Today, Slovenia participated in its final Security Council meeting on the Palestinian question during the 2024–2025 term. Throughout this period, the war in Gaza has been the defining issue before the 15-member Council, shaping not only its work but also profoundly impacting the future of the international community. On behalf of Slovenia, Ambassador Samuel Žbogar once again called on all parties to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire. With continued attacks and strikes, the ceasefire remains fragile—and peace is nowhere near.

“We must never forget the voice of Hind Rajab. The screams of people burned alive after a strike on a tent camp in Rafah. The testimonies of released hostages. Or the briefings that shook us to our core, as we witnessed people starving and humanitarian workers being killed, while those responsible continue to act with impunity,” the Ambassador underscored, reflecting on the human toll of the war in Gaza.

Turning to the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Žbogar strongly condemned the recent forced entry by Israeli authorities into the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem, the seizure of property, and the removal of the UN flag. He called on Israel to uphold its obligations under international law and to respect the inviolability of UN premises. Slovenia also firmly rejects any form of forcible annexation and expresses deep concern over the accelerating expansion of Israeli settlements and the rise in settler violence in the West Bank—acts that violate international law and relevant UN resolutions and lack legal validity.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Žbogar stressed that far more must be done to build a better future for Palestinians. “Three immediate steps are essential,” he said, adding: “Securing the ceasefire in line with Security Council resolution 2803; establishing a credible, time-bound political process based on the New York Declaration; and ensuring accountability.” Palestinians must be at the center of all discussions about their future—and so must the Security Council.

In his remarks, the Ambassador also highlighted Slovenia’s engagement on this issue during its tenure on the Council. He underlined close cooperation with fellow elected members, particularly Algeria and Guyana, and outlined some national steps: “We stood up to attacks against UNRWA through shared commitments, initiated by Slovenia and supported by more than 120 Member States. We recognized the State of Palestine and provided direct financial support to the Palestinian Authority. We voted in favor of Palestine’s UN membership, joined Norway in calling for an ICJ advisory opinion, and continue to express clear support for the International Criminal Court.”

Slovenia remains committed to the two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security.

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