UN Secretary General Guterres told the Security Council on Monday that as the Middle East experiences a "period of profound change," the international community must support the region's efforts to achieve more justice, dignity, human rights, and peace.

Guterres delivered a speech at the Security Council's first quarterly debate on the Middle East issue this year. The background of this meeting is the temporary ceasefire in Gaza on Sunday, the end of hostilities in Lebanon due to the Gaza War, and the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria.

Guterres, who just finished his visit to Lebanon, said, "We have a responsibility to help ensure that the people of the Middle East can emerge from this turbulent period with peace, dignity, and action based hope

The dawn of hope

Guterres said that the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement "bring a glimmer of hope".

He said, "Although there are still many challenges ahead, we should cherish this moment of long-awaited relief for the Palestinians in Gaza and the hostages reunited with their families

At the same time, the United Nations is making every effort to ensure rapid expansion of humanitarian aid. On Sunday, over 630 aid trucks entered Gaza, with at least 300 heading towards the north.

Fully implement the agreement

He stated that all parties must now fulfill their commitments, fully implement the agreement, ensure the release of all hostages, and achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Guterres promised that the United Nations "will make every effort to promote these efforts, especially in fully recognizing the significant obstacles, challenges, and constraints we still face, to expand humanitarian aid throughout Gaza

Field action

Guterres stated that the ceasefire "must be transformed into at least four simultaneous on-site actions". Firstly, United Nations agencies, including what he referred to as the "pillar of our humanitarian response," the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, must be able to perform their functions without hindrance.

Guterres said, "The United Nations must enter Gaza quickly, safely, and without barriers through all available channels and border crossings, and provide food, water, medicine, fuel, shelter, and materials for repairing infrastructure to all parts of Gaza, including the north

Secondly, expanding aid and basic services requires providing safe conditions and a favorable operating environment.

Thirdly, people must have access to life-saving assistance. This includes medical evacuation for those in need. He called on all countries to accept these patients.

Finally, civilians must be protected, and those seeking to return to their communities must have access to safe passage.

Support from the Security Council

Guterres calls on the Security Council and all United Nations member states to support all efforts aimed at implementing a ceasefire, achieving a permanent cessation of hostilities, ensuring accountability, and creating conditions for recovery and reconstruction.

In addition, international media must also be allowed to enter Gaza and report on this important event

The two-state solution requires' irreversible action '

Guterres expressed regret that the situation in the West Bank of the Jordan River continues to deteriorate, with increasing conflicts, airstrikes, illegal settlement expansion, and demolitions.

He said, "I am deeply concerned about the survival threats to the integrity and connectivity of the occupied Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank. Obviously, greater stability in the Middle East requires irreversible action between Israel and Palestine towards a two-state solution

The 'New Dawn' of Lebanon

When talking about Lebanon, Guterres said that the country is ushering in a "new dawn" and he hopes to "soon establish a government where all Lebanese people can feel represented, and a country that can guarantee the safety of all citizens

During his recent visit, Guterres went to the south and witnessed firsthand the "enormous humanitarian impact and destruction" caused by 13 months of hostilities between Hamas militants and the Israeli military.

The governments of Lebanon and Israel signed a ceasefire agreement in November last year, and Guterres stated that although the agreement is fragile, it is still valid.

He emphasized, "It is crucial that Israel's presence in the south must end as stipulated in the agreement, and the Lebanese Armed Forces should be deployed throughout Lebanon

The 'Fire of Hope' in Syria

Guterres also talked about the situation in Syria. He said, "After the collapse of the brutal former regime and years of bloody conflict, the Syrian people have ushered in the dawn of hope." He also emphasized, "We cannot let the flame of hope turn into the flames of chaos

He stated that the United Nations is committed to working with the Syrian people and the international community to support the Syrian led process and promote a credible and inclusive political transition.

Palestine: Hope for a lasting ceasefire

Palestinian Foreign Minister Agabekian addressed the Security Council.

UN Photo/Loey Felipe

Palestinian Foreign Minister Agabekian welcomed the end of hostilities and praised Egypt, Jordan, and other countries for their support in preventing Palestinian people from being displaced outside the occupied territories during the conflict.

She expressed gratitude to all parties providing assistance and the United Nations, particularly praising the unremitting efforts made to "end the genocide against Palestinians", and pointed out that South Africa has filed relevant lawsuits against Israel in the International Court of Justice.

She reiterated that the Palestinian side firmly opposes any expulsion of Palestinians, believing that it seriously violates the principles of international law.

She emphasized, "At this critical moment, our land needs unity more than ever before, and the people need to unite as one." At the same time, she expressed support for the Palestinian Liberation Organization, which is ready to provide basic services and prepare for reconstruction work.

She welcomes any assistance that can help train and equip Palestinian security forces, as well as assist the people of Gaza in escaping the current humanitarian disaster. She pointed out that the occupying power has no right to restrict the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

She called on the international community to increase its support and work together to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace solution in the Middle East.

Israel: Hostages suffer hardships, steadfast in safeguarding national security

The representative of Israel spoke at the Security Council.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

The Israeli representative stated that although the first batch of hostages returned home on Sunday, the families of the captured individuals are still waiting for their loved ones to return and are suffering greatly.

She pointed out that in October 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, which triggered the war. Subsequently, Houthi terrorists also launched attacks on Israel. Faced with this series of severe challenges, Israel has taken necessary self-defense measures to counter the threats posed by these forces and other potential hostile forces.

She stated that although the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon is gradually advancing, Israel will continue to firmly defend its national security.

