The first UN Security Council meeting under Slovenia’s Presidency addressed various aspects of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. It touched on the recovery of the bodies of six hostages, alongside developments in the West Bank and Gaza. At the meeting, Israel called on the Council to condemn Hamas in the strongest possible terms and address the grave situation of the 101 hostages still in captivity. Palestine reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, called for a ceasefire and highlighted the indescribable loss in Gaza.

During the meeting, Slovenia reiterated its condemnation of the 7 October attack by Hamas and other armed groups, as well as the taking of hostages. Slovenia called for the ICRC to be granted full access to the hostages and for their immediate release. “We are shocked by the deaths of hostages whose bodies were recovered on Saturday, 31 August, and we unequivocally condemn their killings. The suffering of hostages should never be used as a bargaining chip,” stressed Ambassador Žbogar in his national capacity.

He reaffirmed Slovenia’s strong appeal for an immediate ceasefire as the only way to alleviate the suffering of the hostages and their families, and the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. The Ambassador welcomed the start of the polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, led by the WHO, UNICEF and UNRWA. He also expressed deep concern over the ongoing Israeli operations in the West Bank, which continue to exacerbate violence, tensions and human rights violations. Slovenia called for an immediate cessation of these operations.

It is imperative that there be full compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law. The provisional measures of the ICJ and the Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2735, must be fully implemented.

Slovenia concluded the meeting by proposing a strong, united appeal from the Security Council for the conclusion of ceasefire negotiations led by Egypt, Qatar and the United States. The Council should also pursue a focused discussion on the path towards a two-state solution.

The Security Council was briefed by two civil society representatives, marking the first such occurrence since the conflict erupted nearly a year ago. In advance of this challenging meeting, Slovenia emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful dialogue within the Security Council Chamber.

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