Introduction of a draft resolution on Gaza by H.E. Samuel Žbogar, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations, at UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question – on behalf of the ten elected members of the UN Security Council

Madam President,

I have the honor to speak and introduce the resolution on behalf of the E10 members – Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Somalia and my own country, Slovenia.

The resolution before us was, as on previous occasions, prompted by our deep concern over the catastrophic situation in Gaza, which deteriorated further after the resumption of hostilities in March. We have heard numerous briefings in this Council – from those of the Secretary-General and USG Fletcher on the broader humanitarian situation, to those of people working on the ground. We are also seized of the daily briefings provided by the UN system and the humanitarian community, and follow closely the deeply disturbing reports coming from the ground, including in relation to the functioning of the newly established aid distribution centers.

We continue to fully support the ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar aimed at achieving a return to the ceasefire deal. We firmly believe that this Council must also act urgently and decisively to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza in accordance with its mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security.

The resolution before us is a product of consultations among all Council members. We thank delegations for their constructive engagement and flexibility that has allowed us to develop a text that responds to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.. We believe this text reflects the consensus shared by all Council members that  the war in Gaza has to come to an immediate halt, all hostages must be immediately and unconditionally released, and civilians in Gaza must not starve and must have full and unimpeded access to aid.

It is for this reason that we have prepared a concise draft humanitarian resolution expressing grave concern over the situation in Gaza, including the risk of famine and reaffirming that all parties must comply with their obligations under international law. It further expresses support to the efforts of mediators to immediately bring parties back to implementing the ceasefire agreement in line with resolution 2735 of this Council.

Importantly, the resolution also demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties. It also recalls the demand of the Council for the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.

The draft also contains an unequivocal demand for the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza; its safe and unhindered distribution at scale, including by the UN and humanitarian partners, throughout the Gaza Strip; as well as the restoration of all essential services in line with international humanitarian law, the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.

Madam President,

On behalf of the E10, we ask all delegations for their support for this urgent demand in line with this Council’s responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Thank you.

Recent Statements