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

Thank you, Madam President.

I also want to thank Special Coordinator Sigrid Kaag for her briefing.

Colleagues,

Upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin stated and I quote: “There is only one radical means for sanctifying human life. The one radical solution is a real peace,” end of quote. His words remain as valid today as they were back then.

Madam President,

We have been witnessing what many are calling the Gazafication of the West Bank, in particular through Operation Iron Wall. This campaign has led to the most extensive destruction and displacement in the West Bank since 1967. Looking at the pictures of destruction in the northern West Bank, one might think it was taken in Gaza. Military operations, particularly in Jenin and in other refugee camps, are deeply disturbing. We condemn killings of civilians, including children and recently, a pregnant woman. We call on Israeli government to halt these large-scale military operations as well as the pattern of unlawful use of force against civilians, destruction and demolitions.

Not only sights, also dynamics remind us of Gaza: Violence is spreading like fire, forced displacement is unfolding and humanitarian crisis advancing across the West Bank. This is intertwined with increased checkpoints and movement restrictions, fragmenting Palestinian communities and restricting access to essential services. And coupled with settler violence in this context.

The one radical solution is a real peace.

Madam President,

We underline Slovenia’s support to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza in line with the Council resolution 2735. We note with great concern that rather than moving towards the next phases of its implementation, the situation has deteriorated. Deteriorated by spillover of violence from Gaza to the West Bank and by rise of limitations.

Limitations to the work of UNRWA. Limitations to the Palestinian Authority. Limitations to the political process and the viability of two state solution. Limitations to the work of non-governmental organizations. Limitations to civic space, including free speech, as observed through the raids of the Educational Bookshop.

We are deeply alarmed by the overall patterns observed in the West Bank, Israel and more broadly, in the trajectory of the Israel-Palestine question. We once again underline our steadfast rejection of annexation and of deportation of Palestinians and call for the end of the occupation and return of displaced persons to their homes.

As it is the case with all Security Council resolutions, resolution 2334 is legally binding and must be implemented.

The one radical solution is a real peace.

Finally, Madam President,

We echo High Commissioner Türk’s words that any plan for a better future must deal with the past, so accountability is crucial. Killings must be investigated and perpetrators held to account.

We would value, appreciate being briefed one day on the progress of investigations of numerous crimes committed in Gaza against civilians and humanitarian staff.

The same goes for all human rights violations and abuses that have taken place in Gaza and Israel. Pages of history already written, including those contained in the reports of accountability mechanisms, such as the More than a human can bear report by the Commission of Inquiry, must be a wakeup call for a new chapter to take place. A radical future, the one of real peace, for Israelis and the Palestinians alike.

Thank you.

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