S/PV.10046 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Israel to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2025/748, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by the United States of America. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I now give the floor to those members who would like to make statements before the vote.

For two agonizing years, Gaza — home to more than 2 million souls  — has been a crucible of conflict, a hell on earth, where Hamas’ brutality and terror met Israel’s fierce response, leaving rubble where schools once stood and graves where playgrounds thrived. The death toll climbs into the tens of thousands, hunger gnaws at the vulnerable, and hope flickers like a candle in a storm. But here today, on 17 November, we stand at a crossroads. Today, we have the power to douse the flames and light a path to peace. That path is the draft Security Council resolution before us (S/2025/748) — a bold, pragmatic blueprint born from President Trump’s 20-point Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, forged in the fires of diplomacy with Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Pakistan and Indonesia. Those countries stood with President Trump, right back here in this very Chamber, right in this room. They stood with him during the General Assembly high-level week, just eight weeks ago, and they have now publicly stood for this draft resolution. More than a dozen European heads of State, including from the European Union, the Secretary-General and Mahmoud Abbas stood with President Trump then at Sharm El-Sheikh after he presented his plan to the Israeli Knesset. So I ask members before this vote: with this kind of support, and if the region most affected — the Arab nations, the Muslim majority nations, the Palestinians and the Israelis — can accept this draft resolution, how could anyone be against it? There is an old saying where I come from: “you cannot be more Catholic than the Pope.” And I ask everyone today, are they more righteous in this cause than those who must live with it and will ultimately benefit from this plan for peace? This draft resolution is no mere paper promise; it is a lifeline. The draft resolution endorses a hard-won ceasefire. And I thank Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and my dear friend Jared Kushner, who forged what so many people said was impossible: the living hostages released. There is — absolutely — still more to go, with families suffering, but we have a ceasefire that is holding. Their plan has already silenced the guns and freed 45 hostages in this fragile first step. And let me be clear: the United States remains committed to ensuring that the remains of the last three hostages held by Hamas come home. The draft resolution authorizes the international stabilization force, a strong coalition of peacekeepers, many from Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia, Azerbaijan and others, to deploy under a unified command. These brave souls will secure Gaza’s streets, they will oversee demilitarization, they will protect civilians, and they will escort aid through safe corridors, all while Israel phases out its presence and a vetted Palestinian police force takes on a new role. We hear critics whispering of challenges — Russia has had a counter draft. We hear concerns over mandates. But hesitation here is the true enemy. We have seen ceasefires crumble before. We cannot repeat the definition of insanity here, by doing the same thing that was done before and by returning to the same frameworks and same talking points that will doom us to repeat this horror all over again. Delaying will cost lives, and every day without this force, aid trucks lie idle, children starve, and the extremists regroup to try to maintain control. Therefore, voting yes today is not just endorsing a plan; it is affirming our shared humanity. It is telling Gaza’s and Israel’s mothers that the world has not forgotten them. Adopting this draft resolution today will prove the United Nations can still be a beacon and not just a bystander. The eyes of history and humankind are upon us, right here, right now. A vote against this draft resolution is a vote to return to war. Time is not on the side of peace. This is not the time for endless debate and lawyering. The clock is ticking, like a time bomb. Therefore, let us vote for this draft resolution not as a compromise, but as a covenant for the children of Gaza, for peace that endures and for a Middle East reborn.

I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 13 votes in favour, none against and 2 abstentions. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2803 (2025). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.

I thank the Council members for this historic and constructive resolution (resolution 2803 (2025)). I thank them for joining us in charting a new course in the Middle East, for Israelis and Palestinians and all the people of the region alike. In addition, I would like to thank our partners from the President’s meeting during high-level week: Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Indonesia and Pakistan. We have all bound together, recognizing the urgency of the situation and for a swift adoption to deny Hamas any opportunity The Board of Peace, which will be led by President Trump, remains the cornerstone of our effort. The Board will coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, facilitate Gaza’s development and support a technocratic committee of Palestinians responsible for day-to-day operations of Gaza’s civil service and administration, while the Palestinian Authority fully implements its reform programme. The resolution today provides troop-contributing countries with the framework they need for moving forward with the International Stabilization Force and global financial institutions the mechanisms they need for channelling investment, respectively. The former will support a region free from Hamas’ grip, and the latter, Gaza’s reconstruction and development. The path to prosperity requires security first. Security is the oxygen that governance and development need to live and to thrive. The International Stabilization Force will stabilize the security environment, support the demilitarization of Gaza, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, decommission weapons and maintain the safety of Palestinian civilians. We believe that the investment that will follow adoption today will revitalize Gaza’s economy, providing Palestinians with an opportunity instead of saddling them with perpetual reliance on aid. We look forward to working alongside the World Bank to that end, as it supports Gaza’s long-term redevelopment even as we address the immediate and dire humanitarian needs. President Trump’s historic 20-point plan marked the beginning of what will be a strong, stable and prosperous region united in rejecting the path of violence, hatred and terror. I say this to the world: this resolution today is just the beginning. The adoption of this resolution today demonstrates the overwhelming support for the President’s vision for a stable Gaza in which Palestinians determine their own destiny, free from terrorist rule and violence. Under President Trump’s bold leadership, the United States will continue to deliver results, alongside our many partners. We will seize the opportunity today to end decades of bloodshed and make lasting peace a reality. We will work tirelessly with our partners, as we have over the past several months, to advance this vision for a more stable and prosperous Middle East.

