25 February 2025
Thank you Mr. President.
I want to thank Special Coordinator Ms. Kaag for her briefing. I also want to thank Ms. Argamani and Mr. Levy for their thought-provoking contributions.
Ms. Argamani, I am extremely glad to see you here, to see you safe and free and bringing us first-hand account of the horror experience in captivity.
Mr. President,
After months of relentless devastation and suffering, the ceasefire in Gaza has finally offered hope and relief to the people on the ground and beyond in the region. Despite being long overdue and facing persistent challenges, a sustained ceasefire is our best chance at seeing peace in the Middle East.
The ceasefire is bringing closure to hostages and their families. We follow with a sense of relief hostages being reunited with their families, and with deep sadness the return of remains of those who have not survived. We offer our condolences to their families and loved ones. Dignified release of hostages remains one of our priorities.
Even though many return only to the rubble of what was once their homes, the ceasefire is bringing hope to the people of Gaza – hope that life can be more than just suffering, hunger and destruction. The humanitarian situation in the Strip requires our continued attention. Ensuring unobstructed humanitarian access and lifting remaining restrictions on essential items designated as “dual use” are crucial. This too, remains our priority.
Permanent ceasefire is the first step to lasting peace and the two-state solution. In the words of Ms. Kaag, it is the last chance to achieve the two-state solution, the end game for this Council for more than 70 years.
It is therefore not possible to simply go back to the status quo before the start of the Gaza war. The unspeakable devastation and suffering of civilians in this war makes it clear why full implementation of Security Council resolution 2735 and the agreement reached through mediation is crucial. We continue to support our partners – Egypt, Qatar and the United States – in facilitating the progress towards a permanent ceasefire, including through swift negotiations of the second phase. We agree with you, Ms. Argamani, the deal must go on and it is essential that all parties respect the terms of the agreement to preserve the ceasefire and to implement it fully.
We underline our utmost concern over any proposal for relocation of Gazans. This Council has clearly rejected any attempts at demographic or territorial change of Gaza in its resolution 2735 adopted on the proposal of the United States. Gaza belongs to Gazans and it is an integral part of the Palestinian state.
Palestinians should decide their own future in line with the principle of self-determination. We recognize that the task of recovery and reconstruction of Gaza will be enormous and will require a joint international endeavor. We welcome and support the leadership exerted by our Arab partners.
We are profoundly concerned over the situation in the West Bank, including civilian deaths, forced displacement, intensified operations, settler violence, movement restrictions and settlement expansions. These operations further exacerbate tensions on the ground. International law and the decisions of international courts must be respected. Slovenia calls for the full respect of the status quo of all holy sites. Upcoming religious holidays must represent an opportunity for reflection and we appeal for appropriate conditions for peaceful celebration.
Slovenia resolutely supports the two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. In this solution, we see the Palestinian Authority as an indispensable partner, which should be supported, encouraged to continue on their reform path and eventually assume their full responsibilities. Until then, we agree with Mr. Levy, UNRWA remains irreplaceable, preventing a governance vacuum and ensuring stability.
Mr. President,
While peace seems to be a big word, it essentially boils down to everyday decisions to work for it. There are many more steps to be made for a lasting peace to persist in the Middle East. Yet, the firm support of the international community and of this Council to the ceasefire and the tangible results we have seen in recent weeks, confirm that this is the right path to pursue.
Thank you.