In his remarks at the Council meeting, Guterres described the Middle East as going through “a period of profound transformation” filled with uncertainties and opportunities.
“We have a responsibility to help ensure that the people of the Middle East emerge from this turbulent period with peace, dignity and a horizon of hope based on action,” he said.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Lebanon, Guterres expressed optimism about the country’s progress, noting efforts to form a government that represents all Lebanese and ensures their security.
He also praised the tireless work of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Since the ceasefire in Lebanon on November 27, UNIFIL has carried out more than 730 missions in cooperation with the Lebanese armed forces, facilitating their redeployment to more than 50 positions alongside 39 humanitarian missions.
Highlighting the “fragile” but “lasting” cessation of hostilities, the Secretary-General urged all parties to implement Security Council Resolution 1701 and reiterated UN support for “genuine peace.” It is essential that the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon ends as defined in the agreement, he said.
Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at a Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.
Call for lasting peace in the region
The UN chief continued his speech by calling the recently negotiated ceasefire in Gaza and the accompanying release of hostages a “ray of hope” for the region.
“Yesterday, the first three female hostages were released as part of the first phase. Ninety Palestinian prisoners were also released by Israel,” he said, emphasizing the relief this brings to families on both sides.
He noted the UN’s continued commitment to scaling up humanitarian aid, with more than 630 aid trucks entering Gaza on Sunday alone, including at least 300 destined for the north.
Calling for urgent action, the Secretary-General stressed the need for “rapid, safe and unimpeded access” for humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA), and better protection for civilians.
Addressing the broader implications, he stressed the importance of a two-state solution.
“Greater stability in the Middle East requires irreversible action toward a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side,” with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, he said.
-He also noted steps taken by member states showing solidarity with Syrians, emphasizing the need for an “inclusive political transition” as “the most effective way to ensure that Syria receives more support.”
Israel highlights the suffering of the hostages
Reut Shapir Ben-Naftaly, Political Coordinator of the Permanent Representation of Israel to the United Nations, speaks at a Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.
At the Security Council meeting, Israel’s representative Reut Shapir Ben-Naftaly said that although the first hostages returned home on Sunday, the families of those who remain captive are suffering while they wait for their loved ones.
Hamas began the war by attacking Israel in October 2023, she said, noting that since then “Houthi terrorists” have attacked Israel, which defended itself against them and others.
Reut Shapir Ben-Naftaly, who is political coordinator at the Permanent Representation of Israel to the United Nations, stressed that Israel remains committed to the current ceasefire with Lebanon but that it “maintains its right to ‘act against any threat to its security’.
Appreciating the unwavering support of allies, including the United States, the representative of Israel affirmed that this partnership is essential in the fight against terrorism and is based on mutual respect.
“This moment is just the beginning,” she said, stressing that the war will only end when all the hostages return home.
Palestine hopes ceasefire will hold and succeed
Varsen Aghabekian, Palestinian Foreign Minister, addresses the Security Council.
For her part, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian welcomed the end of hostilities and praised the positions of Egypt, Jordan and others who supported preventing the displacement of Palestinians from the area occupied throughout the war.
She also welcomed efforts to “end the genocide against our people”, highlighting South Africa’s complaint against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in this regard.
She reiterated the total rejection of the displacement of Palestinians, which violates the principles of international law. “This requires the unity of our land and our people,” she said, adding that it also means support for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is ready to provide security services. base and prepare for the reconstruction phase.
