S/PV.10129 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Egypt to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations; and His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2026/261, which contains the text of a letter dated 30 March 2026 from the Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a concept note on the item under consideration. I now give the floor to Mr. Khiari. Mr. Khiari: I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Council today on cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. I am also honoured to address the Council alongside His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. Cooperation between the two organizations is long-standing, and we continue to strengthen this partnership at every opportunity. It remains indispensable across a number of regional files. Such cooperation is especially important at a time when the Middle East is facing multiple and overlapping crises, which are causing immense human suffering, civilian casualties and serious disruption beyond the region. In this context, the role of regional organizations, as envisaged in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, is more essential than ever. Ending the conflict in the Middle East is in the vital interest of the international community. Its consequences are already grave, and the destruction and suffering continue to grow each day. The Secretary-General has repeatedly called for an immediate end to the current war. He has also called on the parties to recommit to a diplomatic track that addresses the security and concerns of all affected parties, including countries in the region. To this end, the Secretary-General has appointed Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy to lead the United Nations efforts on the conflict in the Middle East and its consequences. I am certain that the League will be a key partner in the Personal Envoy’s work. Its support will be essential to advancing peace in the region for the benefit of its people and the wider world. In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the immediate priority remains clear: to consolidate the fragile ceasefire in Gaza and to turn this narrow but important opening into irreversible progress. That progress must support stabilization, recovery and a credible political horizon towards a viable two-State solution. We support a force to implement resolution 2803 (2025), which endorsed the United States’ Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. In this context, close cooperation between the United Nations and the League remains vital, both for supporting Gaza’s recovery and for sustaining regional and international attention on the broader political, humanitarian and protection challenges across the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The situation in Lebanon is also dire. Tensions are rising, including along sectarian lines, and Israeli evacuation orders have triggered mass displacement. We appreciate the League’s continued solidarity with Lebanon and its consistent call for the full implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). We also value its support for the State to exercise exclusive authority across all Lebanese territory. We are equally grateful for the League’s support for the flash appeal launched by the Secretary-General in Beirut on 13 March. In the Syrian Arab Republic, the United Nations continues to engage closely with the Government and with members of the League. Our aim is to support Syria’s recovery from the devastating legacy of conflict and to promote an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political transition. In Libya, deep institutional divisions and unilateral actions continue to undermine unity and long-term stability. With the support of the League and other partners, we are advancing a political road map to overcome the stalemate. We also welcome the League’s continued engagement on the Sudan, including through the quintet mechanism in support of coordinated peace efforts. Close collaboration between our two organizations remains essential to advancing a coherent and unified international approach to securing an end to the fighting and establishing a future political process. In order to mitigate ongoing political challenges in Somalia, the Federal Government should continue to pursue inclusive dialogue with all federal member states and with the opposition. This will be essential to reaching a broad-based consensus on key State-building priorities. That effort will require coordinated political and financial support from the international community. It will also require sustained and wellcoordinated regional and international engagement, including through joint United Nations-League of Arab States coordination and support. This is vital to enable Somalia to safeguard its stability and State-building gains. What unites all of these files is the need for sustained regional and international coordination. In each case, the partnership between our two organizations strengthens political engagement, reinforces collective diplomacy and supports more coherent responses to conflicts, humanitarian needs and recovery. In this regard, I would like to highlight the League’s hosting of the sixteenth biennial United Nations-League of Arab States sectoral meeting in November 2025. The meeting provided an important opportunity for focused discussions on the women and peace and security agenda; the youth, peace and security agenda; child-related armed conflict; and humanitarian aid. In July, we will convene the seventeenth biennial United Nations-League of Arab States general meeting on cooperation in Geneva. This will be a critical forum for both organizations to review the full range of cooperation and help ensure coordination across all sectors. It will include political issues, identify cost-saving scenarios and explore new opportunities to strengthen our joint efforts. We look forward to further deepening this partnership in the years ahead for the benefit of the peoples of the Arab region and beyond.

I thank Mr. Khiari for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Aboul Gheit.

