Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC Briefing on Threats to International Peace and Security

Thank you, Mr President. I also want to thank USG DiCarlo and Major General Beary for their briefings.

Mr. President,

Once again, we have to begin by expressing our concern over the latest developments in the Middle East. Let me make three points in this regard.

Firstly, we condemn the drone attack on Tel Aviv, which has been claimed by the Houthis, and deplore subsequent Israeli retaliatory actions on targets in Yemen. We call on all parties to respect international law, including international humanitarian law. We recall that under international law, indiscriminate attacks on civilian population centres are prohibited.

Secondly, tensions need to be reduced now. In this regard, we call on parties to deescalate and refrain from any further retaliatory actions. We also call on States with influence to use it to facilitate the utmost restraint from all actors and to prevent any further deterioration on the ground.

Thirdly, we would like to express our deep concern over the numerous escalations fuelling regional tensions. The devastating situation in Gaza has caused unprecedented civilian suffering. Any military escalation in Yemen is also a serious cause for concern. We are also deeply worried about the alarming tensions along the Blue Line as well as continuous attacks in the Red Sea. We caution that any miscalculation could lead to unimaginable consequences across the region, particularly for civilians.

Mr. President,

Every provocation and escalation further aggravates the situation in the Middle East. Day after day, we are witnessing what seems to be never-ending human suffering. Women, children, fathers, families, friends being killed. And day after day the question comes, how is this possible? How is this human?

Peace must always come first. It must always have a chance. Therefore, instead of deepening this spiral of violence and intertwining crises, we call on all actors to engage in the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

We also underline the need for Security Council unity in an effort to uphold international law, and to maintain peace and security. Thank you.

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