Today, Security Council members convened for an emergency meeting to discuss the escalating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Slovenia condemned all attacks on civilians and on the humanitarian, medical and UN personnel. Ambassador Samuel Žbogar also called for an end to Israeli operations in Gaza and the West Bank and an end to attacks on Israel.

“We are shocked by the latest attacks on the humanitarian convoy in Gaza killing 15 medical and humanitarian workers,” the Ambassador underlined, noting that aid workers must be protected and supported in their mission at all times. All parties are bound to respect international law, particularly international humanitarian law and human rights law. Therefore, it is vital to conduct impartial and thorough investigations of all incidents involving humanitarian workers, and the investigation results must be shared with the Council.

In addition, since the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about shortages of food and fuel. “We call on Israel to immediately lift the siege on Gaza and ensure safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale. Starvation as a method of warfare is a war crime,” added the Ambassador, condemning the killings of civilians, especially women and children, since the ceasefire collapsed. What we see is an erosion of humanity, protection of civilians, respect for international law, and of peace and security.

Slovenia concluded by calling on Israel and Hamas to return to the agreement reached in accordance with Resolution 2735, with the support of Egypt, Qatar and the United States. “The ceasefire must be restored, the hostages must be released, aid must flow, and dialogue must prevail,” stated the Ambassador, reiterating that the only path to lasting peace is through diplomacy.

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