My dear brother and friend, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the Council for this month, allow me at the outset to extend my sincere congratulations to the Kingdom of Bahrain on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I also wish to express my appreciation for the important role it is playing in the work of the Council. I commend your efforts, Mr. President, in organizing this high-level meeting and placing it at the forefront of the Council’s agenda during your presidency — an initiative that reflects your sincere commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination between the League of Arab States and the Security Council, in particular in view of the critical circumstances and escalating challenges facing our region and the world. The convening of this meeting at such a complex time underscores the need for the Council to fully uphold its responsibilities towards the maintenance of international peace and security. The League of Arab States and its member States firmly believe that the Security Council must be the primary and automatic recourse for all States facing aggression, attacks or threats to their security and sovereignty from any party. The Council possesses both the authority and the capacity to act to resolve such situations and to support States subjected to aggression by safeguarding their security and sovereignty, thereby enhancing international peace and security — a fundamental responsibility entrusted to it under the Charter of the United Nations. We are convinced that strengthening cooperation with the Security Council is not an option, but a strategic necessity driven by the intertwined threats facing the Arab region, as those present are well aware. Experience has shown that the League of Arab States is an effective and reliable partner, working tirelessly with the Council to support political solutions on a number of Arab issues under the auspices of the United Nations. Such collaboration reflects the spirit of Chapter VIII of the Charter and the important role of regional organizations, which have a deeper understanding of the specificities and complexities of regional crises. To our profound regret, the Arab region faces today a serious and unprecedented challenge in its severity and impacts, as, to our utmost regret once again, Iran continues its daily assaults with missiles and drones on a number of Arab States, in a blatant and flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations. The League of Arab States renews its full condemnation, in the strongest terms, of these deliberate and brutal Iranian assaults on the States of the Gulf, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Iraq. These deliberate and illegal assaults have targeted civilian objects and infrastructure, including airports, ports, hotels, energy and industry facilities, food security services, service sites, residential areas and diplomatic and consular premises, resulting in the loss of innocent civilian lives and enormous material destruction. These Iranian assaults cannot be accepted or justified under any argument or pretext, especially since the Arab States have maintained a policy of good neighbourliness, clearly announced their rejection of war on Iran and rejected the use of their territories and airspace as launch pads for operations in this war. We support all efforts aimed at the immediate cessation of the war and the Iranian assaults, and we stress here before the Council that the continuation of these assaults, in explicit violation of resolution 2817 (2026), adopted as recently as 11 March, may place upon the Council the responsibility to take measures that oblige Iran to stop them immediately and unconditionally. We hold Iran fully responsible for the consequences resulting from these assaults in accordance with the requirements of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. I would like to point out here that the Iranian assaults are also considered a grave violation of the most basic principles of morality, good neighbourliness and human rights, and they will only serve to deepen enmity and undermine the chances of normal future relations based on good neighbourliness and cooperation. In this context, the League of Arab States has welcomed the adoption by the Human Rights Council on 25 March 2026 of a resolution on the human rights implications of these heinous attacks (Human Rights Council resolution 61/1). The League also condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian acts, actions and measures aimed at closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting international navigation or threatening the freedom of navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and international waters. We demand that Iran immediately stop all attacks against commercial ships and refrain from any attempts to impede legitimate transit or undermine the freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In this framework, we support the Bahraini endeavour to have the Council adopt a resolution in this regard, and we praise the flexibility that the Kingdom of Bahrain has shown in the negotiating process and look forward to its adoption at the earliest opportunity. We call on the Member States that supported resolution 2817 (2026) to support this resolution or the proposed draft, in the hope that it will contribute to putting an end to the Iranian violations and transgressions that threaten the security of energy, navigation and commercial movement in the Arabian Gulf and in the whole world. Since its establishment 80 years ago, the League of Arab States has exerted continuous efforts in confronting Iran’s attempts to exercise what resembles a veto over the freedom of transit through the vital strait, and it was a pioneer in warning of the dangers of this behaviour to the security of navigation and energy supplies. We recall here the continuous Arab warnings that were launched before the Security Council regarding the assaults on Saudi oil facilities in 2019 and the sabotage of Saudi and Emirati commercial ships in the same year, and then the assault on Abu Dhabi Airport with drones in 2022, which are warnings that were, to our utmost regret, not taken with the required level of seriousness at the time. The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has revealed to the whole world once again the extent of the close interconnection between the security of the Middle East and the interests of the global economy, as sustainable and comprehensive security in the Middle East is considered a global necessity, not merely a regional affair. The issue of strengthening cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab States cannot be addressed without dwelling on the Palestinian question, which remains at the forefront of Arab priorities. Despite the calm that has been achieved in Gaza, the humanitarian conditions in the Strip remain extremely difficult and are even exacerbating, requiring urgent and effective international action. The League of Arab States condemns the expansionist Israeli settlement policies in the West Bank, which represent a blatant violation of the resolutions of the Council, a complete and perhaps final undermining of the two-State solution, and a clear contravention of the provisions of international law. In this regard, we warn of a clear and escalating Israeli scheme that is aimed at achieving a practical annexation of the West Bank through accelerating the pace of settlement in an unprecedented manner and through the shameful tolerance of settler terrorism, the pace and severity of which have increased against defenceless Palestinian civilians, reaching the point of the occupying Power’s approval of racist laws such as the recent and dangerous decision that allows the execution of Palestinian prisoners. Sustainable stability in this region of the world cannot be achieved without granting the Palestinian people their full rights, and there is no alternative to the two- State solution as a formula that enjoys comprehensive international consensus, such that the independent Palestinian State is established on the borders of 4 June 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital. In Lebanon, the League of Arab States condemns the Israeli raids that targeted civilian objects and facilities affiliated with the Lebanese State, as well as the targeting of residential areas in the capital, Beirut, and warns of the severe risks entailed by the schemes of the occupying Power to expand its assaults on Lebanon. The League reaffirms its full solidarity with the Lebanese State in all the measures it takes to uphold its sovereignty over its entire territory. We support the decision of Lebanon’s Council of Ministers, issued on 2 March, regarding the immediate cessation of Hizbullah’s military activities and the enforcement of the principle that arms are to be held exclusively by the State and its legitimate institutions. Over the past year, the League has continued to play an active role in supporting peace efforts in the Sudan, stemming from its regional responsibility and commitment to preserving the stability, security and territorial integrity of its member States. Throughout the unfolding of the Sudanese crisis, the League has been committed to coordinating political initiatives and engaging closely with international and regional partners, foremost among them the United Nations and the African Union, and to promoting multilateral action through the quintet mechanism, with a view to facilitating a comprehensive intra-Sudanese dialogue, leading to the immediate resumption of the transitional process as soon as the ongoing war comes to an end. From 8 to 10 March, the League hosted a productive round of talks between the quintet mechanism and a number of Sudanese civil and political stakeholders. In this context, the League reaffirmed its rejection of any arrangements that would undermine the Sudan’s sovereignty or threaten its territorial integrity, and the League refused to accept the existence of parallel frameworks to State institutions. We encourage all Sudanese to reach a political settlement that leads to the formation of an elected civilian Government and the collection and consolidation of arms under the authority of the State. The League calls on the Security Council to work jointly to support efforts to secure a ceasefire and back the political processes in a manner that contributes to restoring security and stability and meets the aspirations of the Sudanese people. The League of Arab States reaffirms its unwavering position in safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of the territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It firmly rejects any attempts to undermine the status of the north-western region of Somalia or to impose a fait accompli outside the framework of international law. The League condemns the unprecedented unilateral and unwarranted recognition by the Israeli occupation of the so-called “Somaliland” region. It considers this a blatant violation of international law and the relevant resolutions of the international community. Any infringement upon Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would undermine regional peace and security and threaten the stability of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. The League also reaffirms its full support for Somalia’s efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen its role as an effective nation State capable of exercising its sovereignty throughout its entire territory. The League welcomes the Somali Parliament’s adoption in March of the country’s final Constitution and its entry into force. We consider this an important step towards completing the building of State institutions and entrenching the rule of law. We also appreciate the positive role Somalia is playing, through its membership in the Security Council, in promoting multilateralism and serving Arab and African causes. The League also follows the United Nations on other important issues, including the situations in Libya, Yemen or Syria. We are doing our utmost, sometimes under extremely difficult political circumstances, to assist all parties in adhering to political processes that lead to the resolution of ongoing crises, including the current crisis in the Gulf. I address the Council in what is my final statement before the conclusion of my term as Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. I have been in this role for 10 years. I must take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to my dear friend António Guterres, who will also leave office at the end of this year. His tenure at the helm of the Organization has been marked by unprecedented global challenges, during which multilateralism has been severely tested. Nevertheless, this dear friend steered the ship of international multilateralism with wisdom and competence, guided by a sound vision, political acumen and an unwavering moral compass that contributed to preserving the Organization’s leading role amid fierce storms. The framework of cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab States constitutes a key pillar in confronting growing global challenges. These challenges now encompass intertwined health, environmental and economic dimensions, in addition to the rise of terrorism, extremism, challenges related to food and water security, and the impacts of climate change. All of these have become interrelated factors that directly affect the stability of States and societies. They require comprehensive and integrated approaches that contribute to strengthening the capacity for effective response and crisis prevention. The League reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its engagement with the United Nations in resolving the Arab issues before the Council. This will be achieved by developing avenues of cooperation with the Secretary-General’s representatives working in conflict zones in the region. We will also draw upon qualified Arab experts who possess a deep understanding of the social and cultural specificities of Arab societies. This will enhance the effectiveness of international initiatives and ensure that they remain aligned with the realities of the region. Having knowledge of the region’s crises and culture is essential. In conclusion, anyone who believes that there are military solutions to the crises in this region is mistaken. What these crises share is the urgent need for sustainable political solutions based on respect for the people’s right to self-determination, State sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the strengthening of national institutions. This necessitates closer coordination between the Security Council and the League to ensure a more effective and equitable response to crises. We in the League want the Security Council to play an active role, free from bias or double standards. There is no alternative but to work towards a world governed by the principles of law and justice, not unilateral policies or the logic of force and coercion.

I thank Mr. Aboul Gheit for his briefing. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. (spoke in Arabic) I am honoured to take part in this meeting at the beginning of the presidency of the Kingdom of Bahrain of the Security Council for the month of April. The Kingdom of Bahrain is firmly committed to supporting the principles of the United Nations, promoting multilateral action and consolidating security and stability at the regional and international levels. At the outset, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to my brother, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, for his valuable briefing. I would also like to thank His Excellency Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, for his important briefing on the prospects for advancing cooperation between the two organizations. As Council members are well aware, Arab issues continue to feature prominently on the Security Council’s agenda. In this regard, we stress that promoting cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and the League of Arab States is no longer only a priority but that it has become an urgent necessity amid the political and legal commitment to preserving the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, preventing the exacerbation of crises and promoting regional stability. Our meeting today takes place against the backdrop of the current challenges in our region. We continue to face a dangerous escalation as a result of the ongoing illegal Iranian attacks on a number of Arab countries, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, in a flagrant violation of sovereignty and a direct threat to regional and international security. In this context, and based on the responsibilities of the Security Council towards the maintenance of international peace and security, the Kingdom of Bahrain has submitted a draft resolution on the protection of the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. We look forward to its adoption. This would reflect the unity of the international community in addressing threats to one of the most vital waterways for global trade and energy security. The adoption of this draft would reaffirm the collective resolve to ensure respect for the rules of international law, protecting the freedom of navigation and deterring any attempt to disrupt or threaten it. United Nations Security Council resolution 2817 (2026), sponsored by 136 Member States, as well as the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution of 25 March 2026, adopted unanimously and sponsored by 115 Member States, both reflect a firm international position, condemning these unjustified attacks. They demand that Iran immediately stop these attacks and stress the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and ensure freedom of navigation. In this connection, we stress the importance of the Security Council continuing to carry out its responsibilities in addressing these attacks, ensuring accountability and maintaining security and stability in the region. The Iranian attacks in the Arab Gulf region have repercussions that go beyond the borders of the targeted countries. They affect the security and stability of the entire region. In this context, we call on Iran to stop supporting and arming its affiliated militias in Arab countries and to refrain from any practices that would threaten the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Bab al-Mandab, in accordance with the rules of international law and with a view to maintaining international peace and security. We also call upon the international community to take appropriate measures to ensure Iran’s compliance with the provisions of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2817 (2026), and to desist from all actions that would undermine regional security and stability. This would contribute to creating an enabling environment for sustainable political solutions and enhancing collective security in our region. Despite the unprecedented challenges, Arab States have strengthened regional cohesion and expanded their international partnerships. Their role in supporting efforts to settle crises by peaceful means has been highlighted. It embodies the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations on enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in a practical manner. It confirms that achieving sustainable peace requires close integration between international legitimacy and regional ownership. In this context, the importance of further developing the partnership between the United Nations and the League of Arab States in a way that enhances the ability of both sides to effectively respond to current challenges and contributes to the consolidation of regional security and stability is paramount. This partnership is manifested in the need to intensify efforts to prevent conflicts and reduce tensions, ensure de-escalation and promote political endeavours leading to a sustainable peaceful settlement, and also give priority to the protection of civilians and the humanitarian response, ensuring respect for the provisions of international humanitarian law and ensuring the safe, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, while promoting the role of United Nations agencies as they shoulder their humanitarian responsibilities. This role is particularly important in Palestine where the United Nations, through its organs and agencies, remains an essential pillar in providing humanitarian support, protecting civilians and maintaining the presence of the international community in efforts to seek a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question on the basis of the two-State solution and internationally legitimate resolutions. In this context, we stress the importance of intensifying international efforts to end the war in the Gaza Strip and achieve a sustainable ceasefire in line with resolution 2803 (2025) and President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and the outcomes of the first meeting of the Board of Peace, which is a pivotal platform for dialogue, action and implementation that contributes to coordinating international efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza. This would contribute to achieving early recovery and promoting long-term stability. We also stress the importance of pushing for a credible political path leading to a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question, building a future based on security, hope and opportunity, as well as addressing the root causes of conflicts in a way that lays the foundation for a real and sustainable peace in the Middle East. In conclusion, we affirm that achieving sustainable peace requires coordinated collective action based on an effective partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations that is founded on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and that responds to current challenges and anticipates future needs. We also stress that the Kingdom of Bahrain is committed to continuing to play its role in a constructive and responsible manner during its membership of the Security Council in a way that enhances regional and international security and stability and contributes to the consolidation of an international order based on law, justice and cooperation. (spoke in English) I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

