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 would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing and Mr. Sharabi for moving account of his horrific experience. We are glad to see you well and we express our condolences for your loss.

Colleagues,

Those who follow Council’s deliberations in details, will have noticed that Slovenia’s tone evolved. But we have always, every single time advocated for respect for international law, the unconditional release of hostages, the protection of Palestinian civilians, an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

We have consistently claimed that people trapped in Gaza cannot continue to endure this terrible suffering – let them be Israeli hostages or Palestinian civilians. We always defended Council’s action, also to ensure release of hostages.

I want to recall the resolution 2728 drafted by 10 elected members and adopted by this Council last March. It contains a clear demand, quote, “for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” end of quote.

Colleagues,

We once again condemn terrorist attacks of October 7 and hostage taking by Hamas and other armed groups. We are appalled by this violation of international law. Every hostage needs to return home and rejoin with their loved ones. They need to feel again the warmth of the sunlight. And ultimately, they need to see accountability for violations and abuses perpetrated against them, including those against Mr. Sharabi.

During recent ceasefire, 25 hostages were released and the remains of 8 more returned. We welcome every life freed. We were devastated following the return of remains of those who died in captivity, in particular the Bibas family.

We deeply regret that the negotiations to secure the release of the rest of hostage have not continued and the process of finding a peaceful solution through dialogue has stalled.

Will cutting electricity, halting humanitarian aid, or intensifying military operations truly bring the remaining hostages home alive, or will that put them in additional danger?

We disagree that return to fighting was a necessity. War is never a necessity but a choice.

There is no military solution to any conflict and neither is to the one in Gaza.

It is only peace that would bring hostages home sooner. The best option for them to enjoy freedom again is respecting the ceasefire agreement in line with resolution 2735.

We supported and joined the appeal by hostage Noa Argamani made here in the Council chamber a month ago for the deal to go on, in full and completely, in all the stages.

We therefore once again thank and appeal to mediators, the United States, Egypt and Qatar to continue their tireless engagement.

And we urge Hamas and Israel to return to the negotiations table in good faith.

Madam President,

I would like to extend our condolences to all families and friends of hostages that have lost their loved ones. All remaining hostages need to be released immediately. This is our demand that we continue to voice since October 7.

Hostages should be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent human dignity, including during their release. The ICRC must be granted access to them.

I repeat: suffering of hostages should never be a bargaining chip. Neither should humanitarian aid ever be weaponized.

Finally, we fundamentally disagree with the notion that the loudest voices on human rights lost their voice. Not all of us. Slovenia proudly stands for human rights and protection of all civilians in all situations.

And with this in mind, we cannot accept that the war in Gaza continues to be fought by sacrificing lives of Israeli hostages, Palestinian civilians as well as humanitarian workers.

Thank you, Madam President.

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