At the outset, allow me to express our appreciation to the United States for presenting the resolution we just adopted (resolution 2803 (2025)), aimed at implementing the comprehensive plan endorsed by all parties. We extend our thanks to the United States leadership and in particular to President Trump, whose personal engagement has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza, thereby bringing an end to the unbearable suffering endured by the Palestinian people for nearly two years. We acknowledge the efforts undertaken by President Trump in advancing peace worldwide. However, we underline that genuine peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice; justice for the Palestinian people who have waited for decades for the establishment of their independent State. Algeria has engaged in the negotiations of this resolution on behalf of the Group of Arab States and in close consultation and close coordination with the Palestinian representatives. We submitted what we considered to be essential amendments to ensure balance and integrity in the text. Some of those proposals were taken on board, and we continued to engage until the end — both on behalf of the Arab Group and in our national capacity  — to incorporate elements that we believed would further improve the draft. It is worth recalling that this text has received the support In the light of these elements, Algeria finally decided to vote in favour of this text, whose core objective we support, namely, the maintenance of the ceasefire and the creation of conditions enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable rights to self-determination and statehood. Allow me to underline the following points in that regard. First, this resolution is one more piece in the broader mosaic that forms the United Nations doctrine on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Previous resolutions remain fully valid and constitute the essential foundation of any future effort. Second, this resolution must be read in its entirety. Its annex is an integral part of it, and all parties must comply with it. It clearly affirms — no annexation, no occupation, no forced displacement. Third, humanitarian aid must enter and be distributed throughout Gaza through the United Nations agencies and other humanitarian actors, without interference. Israel can no longer impose restrictions that have contributed to the starvation of the Palestinian population in Gaza. Fourth, Gaza will be administered under a transitional arrangement by a technocratic Palestinian committee, pending the return of the Palestinian Authority to assume its full responsibilities in the Strip, as outlined in the comprehensive plan. Fifth, the establishment of an international stabilization force is a major development. We believe it will, first and foremost, provide protection to Palestinian civilians and enable the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupying forces from Gaza, as mandated. Sixth, today, Gaza lies in ruins, and its population bears the deep scars inflicted by a devastating war machine. The time has come for the reconstruction of Gaza, with the support of the international community and the international financial institutions, including the World Bank. Algeria, for its part, will stand ready to assume its responsibility and will contribute to the efforts to rebuild civilian infrastructure in Gaza solely for the benefit of the Palestinian people. Seventh, Palestinian people are enduring immense suffering, not only in Gaza, but also in the West Bank, where settler terrorism has reached unprecedented levels. Dispossession, annexation and the relentless expansion of settlements are eroding, day by day, the very prospects of a viable Palestinian State. Protection measures must therefore be extended to the West Bank as a matter of urgency. Accountability is equally indispensable. Resolution 2334 (2016) must be fully and faithfully implemented. Eighth, we hope that the implementation of this peace plan will open a genuine horizon for the Palestinian people to realize their inalienable right to self- determination and to statehood, one that brings together the Palestinian people of Gaza and of the West Bank and finally puts an end to their suffering. The parameters of the solution are well-known. They are clearly outlined in the New York Declaration Two days ago, the international community commemorated the thirty-seventh anniversary of the proclamation of the State of Palestine. That proclamation, made on 15 November 1988, in Algiers, still resonates with hope and dignity. Allow me to recall the words of the late Yasser Arafat in the Palestinian Declaration of Independence, “in its struggle to secure peace in a land that has always carried the names of love and peace, the State of Palestine calls upon the United Nations, entrusted with the special responsibility towards the Palestinian people and their homeland, and calls upon the peoples and nations of the world, especially those who cherish peace and freedom, to help them achieve their just aspirations and bring an end to their long tragedy”. This requires providing them with protection and working decisively to end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. We hope that those engaged in this process will remain faithful to this call — a call that echoes across generations and continues to guide the path towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. My country, Algeria, as stated several times by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, will remain steadfast in supporting such an endeavour.