At the outset, I wish to express my sincere thanks to His Excellency Mr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, for presiding over this important meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, which reflects our collective commitment to strengthening multilateral action in order to address the growing challenges facing our region. I would also like to express my appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit for his valuable briefing and his continued contribution to strengthening the partnership between the two organizations throughout his many years of service. In this vein, my country congratulates His Excellency Mr. Nabil Fahmy on his appointment as Secretary-General of the League of Arab States — duties he will assume on 1 July — while wishing him every success in strengthening collective Arab action and supporting efforts aimed at consolidating security, stability and development in the Arab region. Somalia firmly believes in the vital role that regional organizations play, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, in supporting international efforts aimed at maintaining international peace and security. This role is embodied by the cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States and serves as an important model for institutional integration to promote a more effective response to the complex and intertwined challenges facing our region and the world. Amid the mounting geopolitical complexities marking the international order, the importance of strengthening coordination between the United Nations and the League of Arab States is becoming ever more apparent. Such coordination is essential to addressing ongoing conflicts, including those in Palestine, the Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Syria and Lebanon, and to countering emerging threats, including terrorism, organized crime, cyberattacks and the targeting of critical infrastructure. Strengthening preventive diplomacy and early warning mechanisms constitutes a cornerstone in preventing the outbreak of conflicts and mitigating their severity. In this regard, we underscore the importance of expanding the scope of institutional cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, including enhancing coordination among the two Special Envoys and the Secretary-General’s representatives, so as to ensure integrated and comprehensive responses to regional crises. We also stress the critical need to step up collective efforts to address crossborder challenges, including to combat terrorism, violent extremism and human trafficking and to counter disinformation campaigns and hate speech, given their direct impact on destabilizing the region and undermining global peace. Humanitarian crises in the Arab region continue to require a coordinated and effective response, particularly amid growing humanitarian needs and rising displacement and food insecurity. In this context, Somalia expresses its grave concern about recent developments in Lebanon and Syria, including air strikes and repeated attacks by Israel on areas in southern Lebanon and threats to the safety and security of personnel serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Such actions undermine regional stability and place civilians in grave danger. In this regard, Somalia reaffirms the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Syria, full compliance with Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1701 (2006), and the cessation of all action that could inflame tensions and broaden the conflict in the region. We also stress the importance of supporting collective efforts to ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, while affording particular attention to the most vulnerable, including women, children and refugees, and protecting humanitarian workers and United Nations staff. We also underscore the importance of supporting efforts towards stability in the brotherly country of the Sudan by intensifying diplomatic assistance and providing the necessary humanitarian support so as to foster conditions conducive to sustainable peace. The security of international maritime corridors and freedom of navigation are essential to maintaining global economic stability and the security of supply chains. In this connection, we refer to resolution 2817 (2026), which emphasizes the importance of ensuring security of navigation and the safe flow of international trade so as to curb volatility in global markets and avert the challenges associated with food and energy security. We express our deep concern regarding the continuing escalation in the region, despite the adoption of resolution 2817 (2026); it is jeopardizing the security and stability of the region and is putting civilians and civilian infrastructure in grave peril. Somalia calls for de-escalation, restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian objects and respect for the provisions of international law, including a guarantee of freedom of navigation in vital maritime corridors, specifically in the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, Somalia expresses its solidarity with the sisterly States of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and emphasizes the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts and creating conditions conducive to sustainable political solutions that serve to safeguard regional and international security and stability. The current challenges require a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of conflicts and enhances the capacity of regional institutions to avert and address crises effectively in line with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Somalia reaffirms its unwavering support for a just and comprehensive peace in the region, including a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question on the basis of the two-State solution in accordance with resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative, with a view to ending the occupation and fulfilling the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspirations to establish their independent State within the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, so as to ensure security and stability for all peoples of the region. Amid the recent, rapidly unfolding developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Somalia emphasizes the need for an immediate ceasefire, the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, full compliance with international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the creation of conditions conducive to a resumption of meaningful political negotiations leading to a just and lasting peace. The partnership between the United Nations and the League of Arab States is a cornerstone of multilateral action and reflects the importance of institutional cooperation in addressing shared challenges. Through enhanced coordination, the exchange of expertise and capacity-building, we can take tangible strides towards peace, security and sustainable development in our region. In conclusion, Somalia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continuing to support and strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States in order to build a more stable and prosperous future for the peoples of the region. Somalia expresses its appreciation to the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain for submitting the presidential statement regarding cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, a statement that reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the multilateral partnership and supporting efforts aimed at maintaining international peace and security.

Pakistan welcomes and expresses its deepest appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening and presiding over this important high-level meeting, which complements the meeting this morning with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. I also thank you for your comprehensive statement. I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his briefing. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, for his personal presence and for his briefing, reflecting a noble vision and enduring wisdom from one of the great political and diplomatic minds in the Arab world. At this critical juncture, the role of the League of Arab States is more vital than ever in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the Middle East and the broader region. In that context, we commend the fearless and principled leadership of Mr. Aboul Gheit during his tenure as the Secretary-General of the Arab League, and we wish him all the best. At a time of heightened geopolitical volatility, the importance of effective multilateralism and meaningful mutually reinforcing partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations cannot be overemphasized. While the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security remains with the Security Council, regional organizations operating under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations play an important complementary role. Pakistan firmly believes that durable peace requires coordinated, inclusive and regionally anchored responses. The League of Arab States, one of the oldest and most prominent regional organizations, has long advanced peace, security and development in the Arab world through conflict prevention and resolution, humanitarian assistance and development cooperation underwritten by global partnerships. Pakistan highly values its historic and deep-rooted ties with the Arab world, based on shared faith, history and values. We strongly support the League’s efforts to foster dialogue and cooperation and promote the peaceful resolution of disputes. The challenges outlined in the presidency’s concept note for this meeting (S/2026/261, annex) reflect a deeply concerning trajectory in the Middle East, North Africa and various regions of the world. Ongoing conflicts, violations of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, disregard for international humanitarian law and attacks on critical infrastructure threaten regional and global stability. Those developments underscore the urgent need for strengthened cooperation, preventive diplomacy and collective security mechanisms. A key priority for the League, for the Council and, indeed, for Pakistan is the resolution of long-standing disputes, particularly those arising from foreign occupation and the denial of the right to selfdetermination. The League has played a leading role in addressing the unresolved question of Palestine that remains at the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, perpetuating instability, shaping dynamics, fuelling grievances and undermining prospects for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East — peace that continues to evade us to this day. The Palestinian people continue to endure illegal Israeli occupation, dispossession and the denial of their inalienable rights. We hope that the ongoing international efforts will lead to a time-bound and irreversible political process anchored in relevant United Nations resolutions, culminating in the establishment of a sovereign, independent and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al- Sharif as its capital. This remains the only viable path to durable peace in the region. Israel must vacate its illegal occupation of all Arab territories, including in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, and cease its aggressive and rogue behaviour. Many other situations on the Council’s agenda — from Libya to the Sudan, Yemen and Somalia — pertain to the Arab world. In order to effectively address them, the Council can benefit from synergies and close cooperation with the League of Arab States. That is why it is so important to have Arab and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) representation at this table, for it enables them to safeguard their vital interests and make their contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security, all along upholding justice, international law and international legitimacy. The broader region stands at a perilous crossroads, following the strikes on Iran. Gulf members, our brothers, members of the Arab League are facing direct attacks on their soil, which is totally unacceptable, while also grappling with the challenges posed by restricted navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Such tensions lead to the growing risk of wider escalation, with potentially far-reaching consequences. Against this already dire backdrop, further escalation must be avoided at all costs. The immediate priority must be a complete cessation of all hostilities and a return to dialogue for the peaceful resolution of all issues. Together with our other partners, Pakistan is actively engaged in promoting this objective. Resolution 2788 (2025), adopted in July, reflects the Council’s commitment to preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Its implementation remains critical to advancing our collective efforts towards peace and stability. Strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States is essential to address shared challenges, including terrorism, organized crime, climate change, cyberthreats and disinformation. Effective partnerships must also bridge capacity gaps and ensure sustainable financing. We also encourage enhanced engagement between the League of Arab States and other regional and cross-regional organizations, such as the OIC, the Economic Cooperation Organization and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The path to lasting peace lies in dialogue, cooperation and respect for international law and the United Nations Charter. Strengthening partnerships between the United Nations and the League is not merely desirable, but indispensable. Let me assure the leadership of the Arab League and all our colleagues that Pakistan will continue to work with them in tandem to address the many challenges that confront us and the Council.

