Today, the Security Council held its quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East. Slovenia focused on the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the scale of acute food insecurity, including starvation, is intolerable. Ambassador Samuel Žbogar urged for the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale and reiterated Slovenia’s unwavering call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

“We remain heartbroken about the situation in Gaza. Civilians are not starving. They are being starved,” the Ambassador voiced to the 15-member body, stressing the alarm raised by over 100 humanitarian organizations on mass starvation across the Strip. Palestinians continue to be killed while waiting for water and aid or seeking shelter, whereas the UN and humanitarian personnel continue to work under unbearable operational challenges. “They continue to be killed with impunity,” stated the Ambassador, condemning the latest attack on WHO facilities and staff.

Furthermore, the situation in the West Bank remains deeply concerning. Injuries from settler violence are at record highs, as well as unprecedented levels of killings, demolitions, destruction, displacement and restrictions. Additional restrictions are also being considered for UNRWA.

Ambassador Žbogar, addressing the broader situation in the region, expressed concern over the escalation of violence in Syria. He further welcomed the progress in Lebanon in recent months and called on “continued support from the international community, including through the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate.”

For a long-lasting peace in the Middle East, adherence to international law is of paramount importance. Moreover, “only through a two-state solution, where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, accept to live side by side, can long-lasting peace in the region become a reality,” concluded the Ambassador. He reaffirmed Slovenia’s support for the upcoming ministerial meeting on a two-state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia in New York.

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