She emphasized that "Israel reserves the right to take action against any threat to its security." At the same time, she also stated that Israel has no intention of going to war with Syria, but will steadfastly protect its own interests.

She stated that the proxy network supported by Iran has been severely damaged, and numerous leaders of terrorist organizations have also been eliminated. She emphasized, "The days when terrorist organizations acted recklessly are gone forever

She expressed gratitude for the steadfast support of allies such as the United States and stated that this partnership based on mutual respect is the key to combating terrorism.

She emphasized that this war is far from over, and only when all hostages safely return home can the true end of this war be declared.

UK: Millions of lives depend on us

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Falconer, addressed the Security Council.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Falconer, stated that the current ceasefire agreement is a "crucial first step" towards a two-state solution, which not only brings hope to the people of Gaza and Israel, but also to the world.

Falcona said, 'The hostages have endured indescribable pain.'. He welcomed the recent release of three hostages and called for the swift release of the remaining hostages.

He emphasized the harsh reality in the Gaza Strip, calling the suffering there "almost unbelievable," and pointed out that the arrival of winter has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. He reiterated the importance of the ceasefire agreement, pointing out that it paves the way for people to restart their lives and rebuild their homes.

He called on the international community to strengthen confidence and maintain momentum, transforming the current ceasefire into a 'lasting peace'. At the same time, he warned that the Near East Relief Agency is on the brink of a cliff and urged Israel not to create more trouble for the agency's work.

He said, 'Millions of people are pinning their hopes on us.' He emphasized that the Security Council has a responsibility to ensure that critical aid is delivered to those in need. We must never disappoint their trust and expectations

US: Gaza ceasefire agreement 'long overdue'

The Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, Shay, delivered a speech at the Security Council.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

The Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, Shay, stated that an agreement on ceasefire and release of hostages is "long overdue".

She pointed out that this agreement will end the war in the Gaza Strip, provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and most importantly, allow hostages who have been detained for 15 months to reunite with their families.

She said that this is not only the result of the enormous pressure faced by Hamas, the ceasefire agreement reached in Lebanon, and the change in the regional pattern after the weakening of Iran's influence, but also the result of the international community's persistent efforts and arduous diplomatic mediation.

She emphasized that it is a critical moment for all parties to ensure timely delivery of key aid supplies to the people in urgent need of assistance in various parts of Gaza.

She called on countries to support this effort by providing funding and resources, and to help expand the scale and scope of humanitarian aid.

Russia: Fragile ceasefire lays foundation for regional stability

Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Nebenjia, delivered a speech at the Security Council.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Nebenjia, stated that the Gaza Strip is in a state of devastation, and UN experts have assessed that reconstruction efforts will take several years. This harsh reality urgently requires close attention from the Security Council. He firmly believes that a ceasefire will lay the foundation for rebuilding Gaza and repatriating hostages.

He pointed out that the ceasefire in Gaza heralds stability for the entire region, including Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. In addition, the ultimate goal should be to establish an independent Palestinian state, which is the key to breaking the cycle of violence.

He said that maintaining the achievements of the ceasefire is a shared responsibility of the international community. He stated that Russia will continue to play a role in supporting efforts to restart peace negotiations and ensure adequate humanitarian aid is delivered to Gaza.

France: Gaza must be integrated into the future blueprint of the Palestinian state

France's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Drivier, speaks at the Security Council

UN Photo/Manuel El í as

The Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, De Rivi è re, welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza and urged all parties involved to fully implement the terms of the agreement.

He emphasized that all remaining hostages, including two French citizens, must be released.

He said that the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly severe, and ensuring unimpeded access to aid channels is particularly important. He called on the international community to provide unimpeded humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip in accordance with international law, and reiterated France's full support for the work of the Near East Relief Agency, believing that its work value is irreplaceable.

He pointed out that the Gaza Strip must be included in the development blueprint of the Palestinian state. He emphasized that it is crucial to prevent Hamas from regaining control and to prepare for the smooth return of the Palestinian Authority.

He expressed hope for Joseph Aoun's election as the President of Lebanon and called for the formation of a government that can consolidate national consensus as soon as possible.

He called on all parties involved to restart the peace process under the guidance of the United Nations, jointly promote the resolution of the Yemen issue, and urged the Houthi armed forces to immediately stop all actions that undermine stability in the region.

China: Israel's claim to have the right to resume military operations in Gaza raises concerns

Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong delivered a speech at the Security Council.

UN Photo/Skinder Debebe

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, said, "We have noticed that the Israeli side has claimed that if the second phase of negotiations on the ceasefire agreement fails, Israel can resume military operations in Gaza, and this has also received guarantees from relevant countries, which is deeply concerning

He said, "Regarding the arrangements for post-war governance in Gaza, Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine and its post-war arrangements should be decided through internal consultations within Palestine. The international community should support the strengthening of unity among Palestinian factions and support the unified and effective management of Gaza and the West Bank under the leadership of the national authority. Any attempt to change the population and territory of Gaza is unacceptable“

He pointed out that the Jewish nation has long been independent and established, but the Palestinian people are still being ignored and suffering from historical injustice. The 15 month long conflict once again proves that only by implementing the "two-state solution" and achieving peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel, can we achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.

He said, "Israel's long-term occupation of Palestinian territories, including settlement activities and settler violence in the West Bank, not only violates international law and Security Council resolutions, but also continuously erodes the foundation of the 'two-state solution'. The dangerous attempt to annex the West Bank will completely ruin the prospects for peace in the Middle East. To uphold the authority of international law and preserve the basic conditions for the independent establishment of Palestine, we call on the international community to take all necessary measures to stop unilateral actions that violate international law. “