I thank you, Mr. President, and I also thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Secretary-General Aboul Gheit for their briefings. We welcome the presence of the League of Arab States at this dialogue with the Security Council. The League of Arab States can and should play an important role in addressing conflicts that afflict its member States and their regional neighbours. Regarding Gaza, President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which the Council endorsed in resolution 2803 (2025), has demonstrated the way forward to a stable, safe and prosperous Middle East. President Trump, Ambassador Waltz and I have been heartened to see the progress that has already been made in implementing resolution 2803 (2025) and the courage that many members of the League of Arab States have shown to counter the scourge of terrorism and charge towards a better future for the region. The United States will continue to work with Israelis and Palestinians to build on that progress. Our team was recently in Jordan. The reopening of the King Hussein Bridge and the humanitarian corridor through Jordan show just how important practical, results-oriented cooperation is for peace. Jordan’s good work has helped dramatically increase the flow of assistance into Gaza and provides a model for others. Countries in the region, including members of the League of Arab States, must continue to step up to support those efforts and take advantage of this moment to advance towards a peaceful and prosperous future. The United States looks forward to working with members of the League of Arab States to expand the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement and promote greater regional integration for this generation and all those who come after. That means tackling regional challenges head-on, now and together. The ongoing crisis in Yemen and Houthi attacks against Americans, Yemenis and other regional partners continue to destabilize the region. The Houthis have killed Americans, stop lawful commerce, repeatedly raid United Nations offices and detain United Nations and international aid staff. Even now, the Houthis have unlawfully detained more than 70 United Nations staff under absurd charges and have launched missiles and drones at American ships, service members and allies. These terrorists are dragging this land — a land once known by merchants as Arabia Felix or Fortunate Arabia, a land known for its wealth and prosperity — down a path of suffering and poverty. We welcome steps taken by the Government of the Republic of Yemen to unify security forces under one command capable of focusing on Houthi and other terrorist threats, as well as to form a new Cabinet capable of ensuring a more secure and stable Yemen. The crisis in the Sudan is different, but just as urgent. There is no military solution to the crisis in the Sudan. Continued fighting will only fracture the Sudan further and risk permanent State collapse, further threatening international peace and security. That is why we are continuing to press for an immediate humanitarian truce that guarantees sustained and unhindered humanitarian access. We are working closely with the United Nations on options to support the implementation and coordination of the humanitarian truce and its humanitarian access commitments. The League of Arab States has an important role to play in pressuring the belligerents to accept the truce. Likewise, we welcome the League’s productive statements on Libya, where the American people desire unity, stability and sovereignty. All of us share an interest in seeing Syria achieve stability, prosperity and peaceful relations with its neighbours. We urge the League of Arab States to take up the mantle of practical leadership, regional responsibility and a sustained commitment to peace and stability. The United States will continue supporting the efforts of the League of Arab States and the United Nations to draft the region’s next chapter, one which we expect to emphasize peace, friendship and prosperity.

Panama thanks the presidency for convening this meeting. We thank Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, for their valuable briefings. We also welcome to this meeting the representative of Egypt, who honours us with his participation. Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States constitutes a concrete example of the potential of multilateralism to address challenges and promote sustainable solutions for international peace and security. In line with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, Panama recognizes that this partnership is essential to advancing conflict prevention and strengthening collective security. Panama renews its firm support for respect for the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of all Arab States. These principles are central to the United Nations Charter and international law and are essential foundations for stability and peace in the region. Panama wishes to reiterate its strong support for and solidarity with Arab countries that have recently been subjected to unwarranted attacks, resulting from a war that they did not initiate and do not seek to prolong. These cruel attacks have endangered the security and peace of civilian populations and undermined the stability and functioning of critical infrastructure. We commend the restraint shown by these States as well as their efforts to prevent further escalation, which reflects their responsible commitment to regional stability and the maintenance of peace. Such conduct, grounded in prudence and respect for international law, is an example of the kind of leadership the region requires today. It is therefore essential to avoid actions and decisions that may prove counterproductive, exacerbate tensions or further undermine regional stability. Panama calls for a cessation of hostilities in all conflicts affecting the region and reiterates that violence only deepens divisions and increases civilian suffering. We stress that diplomacy, dialogue and political solutions must prevail as the only sustainable paths to resolving conflicts in full respect for international law. In this context, Panama notes and renews its support for the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2803 (2025), concerning the situation in Gaza and resolution 2817 (2026), on maritime security in the Gulf, as well as for ongoing efforts to stabilize Syria, Yemen, the Sudan and Somalia and to strengthen State institutions in Lebanon. It is also essential to redouble efforts and intensify cooperation in combating terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crime through information-sharing, capacity-building and effective coordination between the United Nations and the League of Arab States in order to address these threats in a comprehensive manner. It is therefore critical for these efforts to continue to be guided by respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States. Panama highly values its long-standing relations with Arab countries and expresses its solidarity with them in the face of the current difficult circumstances to which they have been unjustly subjected. We reiterate our readiness to continue strengthening relations based on mutual respect, cooperation and a shared commitment to peace and development. We reaffirm our conviction that closer cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States will remain essential for addressing current challenges and building a more secure, just and sustainable future for the region and the world.

We welcome the holding of this meeting, the result of the efforts made by the Kingdom of Bahrain to facilitate an in-depth discussion within the Security Council on cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. Following this morning’s exchanges, my delegation is of the view that strengthening this cooperation is imperative, not only in the face of the growing complexity of crises but also because of the rapid evolution of the threats weighing on international peace and security. My delegation thanks Mr. Khaled Khiari and His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit for their valuable briefings and the perspectives they have brought to the Council’s attention. The multidimensional crises currently affecting the Arab region, notably in Palestine and Yemen, continue to weigh heavily on the civilian population and undermine the prospects for lasting stability. Added to these dynamics are evolving threats, characterized by the increased use of asymmetric means, including missile and drone strikes, cyberoperations and the targeting of critical infrastructure. These developments highlight the need for coordinated and integrated responses that address the political, security, humanitarian and development dimensions. In this particularly challenging context, the Democratic Republic of the Congo calls for a renewed collective commitment to conflict prevention, de-escalation and the peaceful settlement of disputes, with strict respect, of course, for international law. In the same vein, my delegation recognizes the crucial role of regional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States represents a remarkable example of integration between regional and international institutions, enabling us to tackle more effectively the complex challenges confronting this region and the entire global community. Concerning the management of cross-border challenges, we note the signing, a few months ago, of a memorandum of understanding between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organized crime and human trafficking. Furthermore, in connection with the intensification of strategic cooperation, we cannot fail to mention the facilitation role of the United Nations Liaison Office to the League of Arab States in Cairo, Egypt. It is also fitting here to underline more than ever the relevance of this cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, which continues to play a decisive role, notably through the strengthening of preventive diplomacy, mediation and coordination between the Special Envoys and Representatives of the two organizations. In this regard, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms its commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations. It is guided by respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as well as by the principles of the peaceful settlement of disputes and the non-use of force. With this in mind, my delegation also underlines the importance of strengthened horizontal cooperation between regional and subregional organizations. In that regard, close collaboration and the pooling of efforts between the League of Arab States and the African Union, in particular in managing crises that concern the member States of both organizations, could be a game-changer. The situations in Libya and the Sudan clearly illustrate the need for such coordination. Furthermore, the lessons drawn from past crises, notably in Libya, clearly illustrate the limits of attempts to resolve conflicts by force and underline the importance of prioritizing inclusive political and diplomatic processes led by regional organizations and actors. The proliferation of transnational threats, including disinformation, hate speech and attacks against critical infrastructure, demands better coordinated collective responses. The strengthening of institutional capacities, crisis preparedness and the development of resilience mechanisms must therefore constitute priority areas of cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. In view of this, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is of the view that certain contexts could serve as concrete tests of the effectiveness of the partnership between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. The ongoing dynamics in Syria, as well as the implementation of resolution 2803 (2025), offer in this regard real opportunities to demonstrate the capacity of the two organizations to act in a coordinated, pragmatic and results-oriented manner. In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes, as part of efforts to improve coordination, the holding of the seventeenth general meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, scheduled to be held in Geneva in July. This meeting will aim to establish a biennial framework fostering joint action in several sectors, such as peace and security. My delegation remains convinced that the strengthening of the partnership between the United Nations and the League of Arab States resulting from it will serve as an important additional lever to respond to emerging threats, prevent the spillover effects of crises and promote more coherent regional and international responses.

