Statement by the Republic of Slovenia on behalf of the 10 elected members of the UNSC at the 10^th Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly

Mister President,

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

We believe the war in Gaza must 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.

The elected members had prepared a concise draft humanitarian resolution expressing grave concern over the situation in Gaza, including the risk of famine that regrettably was not adopted.  The resolution reaffirmed that all parties must comply with their obligations under international law. It further expressed support to the efforts of mediators to immediately bring parties back to implementing the ceasefire agreement in line with resolution 2735 of the Council.

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

The draft also contained 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.

Mister President,

The resolution was 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 and followed 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 and hostage-release deal.

We firmly believe that the Security 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.

Thank you.

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