The United Kingdom voted in favour of resolution 2803 (2025) as a critical staging post in the implementation of the peace plan for Palestinians, Israelis and the region, turning the page on two devastating years of conflict towards a lasting peace. Last month, the international community came together in Sharm el-Sheikh to deliver a strong message of support for President Trump’s 20-point plan and the diplomatic efforts of Qatar, Türkiye and Egypt. This resolution takes that plan forward and has the support of Arab and Islamic countries, which has been welcomed by the Palestinian Authority. We thank President Trump for his leadership and the United States for bringing this resolution forward. It is right that we build on this momentum so that an international stabilization force can be deployed quickly to support the ceasefire and to avoid a vacuum being left that Hamas could exploit. We must also substantially step up our work to support the United Nations humanitarian effort. That requires opening all crossings and ensuring that aid agencies and international non-governmental organizations can operate without obstruction. We must help those in desperate need where they are throughout Gaza. Humanitarian relief and reconstruction must take place across all parts of the Gaza Strip and in a manner that prevents further displacement. We repeat our call for the urgent return of the remaining deceased hostages. The transitional arrangements that we embark on today must be implemented in accordance with international law and respecting Palestinian sovereignty and self-determination. This should strengthen the unity of Gaza and the West Bank and empower Palestinian institutions to enable a reformed Palestinian Authority to resume governance in Gaza. We also look forward to the urgent formation of a Palestinian committee alongside the Board of Peace as part of the transitional arrangements. The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned that deteriorating economic conditions in the West Bank, alongside increasing settler violence, could undermine progress in Gaza. The United Kingdom will continue to work with the United States and all our partners to implement this resolution and to map a credible pathway to a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike, based on a two-State solution. Guyana voted in favour of the resolution just considered (resolution 2803 (2025)), as beyond preserving the ceasefire, building on the ceasefire deal is also critical. Guyana acknowledges that the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict seeks to go beyond the cessation of hostilities and to chart a clear path for the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. In this regard, Guyana stresses that efforts to this end must be rooted in the two-State solution, which must remain the centrepiece of all peace efforts in Palestine. The continuing occupation of the Palestinian territory is a violation of international law, bolstered by the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of July 2024 (see A/78/968), which confirmed this and said that the occupation must be brought to an end. The Security Council must therefore ensure that the tenets of international law are upheld. Throughout the negotiation of the text, clarity regarding the role of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza was important to my delegation. Guyana is of the firm view that the PA must have an integral role in these processes, and that role should not be subject to preconditions that are not measurable. We believe that this is also linked to retaining the centrality of the two- State solution as the only just, viable and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question. Operating from this premise will ensure that Palestinians exercise their right to self-determination. Furthermore, the central role of the United Nations in the recovery and reconstruction process must be safeguarded. Guyana anticipates that with the adoption of this resolution, the implementation phase will prioritize identifying and building on the synergies between the Comprehensive Plan and other relevant frameworks, including the Arab early recovery, reconstruction and development plan for Gaza, the New York Declaration and all relevant United Nations resolutions on the question of Palestine. We urge that the interest of the Palestinian people remain paramount.

We thank the United States for submitting resolution 2803 (2025), which welcomes and endorses President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and lays the groundwork for its implementation. Pakistan voted in favour of this resolution with the primary objective, in the immediate term, to stop the bloodshed, save the lives of innocent Palestinians, including women and children, maintain the ceasefire, ensure much-needed large-scale humanitarian relief and secure the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The question of Palestine is at the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Pakistan’s position on this issue has always been in line with, and in support of, Palestine and the Arab countries as the principal stakeholders in this dispute. Accordingly, our vote was guided by the position of Palestine and the Group of Arab States, as well as the group of eight Arab and Islamic countries — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Türkiye and Pakistan — which came together in September in support of President Trump’s commendable initiative to bring the war in Gaza to an end. We welcomed that initiative because it not only established the ceasefire the on ground but also subscribed to the need for humanitarian assistance, reconstruction and the provision of a secure and stable environment, and to the hope for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. Some important suggestions, however, were not reflected, such as a clear political path to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, the central role of the Palestinian Authority in governance and reconstruction and enhanced involvement of the United Nations, besides clarifications about the Board of Peace (BOP) and the mandate of the International Stabilization Force (ISF). Those are all crucial aspects with a bearing on the success of this endeavour. We earnestly hope that further details in the coming weeks will provide the much-needed clarity on these issues. After two years of devastating war and an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, in which more than 69,000 innocent Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, a ray of hope emerged with the signing of the peace agreement at the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit between Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United States. Pakistan, as a part of the group of eight Arab, Islamic countries, welcomed the efforts by President Trump and his proposal to end the war, rebuild Gaza, prevent the displacement of the Palestinian people, advance comprehensive peace and halt the annexation of the West Bank. We engaged with sincerity and constructively to help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and support a viable path to peace, stability and the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination and statehood. Pakistan’s consistent policy and every action pursuant to it is for a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question based on international legitimacy, Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign, independent and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. That must be the ultimate objective and the culmination of any peace process or initiative on the Middle East. Our position is firmly grounded in international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions. Pakistan reaffirms its full support for, and solidarity with, the Palestinian people and will continue to stand with them at every stage. We hope that the momentum generated by the ongoing peace efforts will help achieve these objectives, and we call on the international community to uphold its obligations in this regard. Allow me to underline our position on some key elements related to today’s resolution. First, the existing Security Council resolutions on the question of Palestine remain fully valid. This resolution shall not alter or diminish them. Second, the right to self-determination is inherent and unconditional. This right is enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, applies equally to the Palestinian people and cannot be subjected to any conditions. Third, as the resolution and the peace plan envisage, the Board of Peace is a transitional oversight mechanism. The mandate granted to the BOP by the Council is temporary and expires in 2027 unless renewed. Importantly, the executive and administrative authority in Gaza must remain with the Palestinians through a Palestinian committee. Fifth, the establishment of the temporary International Stabilization Force could truly be stabilizing if guided by a clear peacekeeping mandate consistent with United Nations norms. Disarmament should take place through an agreed political process, negotiated under a unified Palestinian national authority. It is also important that the ceasefire be fully respected by all sides. Unilateral violations of the ceasefire will threaten and thwart the entire process and must not be tolerated. The protection of the people of Gaza will be a key priority in the ISF mandate. Sixth, the reporting envisaged in the resolution constitutes a vital mechanism. It must be comprehensive and cover all aspects of the implementation of the plan, including the ISF mandate and activities. Seventh, Israeli troops must withdraw from Gaza, which is an essential requirement for restoring Palestinian sovereignty and securing durable peace. The ISF mandate will be effective only once there is a complete Israeli withdrawal. Eighth, there must be no annexation and no forced displacement under any circumstances. The territorial contiguity of the West Bank and Gaza is indispensable for a viable, sovereign and independent State of Palestine. Finally, we believe that in order to break the cycle of violence, it is absolutely necessary to end the occupation and to have a political horizon, open the pathway to the Palestinian State through a credible, time-bound political process firmly anchored in the relevant United Nations resolutions. Durable peace and stability in the region will come only with the establishment of the Palestinian State as part of the two-State solution. Looking ahead, the central roles of the United Nations, the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people are vital in ensuring legitimate governance, reconstruction and institution-building in Gaza. The international community must stand with them steadfastly and firmly. At this solemn moment in history, Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Palestine. Their suffering is our anguish; their resilience is our pride; their aspiration, our cause. The people of Gaza have endured what no human being should ever face. Yet, they have proudly and boldly upheld their dignity, identity and hope. Their courage obliges us to act with moral clarity and sustained political commitment. Pakistan reaffirms that it will continue to support the Palestinian struggle and right to self-determination. And until they are realized, our solidarity will remain unwavering and our voice, unshakable.

