Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the UNSC Open Debate on The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question

Thank you very much, Mr President. I also want to thank chief of staff Rattray for delivering as always very clear messages from the Secretary General.

Mr President,

In his letter invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter last December, Secretary General underlined that hostilities created appalling human suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He urged the Council to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. Last December. Not that we have not tried. We adopted four resolutions. None of them was adopted unanimously. None of them changed the situation on the ground.

I am certain that a deep reflection on the role of the Council in this crisis is taking place among its Members. Undoubtedly, several of us are reflecting on the disregard of international law, blatant violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Among many deceptions we have been told in the recent months are also so-called safe zones. Instead of a humanitarian tool providing minimum protection standards safe zones became a recurring target.

We repeat what we have said few weeks ago. Neither Hamas nor Israel care about civilians. Hamas is hiding among the IDPs and thus endangering lives of their fellow Palestinians. While on the other side Israel is showing complete disregard for the suffering of civilians in pursuit of Hamas. There is no moral equality between Hamas and Israel. However, the conduct of both actors against civilians is deplorable and constitutes a crime.  

Mr President,

While we are still struggling to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian catastrophe, we need to pave the way for the restoration of the political horizon towards the two state solution. We need to prevent future humanitarian catastrophes. There is Gaza beyond ceasefire. So, let me offer some reflection on what could be Council’s steps in that regard.

Our first step includes immediate ceasefire. There must be full implementation of Security Council resolutions and ICJ orders on provisional measures. They are all binding and with clear demands for action, including release of hostages and aid delivery at scale. This will ensure the beginning of the end of the colossal human suffering. We continue to offer full support and we commend the mediators – Egypt, Qatar and United States – for their efforts.

Our second step could be a renewed political process leading to the two-state solution. Despite the absence of it – or perhaps especially because of it – the Council must reflect on the structure of the political process. Only a coherent approach backed by strong political will can provide a clear path forward. An international peace conference under the UN auspices would provide a platform for a revitalized exchange. And this will lead to a clear blueprint for the Middle East Peace Process.

This step is not only in the hands of the Security Council or the broader international community. Upholding the Charter is a responsibility of every UN Member State. Appalling situation in Gaza is overshadowing the one in the West Bank including East Jerusalem, where we follow heightened tensions coupled with a rising death toll, a surge of settler attacks and a dramatic settlement policy drive. In light of steps contradicting the two-state solution, we all need to take steps in its defense, collectively and individually.

Our third step is rebuilding. Rebuilding as in reconstruction of Gaza. Rebuilding as in returning structure and public order to Gaza. Rebuilding as in supporting the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza. For this to happen, we need a strong Palestinian Authority, able to carry out its internal reform processes. Palestinian Authority able to access its tax revenues and bank accounts. And UNRWA supporting the transition period.

Mr President,

This Council has to focus on the interest of those who matter the most and pay the highest price: people on the ground, civilians. There is no viable alternative to the renewed political process and prevention of a regional spiral of violence. With this in mind, we also call on all parties to show restraint along the Blue Line and commit to full implementation of the resolution 1701. Parties must use the UNIFIL liaison and coordination mechanisms, good offices by international actors and fully engage to deescalate.

Thank you.

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