I would like to welcome the President to New York. I thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Khaled Khiari, and the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit — whom I also wish to welcome to New York — for their statements. In a region that is afflicted by war, strengthening cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab States is of critical importance. First, in the light of the regional escalation, the joint mobilization of the Security Council and the Arab League is a tool for advancing the cause of peace. Our partners in the League of Arab States are threatened, and some are directly affected, by the conflict. By attacking its neighbours, Iran bears a grave responsibility. That country is pursuing a strategy to escalate the conflict, building upon its policy of destabilizing the region. The Security Council has responded to Iran’s unacceptable blockade of the Strait of Hormuz with resolution 2817 (2026). It is now up to the Council to promptly establish the necessary defensive response. Hizbullah has made the reckless choice to join Iran’s attacks against Israel, dragging Lebanon into a conflict that the Lebanese people did not choose. We call upon Hizbullah to lay down its weapons, in accordance with the decision taken by the Lebanese Government on 2 March, and for Israel to cease its operation. Attacks targeting civilian populations and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon are unacceptable. The commitment of the countries of the League of Arab States, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, represents valuable support for the sovereignty of the Lebanese Government and the Lebanese Armed Forces, which can also count on France’s support. We commend Syria’s decision to stay out of the conflict on its borders, in a spirit of responsibility and restraint. The new Syria is committed to establishing peaceful relations with all its neighbours, while working towards national reconciliation that includes all segments of society. The Security Council invites all of its partners to work towards Syria’s transformation, to provide the support that it needs to shore up its unity, vanquish terrorism and accelerate its reconstruction. Preserving the two-State solution — Israel and Palestine living in peace and security within the internationally recognized borders — remains a shared priority of the Council and the Arab League. This situation requires vigilance and mobilization. In Gaza, the Council supports the implementation of the second phase of the peace plan and the enforcement of resolution 2803 (2025). Given the humanitarian emergency, we call on Israel to allow unimpeded access for aid and to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, including those of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The disarmament of Hamas, which representatives of the Board of Peace and mediators are working towards, is urgent. France condemns the acceleration of settlement activity in the West Bank. The violence perpetrated with impunity by extremist settlers against Palestinian civilians jeopardizes the implementation of the two-State solution. France recalls the need to preserve the historic status quo in Jerusalem, specifically when it comes to holy sites. While the Arab League played a major role in the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and its New York Declaration, we recall that this text, which was largely endorsed by the international community, is designed to guide our action. Cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League helps them more effectively combat transregional threats, first and foremost the terrorist threat, and search for solutions to regional conflicts. France is determined to continue the fight against the deadly scourge of terrorism, wherever it may arise. It participated in the international counter-Da'esh coalition to support the efforts of all countries afflicted by this scourge. France supports diplomatic efforts to end the conflict ravaging the Sudan and destabilizing the entire region. In conclusion, France welcomes the Secretary-General’s appointment of a Personal Envoy to lead the Organization’s efforts related to the conflict in the Middle East. Inextricably linked through history and countless human ties to the member States of the League of Arab States, France is determined to work — together with the United Nations, the Arab League and all regional stakeholders — to respond to the deep-seated aspirations of the countries and people of the region: peace and human development.

Let me start by welcoming Mr. Aboul Gheit, Secretary- General of the League of Arab States. I also thank Mr. Khaled Khiari for his thorough briefing. Greece and the Arab world share deep and traditional ties of friendship and partnership. Geography and culture have tied us throughout history. Our shared vision for regional prosperity and lasting peace will continue to guide and strengthen our partnership into the future. In this context, we remain committed to enhanced cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab States in full accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. An overview of the volatility and turmoil in the Middle East provides ample evidence for the need for sustained engagement between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, as pioneers of multilateral cooperation. No single actor can address today’s mounting and increasingly complex security challenges — particularly in one of the world’s most volatile regions, as we discussed this morning (see S/PV.10128), addressing the cooperation between the United Nations and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. We therefore fully support deepening cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States and are delighted to serve alongside Bahrain and Somalia, members of the League, in the Security Council. Let me start by reaffirming in this format, in no uncertain terms and without ambiguity, our strong condemnation of the recent attacks against the Gulf States. Turning to the Middle East peace question and following up on the breakthrough of the adoption of the 20-point peace plan — the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict — it is imperative that we follow through with the implementation of resolution 2803 (2025). Its provisions must be translated into concrete action on the ground, with full respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. The decommissioning of Hamas and other armed groups, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid at scale and the revival of a credible political process towards the realization of a two-State solution in line with the relevant United Nations resolutions and the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution all remain essential in laying the groundwork for a sustainable peace. The status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem must be respected under all circumstances. We were concerned to hear that the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Catholic Palm Sunday. We hope that the Israeli authorities will guarantee an adequate process in view of upcoming Easter celebrations. Turning to Lebanon, we see a country facing the acute risk of being trapped in the flames of regional escalation. We fully condemn Hizbullah’s reckless and unjustifiable attacks against Israel, which caused broader escalation in Lebanon. Greece calls for maximum restraint to prevail and is opposed to protracted ground operations. We call for the respect of all civilians, including journalists and medical personnel, who must be protected at all times. We call on Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon within a reasonable time frame in the immediate future. Strengthening Lebanese State institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces is a prerequisite for consolidating the sovereignty of Lebanon throughout the country and ensuring long-term security for both Lebanon and Israel. We also condemn in the strongest possible terms the targeting of peacekeepers, echoing the concern expressed by the Secretary-General following the deaths of Blue Helmets of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Finally, Syria has certainly witnessed progress over the past year, although serious challenges remain, as the latest incidents in the predominantly Greek Orthodox city of Suqaylibiyah show. We have followed these incidents closely and with great concern. We note the Syrian Government’s announcement of a thorough investigation and call for its swift implementation and the presentation of the results. Greece fully supports a peaceful and inclusive transition that will safeguard the rights of all Syrians, irrespective of religious or ethnic background. Christians, in particular, remain a historic and integral part of Syria’s diverse society, the recovery of which we are ready to support. Across these complex contexts — from Gaza and the West Bank to Lebanon and Syria — our collective efforts must be guided by unity of purpose and strengthened cooperation. Sustained engagement with regional actors and important partners, including the League of Arab States, will be crucial to our efforts. We remain firmly committed to working with all Council members and with our partners in the League of Arab States to advance our common objective of promoting peace, security and stability for all. Let us not miss this opportunity. The world is watching.