Today the Republic of Korea voted in favour of resolution 2803 (2025), submitted by the United States. The Security Council has taken a significant step towards ending the conflict in Gaza and supporting a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. The Republic of Korea appreciates the leadership and constructive efforts of the United States in achieving this important progress. With an official statement last month, the Republic of Korea warmly welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza through the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. Now, having taken a further step to consolidate and materialize this plan, we We hope that today’s adoption of this resolution and endorsement of the Comprehensive Plan will pave the way towards a better future for Gaza and the entire Middle East. At the same time, we underscore the need for the plan to continue evolving in a manner that delivers tangible, sustainable and irreversible progress. The resolution adopted today includes important elements. We expect that the details of the resolution, such as the composition, time frame and the work of the Board of Peace and the International Stabilization Force will be further developed and more practically operationalized in close engagement with the Security Council, ensuring its active involvement throughout the process. We all understand these elements are not complete, none of them can be easily accomplished, and there will be many challenges ahead. Thus, today’s adoption is not the end but marks a new beginning of our collective efforts to lay down the foundation for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. The international community, including the Security Council, should stay engaged in supporting our pathway that can transform this hard-won opportunity into a meaningful reality on the ground, again with the Council’s constructive engagement, including regular reporting to it. We also urge the parties to the conflict to strictly abide by the agreement and its spirit under this resolution. It must be duly noted that the Security Council has consistently championed the two-State solution as the sole viable path towards lasting peace in the region. My delegation believes that all efforts should ultimately serve the realization of the aspiration of the Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank, unified under the Palestinian Authority, as well as stability in the Middle East. The Republic of Korea, here and today, with honour, recommits to its constructive engagement to this end. We sincerely hope that, based on this adoption, genuine peace, dignity and prosperity can eventually be realized for all.

Slovenia voted for this resolution (resolution 2803 (2025)) because it is the best way to secure that the current ceasefire leads to a permanent peace. We supported the resolution because of the strong support of the countries of the region and potential future troop-contributing countries. They are assuming the largest responsibility for the future of Palestine and the Palestinians, and we listened to their appeal. We also voted yes because, through this resolution, the Security Coun­ cil is assuming its rightful supervisory role for the implementation of the peace plan. For two years, Slovenia has consistently called for an end to the war in Gaza. Our calls throughout the war have been for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Two years is not immediate, and clearly it is conditional. We thank the United States for submitting this resolution and for the consultative process it steered, with the strong participation of the countries in the region. Their voices and the voice of Palestine played an important role in guiding today’s decision of the Council. Slovenia has approached its work on the Council with a heavy sense of responsibility. Throughout our term, we have consistently called for a strong role of the Council. On many occasions, we mentioned historical responsibilities, and this resolution surely falls under that category. In this vein, Slovenia remains convinced that clear terms of reference for the work of the Board of Peace, along with its composition, should be transmitted to the Council when available. While this resolution provides a framework, we understand Slovenia believes that the Palestinian Authority must assume full responsibilities in the Gaza Strip and calls on the transitional arrangement to support this goal in a timely manner. We further believe the details for the deployment and operation of the International Stabilization Force should be hammered out in a close consultative process with potential troop-contributing countries. We also believe the Council should be regularly briefed on the work of the Board of Peace and the International Stabilization Force, in addition to the mandated written reports. Our calls in this war have, first and foremost, been calls for the protection of civilians. We continue calling for the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid and humanitarian operations, including those concerning the registration of non-governmental organizations and limitations on the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, an obligation confirmed by the International Court of Justice. Finally, Slovenia reaffirms its unwavering support to the two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. We therefore call for building on the momentum and pursuing a tangible political process on the basis of the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

