United Nations Security Council: Quarterly Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

President,

Conflict in the Middle East, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, is having an enormous global impact – for those in the region but also as far afield as New Zealand and the Pacific. New Zealand welcomes the ceasefire between the US and Iran and continues to urge de-escalation and negotiation.

Nevertheless, the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and, increasingly, Lebanon demands urgent attention.
 
Six months ago, we welcomed the Israel-Hamas peace arrangement as a crucial first step toward a lasting resolution.

Since then, developments have been deeply concerning.

Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire. Over 1.5 million people are facing a food insecurity crisis. A generation of children will be severely impacted by malnutrition. Making adequate nutrition available without delay is vital.

Increasing violations of the ceasefire by both sides, including Israel’s strikes across Gaza, risk escalation and a breakdown of the peace deal. This is alarming.

We also strongly oppose Israel’s recent decision to expand West Bank control which represents a major setback to a two-state solution.

We have also seen worrying escalation with Hezbollah’s unjustified attacks on Israel and Israel’s heavy-handed response across Lebanon.

These actions have resulted in mass displacement. A reported 1.3 million people in Lebanon need urgent humanitarian assistance. Attacks by both parties on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the targeting of UN peacekeepers and humanitarian workers, is simply unacceptable. 

President,

New Zealand reiterates its support for the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, endorsed by Resolution 2803.

We welcomed the release of Israeli hostages, as a demonstration of what sustained diplomacy could achieve.

Although New Zealand is pleased to see an increase in humanitarian assistance, we urge Israel to allow further unhindered assistance into Gaza. Israel must immediately amend registration regulations to ensure NGOs can continue their essential work.

New Zealand expects Israel to comply fully with the findings of the ICJ and with international law.

New Zealand has welcomed the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. All parties must adhere to the ceasefire and commit to meaningful negotiations to secure lasting peace. This truce must not be derailed by those seeking to continue the cycle of violence.

We acknowledge the US’s efforts to broker a ceasefire. We urge all involved to come to a resolution which preserves Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while providing Israel with security along its northern border. New Zealand supports the disarmament of Hezbollah, as called for by this Council.

It is crucial that we do not lose sight of the urgent situations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza and the West Bank, and in Lebanon.

We call on all parties to ensure humanitarian support gets to those in need; to prevent the suffering of innocent people; and to uphold international law, including international humanitarian law.

Thank you.