I welcome the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit to this meeting, and I thank him and Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for their comprehensive briefings. For decades, the United Nations and the League of Arab States have enjoyed a strong and well-developed partnership. With the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, it is ever more important to strengthen the foundation of this cooperation and reinforce joint efforts to promote peace and stability across the region. The League of Arab States and the United Nations have common challenges and common objectives. The Gaza peace plan firmly supported by Arab and Muslim countries and endorsed by the Council in resolution 2803 (2025) creates a clear framework for stability, reconstruction and self-sustaining governance in Gaza. Its implementation is a joint task of the Council, the League of Arab States and the international community. We need to reinforce efforts to end the cycle of violence in Gaza and the West Bank, consolidate the ceasefire and use this opportunity to pursue the political perspective of the two-State solution. With the wider Middle East already in flames, Hizbullah and the Houthis are dragging Lebanon and Yemen into a conflict that does not serve the interests of their people, but only those of Iran and its proxies, and it is our joint task to prevent that. We acknowledge the remarkable progress of the new Syria. The international community’s solidarity and support to Syria’s inclusive political transition, reconstruction and transitional justice must continue and be reinforced. As the current escalation in the wider region creates additional risks for the fragile stabilization of Syria, we must ensure that the recent gains are preserved. The Sudan serves as an example where the League of Arab States, together with the United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the European Union, has an important role to play. We support the continued efforts of the quintet to secure a humanitarian truce, advance de-escalation and help to promote a space for an inclusive, civilian-led political process. Our joint efforts are also needed to implement the political road map in Libya, advancing a Libyan‑led and Libyan‑owned political process that would lay the foundation for the country’s internal stability. These are only a few examples. The cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States can be further strengthened through numerous avenues of joint interest and development. Today, I would like to mention three of them. As a coastal State, Latvia continues to stand for maritime security, freedom of navigation and protection of the marine environment. We all stand to benefit from the United Nations’ and the League of Arab States’ strong cooperation in the maritime domain, addressing common challenges and ensuring a safe, sustainable and secure shipping environment. Iran’s deliberate attacks against its neighbours and civilian infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens global trade, energy supplies and agricultural production, are unacceptable. By weaponizing this crucial route for its own gain, Iran is harming countries and populations that have no part in the conflict. Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be ensured immediately. We, as members of the Council, must send a strong and united message. Secondly, the current escalation in the wider Middle East is highlighting the impact of new technologies in the conflict environment. Technology powered by artificial intelligence is transforming not only the military domain, but also posing new challenges to information integrity, as it becomes a tool for disinformation and information manipulation. Meanwhile, digital infrastructure, including commercial data centres, are becoming a high value military target. Sharing expertise on these developments could help to derive valuable lessons, helping to increase resilience across regions in the digital age. Thirdly, we welcome the continued collaboration between the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the women and peace and security agenda. Guided by the Regional Action Plan, its implementation is based on clear and focused parameters that foster women’s political and socioeconomic participation and enhancing women’s rights and security. To conclude, Latvia is a firm supporter of effective multilateralism in order to address global and regional challenges, with the Charter of the United Nations at its core. In this light, Latvia firmly supports strengthening the cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States and stands ready to contribute in this regard.

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and Secretary-General Aboul Gheit for their briefings today. In particular, I pay tribute to Secretary-General Aboul Gheit for his dedication and commitment to the role over the past 10 years, and I wish him the best for the future. The United Kingdom welcomes this discussion on cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. It is a moment of acute regional tension. The League of Arab States remains a vital partner in advancing dialogue, de-escalation and regional stability, and we commend its continued efforts to promote peaceful solutions. Iran’s actions have driven dangerous escalation across the Gulf, with direct consequences for regional stability and global security, and increasing humanitarian costs across the region. Iran’s attempts to obstruct the Strait of Hormuz are imposing growing economic costs, not only on the Gulf but on countries across the globe. It is right that the international community do all it can to support a return to stability as our partners in the region continue to defend their sovereignty and their economies. The United Kingdom is doing so through defensive operations to protect our partners and rallying 37 countries in a collective call to condemn Iran’s actions and to work together to reopen the Strait. Today, the United Kingdom convened more than 40 international partners to begin work on a viable plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. We welcome the Council’s efforts, including through resolution 2817 (2026), to forge a united response to uphold regional and maritime security and to call on Iran to immediately cease its egregious actions. While attention is focused on ending the regional escalation, it is also important that we do not lose sight of the wider humanitarian and political and security challenges across the region, including in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and the Sudan. The work of the League of Arab States is essential to providing longer-term solutions which can pave the way for lasting regional stability. The United Kingdom will continue to champion coordination between the League and the United Nations, which can make a significant contribution to tackling regional, security and development challenges.

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari and Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit for their briefings. The League of Arab States is a vital platform for Arab countries to foster unity and strengthen cooperation, and it plays a unique role in regional and international affairs. Over the years, the United Nations and the League have continuously deepened their partnership, committed to maintaining stability in the Middle East and upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. China supports the United Nations in furthering its cooperation with the League in accordance with the spirit of Chapter VIII of the Charter to jointly promote regional peace and development. I will make three points. First, we must adhere to a political solution for lasting peace and stability. The Middle East is the region with the highest concentration of global hotspots and has long suffered from the ravages of war and the hardship of displacement. The history in the Middle East has told us that the use of force is not the answer and that a political solution is the only viable way forward. Arab nations possess unique advantages in addressing issues in the Middle East, both in terms of geographical proximity and deep historical and religious ties, as well as the wisdom of peace rooted in their ancient civilization. The international community should support the League and Arab countries in actively engaging in conflict prevention and mediation. Relevant United Nations entities, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoys and Special Representatives should strengthen communication and coordination with Arab countries for better synergy. The Security Council must take the views of the League seriously and support the resolution of regional issues through regional mechanisms. Secondly, we must focus on development and revitalization and advocate for international cooperation. The Middle East serves as a geopolitical hub, connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. It is rich in resources and holds immense potential. The United Nations should strengthen cooperation with Arab countries, promote economic diversification and transformation, support sustainable development and help the Middle East to become a key engine of global economic growth. As an important part of the global South, Arab countries should be supported in playing a greater role in international affairs, jointly addressing global challenges, upholding and practicing multilateralism and advancing the development of a more just and equitable global governance system. Thirdly, we must oppose external interference and strengthen strategic autonomy. The Middle East has long been mired in turbulence owing not only to its complex historical background but also to external Powers pursuing geopolitical rivalries. The Middle East belongs to its people; it is not an arena for great Power rivalries. The international community should fully respect the independent choices of the people of the Middle East, take the legitimate concerns of regional countries seriously and support Arab nations in resolving long-standing and traditional differences, strengthening unity and cooperation and exploring development paths suited to their national conditions so that their future and destiny are firmly in their hands. Tensions in the Middle East are escalating, and the conflict is rapidly spreading across the region. The rights and wrongs of the situation are very clear, and the international community should maintain an objective and impartial position. This is a war that should never have occurred. Its continuation will result only in more casualties and unnecessary losses. The most urgent priority is to bring military operations to an immediate end so as to prevent further escalation and spillover. All parties should actively promote reconciliation and dialogue, seize the opportunity for peace and work together to bring the war to an end. The Palestinian issue has always been at the heart of the Middle East conflict. The two-State solution remains the only viable path towards resolving this issue. Any alternative arrangements or newly established mechanisms must adhere to the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine and should promote, instead of undermining, the two-State solution. China welcomes the efforts made by the League and Arab countries to advance the resolution of the Palestinian issue and will continue to firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights and the swift realization of an independent State. Relations between China and Arab countries have a long history, spanning East and West along both the land and maritime Silk Roads for more than 1,000 years. This year marks the seventieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Arab countries. Over the past seven decades, China and Arab countries have stood shoulder to shoulder through hardships in the struggle for national liberation, pursued win-win cooperation amid the tide of economic globalization and upheld principles of justice in a challenging international landscape, together writing a remarkable chapter of East-West connectivity, mutual learning and mutual support. This year, the second China-Arab States summit will be held in China. China stands ready to work with Arab countries to take this opportunity to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen mutual support, share development opportunities, enhance international cooperation, advance the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future and make greater contributions to peace and development in the Middle East.

I welcome you, Mr. President, Your Excellency, to this meeting of the Council. Colombia welcomes the convening of this briefing and conveys its appreciation for the briefings delivered by the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari. In a landscape marked by protracted conflict and mounting risks of regional destabilization, Colombia concurs that bolstering effective cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States is crucial to advancing towards comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable responses to the array of challenges confronting the region. The enduring nature of the crises in Yemen, the Sudan, Libya, Lebanon, Syria and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as the threats posed by radical extremism and the challenges to maritime security bring to the fore the need for complementary preventive approaches that encompass political, humanitarian, development and security dimensions. Colombia welcomes the recent appointment of Mr. Jean Arnault as the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Middle East conflict and its consequences. Cooperation of a more structured nature between United Nations Special Envoys and the political and diplomatic mechanisms of the League of Arab States is pivotal to achieving a more coherent and integrated response, while avoiding duplication and optimizing the impact of preventive diplomacy. Against the backdrop of these general considerations, Colombia sees fit to address specific situations in relation to which the League’s input is vital. First, a just and lasting settlement of the question of Palestine is indispensable to peace and stability in the Middle East. Colombia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people and to the defence of their inalienable right to selfdetermination. The only viable path is the two-State solution, which requires an end to the occupation, genuine compliance with the ceasefire and an unconditional start to the reconstruction of Gaza. Likewise, it requires arresting and reversing the settlement policy and the incitement to violence in the West Bank, while preserving the contiguity and integrity of the Palestinian territory. In this context, the League of Arab States constitutes an essential ally in taking this cause forward. Secondly, we point to the need to step up efforts, in coordination with regional actors, to foster stability and avert any further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon. My delegation condemns the unabated Israeli attacks, including those targeting civilian infrastructure, which exceed the purported objective of security cited and constitute a violation of international law and Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Against that backdrop, Lebanon requires the steadfast support of the international community and regional solidarity. Thirdly, the situation in the Sudan remains one of profound concern and demands immediate efforts to de-escalate the hostilities and afford meaningful protection to the civilian population. It is paramount to keep up firm and consistent calls that contribute to bringing peace and stability to the country, particularly in those regions that continue to be severely affected by the conflict, such as Darfur and Kordofan. Fourthly, Colombia acknowledges the constructive role of the League of Arab States in supporting the efforts of the transitional Government in Syria to consolidate the country’s recovery and reconstruction. In conclusion, Colombia recognizes the constructive role of the League of Arab States and values its endeavours in terms of mediation, political engagement and humanitarian support. Its capacity to engage with key regional actors makes it an indispensable partner in advancing sustainable solutions based on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the rights of the affected communities. In this connection, we also acknowledge the leadership and contribution of the League’s member States, specifically Bahrain and Somalia, within the Council.