France commends the commitment of the United States in its decisive efforts, undertaken together with Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye, which have led to a ceasefire agreement, the release of hostages and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and which are reflected in this resolution 2803 (2025). France voted in favour of the resolution in order to respond to the most urgent needs of the population and to support the ongoing peace efforts. With this affirmative vote, France intends to support the political momentum aimed at bringing a lasting end to the war in Gaza, providing humanitarian aid commensurate with needs, preventing a resurgence of violence, restoring security for the populations and creating the conditions for a credible political horizon in Israel and Palestine. The objectives pursued by this text respond to urgent needs, namely: immediate, massive and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza, in coordination with the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and international non-governmental organizations, in strict compliance with international humanitarian law, including the protection of persons not participating or no longer participating in hostilities and the principles of humanitarian action; the rapid deployment of a temporary International Stabilization Force, mandated by the Security Council; the early recovery and sustainable reconstruction of Gaza, which is now in ruins after two years of war; the disarmament and demobilization of all armed groups, in particular Hamas; addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns; addressing the equally legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians for self-determination in a Palestinian State, consistent with the recognition of the State of Palestine by France and several of its partners. The implementation of the resolution must be part of a clear political and legal framework, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions, internationally agreed parameters and the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. This political framework is based on three pillars. The second pillar is the swift return of a reformed and strengthened Palestinian Authority to Gaza, with the support of the international community and the exclusion of Hamas from any role in the governance of the enclave. The third pillar is the unity of Gaza and the West Bank, both of which are integral parts of the territory of the Palestinian State. In this regard, any demographic or territorial change in the enclave and any occupation or annexation of Gaza are excluded. In the West Bank, the pursuit of the settlement policy constitutes a serious violation of international law and threatens the prospect of a two-State solution. This framework is based on the fundamental principles of international action, in particular respect for international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as the right of the Palestinian people to self- determination. We will continue to defend these principles consistently and with conviction, rooted as they are in international law. These principles must guide our collective action in implementing this resolution, both at the Security Council and on the ground. By voting today in favour of this resolution presented by the United States, France is choosing responsibility; a responsibility towards civilian populations, who have a right to protection and whose lives have been shattered, and towards a region that aspires to peace and stability. We commend the commitment of the United States, and we call on all parties to uphold their commitments, including with regard to international law, without delay. For its part, the Council must remain fully mobilized to support these efforts and the implementation of its decisions. It should be prepared to meet, without waiting for the reports mandated by this resolution, depending on developments on the ground, in order to ensure adequate progress through the stages, in particular the proper deployment of the temporary International Stabilization Force. The establishment of lasting peace and stabilization depends on it.

We have voted in favour of this resolution (resolution 2803 (2025)) and extend our appreciation to the United States, as penholder, for its leadership and for the constructive consultations that have taken place throughout this process. Our support for this text reflects our enduring commitment to the Palestinian cause and our determination to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. We commend President Trump’s 20-point plan and the establishment of the Board of Peace, as set out in the resolution, and its endorsement by the States participating in the Sharm el-Sheikh Conference, which enjoys the backing of eight Arab and Islamic countries. We regard the establishment of the International Stabilization Force as an important step towards civilian protection and stabilization on the ground, alongside broader political efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace. At the same time, we must register our serious concern regarding the absence of explicit references to the two-State solution, which has long been put forward as the only viable option for peace between Israel and Palestine. We believe it is crucial and critical that the path towards a comprehensive peace explicitly reflect these established international parameters. We also note with concern the limited clarity in the text regarding the role of United Nations humanitarian assistance and the role We affirm our solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterate our steadfast support for the realization of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. Our delegation stands ready to work with the international community to ensure that this opportunity is not lost and that peace in the occupied Palestinian territory and the wider region becomes not just a possibility but a reality.

Today is an important day for peace in the Middle East. At long last, after two years of bloodshed and suffering, the Council has endorsed a plan for peace. The bloodshed, triggered by Hamas’ terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023, can finally come to an end. We were all greatly relieved that all living hostages were released and returned to their homes after two years of Hamas captivity. This outcome comes thanks to the diplomatic leadership demonstrated by the United States and its unwavering commitment to a diplomatic solution. History will take note of our collective decision here today. Since Greece first took up its seat on the Security Council, we have been consistent in our calls for a ceasefire, for the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid at scale and for the reinvigoration of the political process. The resolution just adopted (resolution 2803 (2025)) lays the foundation for delivering on all the above. It prepares a path for a political process leading to the realization of the two-State solution, in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security. It constitutes only the start of the process opening the path for Palestinian self-determination and statehood, as stipulated in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. Importantly, as the Plan stipulates, no one will be forced to leave Gaza. May the peoples of the region suffer no more, and may they finally live in sustainable peace, because they have suffered too much. Gaza’s reconstruction and development is now also visible on the horizon. An empowered and reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) should return to the Strip as soon as possible and be in a position to exert effective control over Gaza and the West Bank. Greece, along with its European, Arab and other partners, will spare no efforts to support the reform process of the PA. Hamas will have no role in any form in the governance of Gaza. May its terror never again be unleashed upon the Israeli people or undermine peace in the whole region. The now mandated International Stabilization Force (ISF) must work with Egypt and Israel and see to the effective training of the vetted Palestinian police force to be able to secure border areas, stabilize the security environment in Gaza and protect civilians. A longtime friend of Israelis and Palestinians, Greece will study the modalities of the ISF as they unfold. In this regard, we are willing to play an active role and we stand ready to contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction and stabilization efforts. Peace in the Middle East is a conceivable, achievable outcome, one which could lead to a more prosperous, safe and more interconnected Middle East. This resolution endorses the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and lays the framework

