I thank the representative of Vietnam.
There's still a number of speakers left on the speakers list, and with the agreement of council members, I will now suspend our meeting until tomorrow at ten in the morning.
The meeting is suspended.