Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

Thank you, Mr. President and I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Mr. Alakbarov for his briefing. Unsurprisingly, the briefing paints a grim picture of a dangerous trajectory of the conflict.

Colleagues,

During the past week, world leaders gathered here at the United Nations.

Palestine and the horrors in Gaza dominated all discussions.

It started with the Conference on the Two-State Solution which created a positive momentum that was further strengthened by the meeting of the US President with Arab leaders. All this happened in parallel with almost consensual messages coming from the General Assembly that the suffering in Gaza must end.

As the General Debate wraps up, we have an opportunity for reflection and for charting the course of action.

Today, Mr. President, I would like to offer our reflection on partnership for peace.

First, for Slovenia, the Palestinian Authority is a crucial partner for peace. While supporting their reform process, we underline that the PA must remain stable and able to govern, provide basic services and maintain security.

We are deeply alarmed over their financial crisis. We urge the Israeli Government to release the Palestinian revenues that Israel is withholding unlawfully.

Slovenia has joined the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority and allocated funds towards this end. However, this is only an emergency measure. Ensuring the sustainability and functionality of the Palestinian Authority remains a priority.

Second, UNRWA is another partner for peace in the region.

It is a lifeline for Palestinians struggling with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. It is a pillar for human development in the West Bank and more broadly.

We remain steadfast in our support to the Agency and the shared commitments we pledged. The Agency is an indispensable part of the fibre of Palestine society and is enjoying trust of the community. It is accumulating knowledge, offering opportunities and carrying political heritage. As such, it must be protected and its mandate renewed.

Third, what is becoming clear, is that partnerships for peace in the region of the Middle East and in international community are growing.

The leaders of the region have clearly demonstrated their commitment to peace. To peace in the region. To peace with Israel.

As part of the commitment of international community to peace we welcome the new and irreversible wave of recognitions of Palestinian statehood.

Each one strengthens legitimacy of Palestine and moves us closer to a just settlement.

The international community is making its voice clear and we resolutely stand behind the New York Declaration outlining steps to peace.

Colleagues,

I want to underline that we also hear voices for peace in Israel. We hear families of hostages calling for ceasefire.

We hear voices of so many Israelis understanding that their safety and future is intertwined with safety and future of Palestinians.

We hear Jewish voices around the globe emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved through war.

To these voices and to others, I want to once again repeat our condemnation of the 7 October terror attack. Hamas is not a partner for peace. Hamas and its terror ideology has no place in the future of Gaza.

Mr. President,

Slovenia is deeply alarmed by the surge of violence in the West Bank. We oppose announcements regarding further expansion of settlement projects, including the E1 project.

We are alarmed by the attempts to fragment Palestinian communities and movements restrictions.

We call for the compliance with the ICJ advisory opinion. We call for an end to the occupation.

Slovenia has taken concrete measures against settlements, as well as against the war in Gaza.

Our position on it has equally been clear, and I repeat our call for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional and dignified release of all hostages and for unhindered humanitarian assistance in Gaza in line with humanitarian principles.

Thank you.

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