After two years of brutal conflict in Gaza, the guns were finally silenced as the ceasefire entered into force on 10 October, in a long- awaited pause that offers renewed hope after immense suffering and hardship. Our hope is that Israelis and Palestinians alike can now finally begin recovering from the horrors of war and the devastation it has caused. Denmark voted in favour of this resolution in support of President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. We extend our sincere appreciation to the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye for their relentless efforts to secure an agreement on a ceasefire and the first phase of the plan under extremely difficult circumstances. This plan represents our best opportunity to bring about lasting peace in the Middle East — a peace in which civilians in Gaza can live in dignity and safety, a peace in which Palestinians can shape their own future and where Gaza is reunited with the West Bank under a reformed Palestinian Authority as part of a two-State solution, a peace in which Israel is secure from terrorism and Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in stability, coexistence and mutual security. Bringing the Gaza peace plan to the Council was a welcome decision. And we thank the United States for their engaged approach during the negotiations. Throughout the negotiations, Denmark has worked consistently and constructively to arrive at the best conditions for this peace to be sustainable, just and all-encompassing. In that regard, we would have liked to seek greater clarity on the role and composition of the Board of Peace and the International Stabilization Force in resolution 2803 (2025). Going forward, it will be essential to ensure that the implementation of the resolution takes place in full compliance with international law and the mandate given today and in accordance with the Palestinian right to self-determination, as we have consistently raised during negotiations. It will be important for the Council to follow up on this mandate, and we welcome the reporting obligation of the Board of Peace to the Council. It remains key to ensure unhindered access for humanitarian aid to Gaza, which should be delivered in accordance with international humanitarian law and in line with the humanitarian principles by the United Nations-led humanitarian system, which is best placed to undertake this monumental task. In this spirit, we believe that the resolution lays out a credible path towards peace that the region urgently needs. The region has voiced its full support and Denmark has listened. Today Denmark has voted with hope and humility, but also with a sense of optimism. We hope that this resolution will mark the first step towards a future in which peace is no longer negotiated in the Chamber, but lived day by day in two States, in a region that can finally fulfil the potential that has been hindered by war for far too long.

Panama recognizes the leadership of the United States and is grateful for the diplomatic efforts that it has shown in proposing and coordinating the text of resolution 2803 (2025), adopted by the Council today. We endorse the plan to end the conflict and to achieve peace, endorsed by President Donald Trump, which stands as an annex to the resolution and is an integral part thereof. Perfect is the enemy of good. Panama voted in favour of this resolution, submitted by the United States and supported by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan and Türkiye, because even recognizing the urgent and immediate need to comprehensively address the political and security Over the past two years, the war, unleashed following the devastating attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October 2023, which Panama has repeatedly condemned, led to the tragic reality that Gaza is living today. We reiterate that the future of Gaza must be forged without the presence and control of Hamas. The current situation on the ground demands an urgent response that prioritizes security, integration and the protection of the Gazan and Israeli civilian populations. We therefore believe that the resolution, submitted by the United States and adopted by the Council today, represents a first necessary step to consolidate the ceasefire, reinforce vital humanitarian assistance and support international efforts geared towards starting the reconstruction and setting out on a different path that the Palestinian people in Gaza, their native land, has known for too long. We also recognize and reiterate our support for the crucial work carried out by United Nations agencies in the protection and assistance provided to the civilian population, including in the most difficult circumstances. And we underscore the need to guarantee their access, security and operational capacity in the Palestinian territory. It is Panama’s understanding that Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are integral parts of the future Palestinian State in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and international law. For this reason, we reiterate that the only sustainable path involves a solution that would allow the people of Palestine and Israel to live side by side in two States in peace, security and dignity for both within mutually recognized and fully respected borders. Panama will continue to work with all actors, supporting actions and initiatives, such as the resolution adopted today to continue building in order to preserve the ceasefire, protect civilians and keep open all paths to a political solution that would promote a just, dignified and lasting peace.

