Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

I join in thanking others to all briefers for their contribution to today’s discussion.

Colleagues,

There is a sense of outrage felt around the globe. Outrage in Palestine that the international community is failing them. Outrage on Israeli streets that the hostages continue being held in Gaza. Outrage of the global public that this war does not stop. The Slovenian public expressed its outrage this week over parallel realities, criticizing the political reality of our ongoing debates without solutions.

Let me be clear that parallel realities exist: a reality of decades long suffering and human rights violations of the Palestinian people. A reality of security concerns of the Israeli people. But also, a reality of regional instability which is a threat to international peace and security.

There is only one possible common denominator for these realities, which is peace. We therefore repeat our strong call for an immediate ceasefire.

Only a ceasefire will alleviate the suffering of hostages and their family members and friends. We repeat our condemnation of the 7 October attack carried out by Hamas and other armed groups and the taking of hostages. We call for full access of ICRC to the hostages, and for their immediate release. We are shocked by the death of hostages whose bodies were rescued on Saturday, and unequivocally condemn their killings. We offer our condolences to their loved ones. The suffering of hostages should not be a bargaining chip for negotiations.

Only a ceasefire will alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Another briefing in less than a week is a clear demonstration that the situation is deteriorating. We welcome the start of the polio vaccination campaign carried out by WHO, UNICEF and UNRWA in Gaza. This should be a turning page in ensuring unimpeded sustained humanitarian access for aid delivery at scale as well as restoring essential services.

We take this opportunity to repeat our concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank with concerning destructive parallels. We reiterate our appeals from last week. There must be an immediate end to the operations, further fueling violence, tensions and human rights violations in the West Bank.

We repeat our call for full adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law by all parties. The ICJ provisional measures and Security Council resolutions must be fully implemented. Protection of civilians and alleviation of their suffering should not be a bargaining chip for negotiations.

What should be a part of negotiations, is the pursuit of a just and lasting peace. We call on all to recalibrate their interests and place the interest of peace and protection of all civilians, Palestinians and Israelis alike, first. They must recommit to and finalize the agreement set out by this Council’s resolution 2735.

Colleagues,

In a world of parallel realities, it is our job to push for peace. We therefore believe the Council should proceed with two steps: a strong united call for a conclusion of ceasefire negotiations led by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, and a focused discussion on the peace process leading us to the two-state solution.

Members of this Council have consistently voiced their strong support for the two-state solution, both through statements as well as in resolutions. It is now time to reflect on providing a clear framework on how to reach a point of convergence on the horizon.

Thank you.

Recent Statements