We commend your presence here again, Mr. President, and commend Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with regional organizations. I also wish to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and His Excellency Secretary-General Aboul Gheit for their informative and useful briefings. (spoke in Arabic) Welcome to the Security Council. (spoke in English) Denmark also welcomes the agreement on the adoption of the presidential statement, and we thank Bahrain for its efforts in that regard. Denmark supports strengthened strategic cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and the League of Arab States in addressing the regional threats and advancing peace, security and stability. We welcome the upcoming seventeenth general meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, to be held in July to advance a biennial framework. We also support the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations, including advancing the women and peace and security agenda and the children and armed conflict agenda. The Arab region is facing evolving challenges and transnational threats. As we witness further destabilization of an already volatile and tense situation, with grave consequences for the region and beyond, cooperation with the League of Arab States is even more critical. We support the proactive engagement of the League of Arab States in a range of matters, including those on the agenda of the Council, from early warning and prevention to peacekeeping, peacebuilding and sustaining peace. This morning, the Council focused on the grave impact of the escalation in the Gulf on regional peace and security (see S/PV.10128). As the conflict enters its second month, the consequences for the Middle East and beyond are expanding rapidly. In the Syrian Arab Republic, more than 200,000 people have crossed the border from Lebanon owing to this crisis, adding to the millions already in need of humanitarian assistance in the country. We recognize the efforts by the Syrian transitional Government to avoid direct involvement in the regional conflict, but it remains essential to prioritize the continued implementation of the comprehensive agreement between the Syrian transitional Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces and to continue efforts to combat Da’esh. In Lebanon, more than 1.1 million people, including more than 350,000 children, have been displaced; more than 1,200 people have been killed; and more than 3,000 have been wounded. We strongly condemn Hizbullah’s attacks against Israel that risk dragging Lebanon into a broader regional war against the will and interests of the Lebanese Government and the Lebanese people. Denmark is concerned with the significant humanitarian and civilian consequences of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon. We underline that all military actions must be conducted with full respect for international humanitarian law, including the principles of proportionality, distinction and precaution. In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, we are deeply concerned by the drastic rise in settler violence in the West Bank and the continued expansion of settlements. We reiterate that Israel’s settlements are a clear violation of international law and call on Israel to change course. In Gaza, we must continue to work towards the full implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, as endorsed by the Council, including ensuring the safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. We need a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question. We must seek progress towards a two-State solution and a future of peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike. In closing, while the Security Council bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, it does not hold a monopoly on efforts to achieve it. Regional organizations play a critical role. A close partnership between the United Nations and the League of Arab States is essential to resolving conflicts and securing lasting peace and prosperity across the region. Denmark looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the League of Arab States, including through the European Union. We welcome the ministerial meeting of the League of Arab States and the European Union, in June.

We welcome your participation, Minister Al Zayani, in today’s meeting in your capacity as President of the Security Council. We are grateful to the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and to the Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Khaled Khiari, for sharing their assessments and observations. At the United Nations, the Russian Federation has consistently advocated for a more active role for regional organizations in matters directly concerning their respective regions. The League’s unique understanding of the mentality, culture, history and traditions — as well as its knowledge of the political dynamics and interests of various groups — enables it to formulate balanced solutions aimed at addressing the root causes of conflicts and fostering peace and prosperity in the Arab world. We consider it important to ensure that Security Council meetings on cooperation with the League of Arab States be convened on a regular basis. The meetings are useful not only in terms of information exchange, but also as a demonstration of the solidarity of Arab States in the face of common global and regional threats. We support the adoption by the Security Council of the presidential statement on cooperation with the League of Arab States. We always approach those documents in a constructive spirit and view them as an integral part of cooperation between the Council and the League. Today — at a time when almost the entire Middle East and North Africa region is convulsed by an unending succession of conflicts — strengthening multitiered cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States has become an urgent necessity. Of particular importance within the framework of the cooperation conducted pursuant to Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations are issues pertaining to ensuring collective security, countering emerging challenges and resolving crises within the Middle East and North Africa region. In this context, the United Nations liaison office to the League of Arab States in Cairo, established in 2019, plays a significant role. We support its activities and look forward to its continued effective work. We also welcome the holding of annual informal meetings between the Security Council and members of the Council of the League of Arab States, which provide an opportunity not only to review current challenging situations in the region, but also to discuss potential joint efforts regarding early conflict warning. We recognize the importance of maintaining an active dialogue between the League of Arab States and the special representatives and envoys of the Secretary-General in the Arab region. Furthermore, given the particularly tense situation in a number of Arab-African countries, we believe that there is a pressing need to expand trilateral coordination between the United Nations, the League of Arab States and the African Union. Against the backdrop of the current escalation in the region — triggered by acts of aggression by Israel and the United States of America against the Islamic Republic of Iran — the restraint of the Arab States plays a crucial role. Those States have consistently distinguished themselves through judicious and farsighted policies that have enabled them to create an economic miracle in the Middle East. We firmly condemn any attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, for which there can be no justification. We call upon all parties to implement an immediate ceasefire and return to the negotiating table. The Russian Federation, which maintains constructive relations with all countries in the region, stands ready to facilitate this process in every possible way. We also must not lose sight of the alarming situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where, despite the efforts of mediators, the killing of Palestinians continues, restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid persist and the issue of the full-fledged reconstruction of Gaza remains subject to conditions. We express our deep concern regarding the Israeli Knesset’s adoption of a bill authorizing the use of the death penalty against residents of the West Bank, particularly in view of documented evidence of the mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners and violations of their right to due process — issues that representatives of the United Nations Secretariat have repeatedly reported to the Council. Such a measure could have unpredictable consequences for the already volatile situation in the West Bank. We call upon West Jerusalem to refrain from taking such steps and to focus instead on addressing the problem of settler violence — settlers who, in a number of instances, are now even attacking Israeli police officers. We reaffirm our principled commitment to resuming the peace process on a universally recognized international legal basis — including the two-State formula — with the aim of establishing an independent and viable State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting in peace and security with Israel. On a separate note, we would like to call attention to the worrisome situation in Lebanon, where the United States-Israeli war against Iran resulted in an all-out conflict, which has already claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people. We supported the Security Council’s press statement, adopted at France’s initiative, calling for an immediate investigation into the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers who were serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (SC/16327). We trust that the perpetrators will not evade justice, that there will be accountability and that the deaths of the blue helmets will not be classified as “collateral damage”. We call on all parties to the conflict to recommit themselves to the implementation of the November 2024 agreement on the cessation of hostilities and of resolution 1701 (2006). In conclusion, we would like to reiterate our readiness to facilitate stabilization in the region, both in our national capacity and through inter-State cooperation and collective efforts, including through cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. We will continue to enhance our constructive cooperation with the League of Arab States on pressing international and regional issues.