The Russian Federation abstained in the voting on resolution 2803 (2025), drafted by the United States. This is a draft that we simply could not support. We appreciate the efforts of the United States and other mediators, which have made it possible to halt the active phase of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and prevent famine, as well as to achieve a ceasefire, secure the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees and exchange the bodies of those killed. We see that these efforts are welcomed both in the Middle East region and all over the world. At the same time, when it comes to decisions taken by the Security Council, which is the principal organ — under the Charter of the United Nations — tasked with maintaining international peace and security, we should bear in mind the responsibility incumbent upon the Council. That is precisely why, since the very beginning of negotiations on the text, we have consistently insisted that Security Council members be granted a statutory role with the requisite tools of accountability and control. Moreover, we took as a starting point the premise that the resolution must reflect the universally recognized international legal basis, reaffirming fundamental decisions and principles, first and foremost the cornerstone formula of “two States for two peoples.” After all it is precisely this approach that was endorsed by an overwhelming majority in the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, adopted following two forums in support of the two-State solution. This is not a theoretical issue, but a very practical one, and it remains particularly relevant in the light of the unequivocal public statements coming from the highest echelons of Israel’s leadership asserting that creating a Palestinian To sum up, the United States document is yet another pig in a poke. In essence, the Council is giving its blessing to the United States initiative relying exclusively on Washington’s honour, leaving the Gaza Strip at the mercy of the Board of Peace and the international stabilization force, the working methods of which are still unknown to us. The most important thing here is to ensure that this document does not become a smokescreen for unbridled experiments by the United States and Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory or turn into a death sentence for the two-State solution. Russia took note of Ramallah’s position and that of many Arab-Muslim States, which spoke in favour of the American resolution so as to avoid renewed bloodshed in the enclave. We therefore chose not to submit our own draft, which was aimed at amending the United States concept to bring it into conformity with long-standing previously agreed United Nations resolutions. But there is no cause for celebration: today is a sorrowful day for the Security Council. Besides the wishes of the parties concerned, there is also such a notion as the integrity of the Security Council. And today, with the adoption of this resolution, that integrity and the prerogatives of the Council have been undermined. In this case, we hope that we are proven wrong, and we hope that we can count on the United States to demonstrate its peacekeeping potential in practice. And this potential will be assessed by the ability of the United States to successfully ensure a lasting peace, whereby Israel and Palestine coexist in peace and security within the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem becoming the capital of both States, as per Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, international law and prior agreements that meet both the interests of Israelis in ensuring their own security and the right of Palestinians to have a State of their own. The implementation of President Trump’s plan now falls squarely on the shoulders of its authors and supporters, primarily from among the eight Arab-Muslim nations that endorsed the plan. Regrettably, we have already had unfortunate experience of decisions on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that were pushed through by the United States leading to the opposite result to what was intended. Members cannot say that we did not warn them.

Gaza, brutalized by two years of war, is a land of ruins in dire need of rebuilding. More than 2 million people continue to live in deprivation and struggle in displacement. China supports the Security Council in taking all necessary action to achieve a lasting ceasefire, relieve the humanitarian First, the resolution is vague and unclear on many critical elements. The penholder requests the Council to authorize the establishment of a Board of Peace and international stabilization force, which will play a key role in the post-war governance in Gaza. It should have explained in detail their structure, composition, terms of reference and criteria of participation, among others. This should have been an essential basis for the Council’s serious discussions. However, the resolution contains skimpy details on these critical elements. Despite repeated requests from Council members for more information, no response has been forthcoming from the penholder. Secondly, the resolution does not demonstrate the fundamental principle of Palestinians governing Palestine. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people, not to anyone else. Any post-war arrangements must respect the will of the Palestinian people and give full play to the vital role of the Palestinian Authority. The resolution outlines post-war governance arrangements for Gaza, but it seems that Palestine is barely visible in it, and Palestinian sovereignty and ownership are not fully reflected. Of particular concern is that the resolution fails to explicitly reiterate a firm commitment to the two-State solution as an international consensus. Thirdly, the resolution does not ensure the effective participation of the United Nations and its Security Council. The resolution requests the Council to authorize the Board of Peace to assume full responsibility for the civil and secure arrangements in Gaza, but it stipulates no oversight or review mechanism beyond the annual written reports. The United Nations has ample experience and capacities in post-conflict recovery and economic reconstruction and should therefore play a vital role in Gaza’s post-war governance. However, no such arrangement is made in the resolution. Fourthly, the resolution is not a product of full consultations among Council members. Less than two weeks after introducing the resolution, the penholder rushed the Council into making a critical decision on the future and destiny of Gaza. Council members responsibly engaged in the consultations, raising a lot of constructive questions and suggestions, but most of them were not taken on board. While there remained major concerns and serious differences among members, the penholder forced the Council to take action on the resolution. We are deeply disappointed at such an approach, which is disrespectful to Council members and hurts the Council’s solidarity. Notwithstanding the many aforementioned issues in the resolution and China’s major concerns about it, considering the fragile and severe situation in Gaza, the imperative of maintaining the ceasefire and the positions of the countries of the region and Palestine, China abstained in the voting. It must also be noted that our concerns and worries remain. The Security Council must continue to pay close attention to the situation in Gaza and the Palestinian question. The Palestinian question lies at the heart of the Middle East issue. It is a matter of international equity and justice. The international community must steadfastly advance the two-State solution and pursue the political settlement of the Palestinian question. It means establishing an independent Palestinian State with full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, therefore realizing the Palestinian people’s right to statehood, survival and return. China has always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights. We stand ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. Sierra Leone thanks the United States for coordinating the process that culminated in the submitting of the resolution just adopted by the Council (resolution 2803 (2025)). We thank President Donald J. Trump for his leadership and also thank the other mediators, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye, for their commendable efforts. Sierra Leone voted in favour of resolution 2803 (2025). We did so mindful of our responsibilities as a member of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and of our long-standing support for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, grounded in international law, the protection of civilians and a negotiated two-State solution, with an independent viable and contiguous State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security. Our vote also took careful account of the fact that the text had been accepted by the Palestinian Authority and had received support from a number of States in the region that are closely engaged with the peace efforts. Their views and their readiness to work with this framework were an important consideration for Sierra Leone in assessing whether the resolution could, if implemented in good faith, contribute to de-escalation and create space for a political process. Throughout the negotiations, Sierra Leone was guided by four core principles: first, safeguarding the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination; secondly, ensuring the protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access; thirdly, anchoring any stabilization measures in a clear, lawful and time-bound framework that restores legitimate Palestinian governance; and fourthly, preserving regional peace and security in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. We attach particular importance to the legal effects of the decisions of the Council. On matters within its mandate under the Charter, the Security Council may create binding obligations for Member States, by virtue of the consent already given by all Members to accept and carry out its decisions. In so doing, the Council can contribute to the progressive development and codification of international law relating to the maintenance of international peace and security. At the same time, the Council’s authority is not without limits. It is constrained by the Charter and by peremptory norms of general international law, jus cogens, which admit no derogation. Among these peremptory norms is the right of peoples to self-determination, as elaborated by the International Law Commission and affirmed by the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice. The Council cannot lawfully extinguish, suspend or condition such a right. It is therefore Sierra Leone’s clear understanding that nothing in this resolution impairs, qualifies or defers the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self- determination and to an independent State. That right exists independently of any peace plan, governance arrangement or reform programme. In accordance with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem (see A/78/968), the United Nations, including the Council, is called upon to operationalize that right, not to postpone or dilute it. Against this background, we interpret the references in the resolution to a future pathway to Palestinian self- determination and statehood as reaffirming, and not conditioning, the existing right of the Palestinian people. Any benchmarks concerning governance or reform can relate only to the manner in which that right is exercised in practice, not to its existence in law. The resolution establishes a Board of Peace as a transitional governance administration and authorizes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza. Sierra Leone engaged constructively on these aspects and submitted Although not all of our proposals were incorporated in the final text, we wish to place on record our understanding of its legal implications. First, we regard the Board of Peace as transitional in nature. It is a temporary framework intended to help stabilize Gaza, facilitate the implementation of the peace agreement and support the re-establishment of legitimate Palestinian governance. It does not and cannot alter the status of the occupied Palestinian territory, nor confer or transfer sovereignty. Secondly, we understand the Council to be acting, in substance, under its Chapter VII responsibilities for the maintenance of international peace and security, particularly with respect to authorizing the International Stabilization Force. The powers conferred on the ISF must be exercised in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Thirdly, the Board of Peace and the ISF function within, and not outside, the framework of the law of occupation and the applicable rules on international responsibility. Any actor exercising effective control over territory or persons, whether a State or a mandated entity, bears corresponding legal obligations and potential accountability. We underline that, as concerns the situation prior to the adoption of this resolution, the international legal responsibility of the State of Israel continues to subsist. In particular, Israel’s obligations as the occupying Power persist with respect to: the investigation and prosecution, as appropriate, of alleged atrocity crimes; the protection of the human rights of Palestinians, including those in detention; the dignified return of the remains of the deceased; and the continuing illegality, under international law, of settlement activities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. We further reaffirm the unity and contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory, comprising the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, as recognized in previous resolutions of the Council and the General Assembly. Nothing in this resolution may be interpreted as fragmenting that territorial integrity or prejudging final status issues, which must be resolved through negotiations in line with international law. On the question of permanent sovereignty over natural resources, Sierra Leone recalls the long-standing resolutions of the General Assembly and the positions of the Council affirming the right of the Palestinian people to permanent sovereignty over their natural resources, including land and maritime resources in the occupied Palestinian territory. We regret that our proposed language explicitly reaffirming this right was not retained in the final text. We therefore place on record that we understand that right to remain fully applicable and unimpaired. Our vote in favour reflects a carefully considered balance. The resolution is not without shortcomings, and it does not fully reflect all of Sierra Leone’s preferences and proposals. As said by the Permanent Representative of Panama, and as the French philosopher Voltaire aptly put it, “perfect is the enemy of good”. However, taken as a whole, and bearing in mind its acceptance by the Palestinian Authority and the support expressed by key States in the region, we are of the view that the resolution contains elements which, if implemented in good faith and in full conformity with international law, can help consolidate the ceasefire, strengthen the peace agreement, improve humanitarian access and create conditions for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, while contributing to regional stability. Sierra Leone will continue to support all genuine efforts, within and outside the Council, to end the current cycle of violence and to advance a just peace that delivers security and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis, in line with international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations. I now resume my functions as President of the Council.