Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

Thank you Mr. President. I want to thank Under-Secretary-General Fletcher and Executive Director Rusell for sharing information on the situation on the ground and we bow our heads to the humanitarian workers who are risking and ultimately sacrificing their lives for civilians in Gaza.  

Mr. President,

Looking back 80 years one can observe the way conflicts have evolved. Yet, one feature remains the same: denial of the parties of the reality on the ground and the atrocities that they are committing. However, the day of admission eventually comes. Many times too late.  

30 years ago, very close to my home country, we heard statements that there were practically no civilian victims. How the people were well-nourished. How one side acted in self-defence. We saw a UN entity treated as an enemy. We also saw people being pushed into so called safe zones and then targeted indiscriminately. The day came. Too late for too many.

Colleagues, the day will eventually come in Gaza. Is it going to be too late again?

Mr. President,

Slovenia keeps calling for and demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and release of all hostages.

However, the absence of a ceasefire does not absolve any party of its obligation to respect international humanitarian law. And to ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance and other basic items, including adequate fuel, at scale.

It is clear from today’s briefings that we are not seeing the actions that are urgently needed. Quite the opposite: the situation is becoming worse by the day. With this in mind, we want to underline three main messages:

One, the UN, including UNRWA, and its humanitarian partners must remain the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza. During the last ceasefire they proved that they can deliver if only they are allowed. In their work, they must be ensured full protection and unlimited access.

Two, while we welcome the efforts of different players to conduct negotiations, we emphasize once again: Israel’s obligations under international law are clear. International law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected. This is non-negotiable.

Three, the humanitarian action, including aid delivery, must be based on the established principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. These principles ensure the effective and ethical delivery of aid in any conflict zone. They prevent humanitarian aid from being used as an instrument of war.

Tragic incidents in Gaza near GHF sites remind us that there are no blurred lines with regard to the respect of international humanitarian law. Either you respect it or you don’t.

While the humanitarian situation is only getting worse, the military offensive continues relentlessly. The suffering of civilians in Gaza and hostages still in captivity persists.

Statements and plans on further forced displacement are still looming. Instead of playing and learning, the daily life of children in Gaza is marked by displacement, malnourishment and perpetual trauma.

What we need urgently is a ceasefire in Gaza. We need political will to end this war and political will to build peace. Instead, we are witnessing sanctions on representatives of international bodies and mechanisms solely for carrying out the work the UN has mandated them to do.

We take this opportunity to thank those working to ensure accountability for violations taking place on both sides of the conflict.

Mr. President,

We are appalled by the civilian killings in Gaza. Killings for which we never receive any indication of the state of investigations, let alone their results.

Today, civilians are being killed while waiting for water. Starving children are being killed while waiting for food. Humanitarian workers are being killed while saving people in Gaza. As we continue to witness all of this I am afraid what might no longer be possible to salvage, colleagues, is our collective dignity.

And the day will come.

Thank you.

Recent Statements