Liberia thanks the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States for their very thoughtful briefings. We welcome the continued engagement of the League of Arab States in the work of the United Nations, particularly in matters of peace and security. In this regard, we pay homage to the Secretary-General of the League for his leadership and service to that important regional body over the years. We understand today’s debate to be an invitation to reflect not only on cooperation in principle but on cooperation in practice. In a fragmented international environment, which is marked by protracted conflicts, humanitarian distress and eroding trust, the relationship between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, as already indicated by Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and other speakers before me, is indispensable. Liberia recognizes and reaffirms the sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to live in peace, dignity and security of all States, including member States of the League of Arab States. We also re-emphasize our continued commitment to the two- State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the most enduring path to lasting peace. The League of Arab States occupies a unique space in the multilateral landscape. It is at once political, cultural and historical in character. Anchored in shared language and identity, it operates across a region that has become one of the principal theatres of global insecurity. This dual character gives the League a form of convening power that no external actor, however well-resourced, can replicate. We congratulate the League for its exceptional leadership and continued contributions to global peace and security, and we wish to highlight the following reflections. First, United Nations-League of Arab States cooperation must be centred on political solutions, not permanent crisis management. Too often international engagement in the region has treated instability as a condition to be managed rather than resolved. The League’s proximity to conflict dynamics, local actors and societal pressures positions it as a critical partner in shaping credible, inclusive political pathways whether in mediation, dialogue facilitation or post-conflict transition. Secondly, legitimacy matters, but so does trust. The United Nations brings normative authority through the Charter of the United Nations. The League of Arab States brings regional ownership. When these two forms of legitimacy are aligned, peace efforts gain traction. However, when they are disconnected, even well-intentioned initiatives will struggle. Cooperation must, therefore, be grounded in mutual respect, clear mandates and sustained consultation, particularly at early stages of crisis management. Thirdly, humanitarian action and political engagement must reinforce one another. Across the Arab region, humanitarian crises increasingly spill across borders, affecting international peace and security. The League’s engagement with national authorities and regional institutions can help bridge the persistent gap between emergency response and longer-term stability. For Liberia, this integration reflects lessons learned from our own recovery, where peace held only when humanitarian action was paired with political rebuilding. Fourthly, youth and social cohesion deserve greater attention within United Nations-League of Arab States cooperation. The region’s demographic realities are not a looming risk. They truly are a present factor shaping peace and instability alike. Marginalization, unemployment and exclusion create fertile ground for conflict, but they also offer an opportunity for renewal if properly addressed through coordinated investment, governance reform and broader participation. A partnership that overlooks these dimensions risks treating symptoms while ignoring causes. Fifthly, cooperation must be consistent across institutions, not episodic across crises. Strategic dialogue between the United Nations and the League of Arab States should not be activated only when emergencies erupt. It should be routinized, forwardlooking and connected to early warning, preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding tools. Prevention, after all, is less visible than response, but it is far more effective and far more sustainable. Liberia knows that regional organizations can play decisive roles when empowered, coordinated and trusted. As we said earlier this morning (see S/PV.10128), in West Africa collaboration between the United Nations and regional bodies has demonstrated that peace is strongest when those closest to a conflict are part of its solution. The challenge before us is not whether the United Nations and the League of Arab States should cooperate, but whether that cooperation is sufficiently bold, coherent and sustained to meet the moment we are currently facing. Liberia believes that the Security Council has a responsibility to ensure that regional partnerships are not treated as secondary mechanisms, but as strategic assets in the maintenance of international peace and security. Let us be clear: if multilateralism is to remain credible, it must be cooperative. If peace is to be durable, it must be inclusive. If our partnerships are to be meaningful, they must deliver results on the ground. In conclusion, Liberia stands ready to support a stronger, more structured and more purposeful relationship between the United Nations and regional bodies — especially the League of Arab States — a relationship that reflects shared responsibility and shared resolve.

I now give the floor to the representative of Egypt.

It gives me great honour to extend, on behalf of the Group of Arab States, our sincere congratulations to the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We express full confidence in its wise leadership of the Council’s proceedings. We welcome His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, as well as the briefing provided by Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. We appreciate the convening of this important session to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, particularly within a highly complex regional and international context. This underscores the growing need to enhance multilateral mechanisms and to develop effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations, which constitute a fundamental pillar in supporting efforts to achieve international peace and security, given their precise understanding of the specific dynamics of their respective regions. In that context, the Group of Arab States affirms that enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States is no longer merely an institutional option, but a strategic imperative dictated by the interconnected challenges confronting our region and the world. Such cooperation is essential for halting wars; supporting efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts; fostering peacebuilding and reconstruction; and enhancing coordination in responding to humanitarian crises, building institutional capacities and combating terrorism and extremism. It is also essential for collaborating on developmental issues, including food and water security, climate change and other crises. In the light of the grave regional developments witnessed in the region recently, the Group of Arab States wishes to put forward the following points. First, we condemn the heinous and unjustified Iranian aggressions against the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Iraq. Those acts constitute blatant aggression against the sovereignty of States, a threat to their security, an unacceptable targeting of their safety and stability, and a flagrant violation of the principles of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law and the principles of good neighbourliness. We emphasize the right of the targeted States to self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Secondly, we affirm that the Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2817 (2026) reflects the international community’s collective will to safeguard State sovereignty and maintain international peace and security. We demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran promptly implement that resolution, immediately cease all forms of aggression against Arab States, and refrain from any provocative acts or the issuance of threats against neighbouring countries, including through the use of proxies. Thirdly, we condemn the Islamic Republic of Iran’s provocative acts and measures — specifically those aimed at closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting international navigation and threatening freedom of navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and international waters. We demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately cease all attacks against commercial vessels and refrain from any attempts to impede lawful passage or undermine freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as freedom of navigation constitutes a fundamental principle of international law, including as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We call upon the international community to take appropriate measures and contribute to the necessary efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. In that regard, we commend the flexibility of the Kingdom of Bahrain during the negotiations on the draft resolution on ensuring the freedom and security of maritime navigation in straits, in line with international law. We look forward to the adoption of the draft as soon as possible. Fourthly, we emphasize our support for Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, as well as the necessity of extending the full authority of the Lebanese State over all of its territory. This is essential to reinforce its constitutional institutions and safeguard national security and stability. In that context, we welcome the decision of the Council of Ministers of Lebanon to ban all security and military activities by Hizbullah; to confine its operations to the political sphere within constitutional and legal frameworks; and to restrict the possession of arms exclusively to the Lebanese State and its legitimate institutions, particularly the Lebanese army and official security forces. This aligns with the provisions of the Lebanese Constitution and relevant international resolutions, in particular resolution 1701 (2006) and the Taif Accord. We support the measures undertaken by the Lebanese Government to preserve Lebanon’s security and stability. We call upon the international community to exert pressure on Israel to immediately cease its ongoing aggressions against Lebanon, withdraw from all occupied Lebanese territories, and comply with all the relevant Security Council resolutions and the cessation of hostilities agreement. Fifthly, the key to achieving security, stability and peace in the Arab region lies in ending the Israeli occupation and enabling the Palestinian people to realize their legitimate and inalienable rights, foremost among them their right to self-determination, including the end of the occupation and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine along the borders of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of the two-State solution. The Arab Group condemns all illegal Israeli measures in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitute grave violations of international law and the resolutions of international legitimacy. Those measures include the expansion of the occupation and settlements, settler terrorism, ongoing military and security operations and attempts to forcibly displace Palestinian civilians from their land, as well as the systematic targeting of humanitarian organizations, civil society and United Nations entities, in particular the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. We also condemn the imposition of restrictions on the Palestinian Authority, the measures concerning the registration and settlement of land ownership in the occupied West Bank, and the Israeli Knesset’s enactment of discriminatory legislation permitting the execution of Palestinian prisoners. These acts are further entrenching an apartheid regime. They are also compounded by restrictions on freedom of worship, which constitute a blatant violation of the historical and legal status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites — a status quo that must be upheld in accordance with the framework of the historical Hashemite custodianship. We call upon Israel, as the occupying Power, to immediately cease all such measures, including systematic attacks against the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to refrain from practices that undermine the vision of President Trump and the international community — a vision that rejects the annexation or occupation of any land in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israel must fully comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and all relevant Security Council resolutions, most recently resolution 2803 (2025). This includes implementing the ceasefire arrangements in Gaza, opening crossings and ensuring full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as launching early recovery and reconstruction efforts across the Gaza Strip, leading to Israel’s full withdrawal from the territory, in support of efforts to achieve peace in the region. It goes without saying that achieving comprehensive peace in the region depends on ending the Israeli occupation of all occupied Arab territories, including the occupied Syrian Golan, and on implementing all relevant Security Council resolutions. The Arab Group condemns the repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territories and stresses the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity. The Arab Group also emphasizes the importance of strengthening coordination between the United Nations and the League of Arab States to resolve crises in the Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Yemen, in accordance with the Security Council and League of Arab States resolutions, while preserving the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of these States and achieving sustainable stability in the region. In conclusion, the Arab Group will continue to support and strengthen efforts to enhance institutional cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States across various fields. Such cooperation must respond to the priorities of the Arab region, reflect its specificities and reinforce the role of multilateralism as the primary framework for the maintenance of regional and international peace and security.

I thank the representative of Egypt for his statement. The Council has before it the text of a statement by the President on behalf of the Council on the subject of today’s meeting. I thank the Council members for their valuable contributions to this statement. In accordance with the understanding reached among the members of the Council, I shall take it that the members of the Security Council agree to the statement, which will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2026/2. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers.