Statement by Latvia at the United Nations Security Council, Open Debate on the Middle East
New York, 28 January 2026
Mr. President,
I would like to thank Deputy Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov for his briefing.
There are prospects for stability in the Middle East. The terrorist networks of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis have been severely degraded. The failed Iranian regime has been weakened. And its nuclear program has been set back decisively. The collapse of the Assad regime has brought relief to millions of Syrians and contributed to the wider stability of the region.
As the fragile ceasefire in Gaza continues to hold, we must collectively engage in its consolidation. We need to build on this progress to end the immense human suffering of the Palestinian people and to provide them with opportunities to secure daily livelihoods, reconstruct infrastructure and regain their dignity and future.
The people of Israel have to be assured that they can live in peace, security and without the daily threat of terrorism. At last, 843 days since October 7 – all of the hostages taken by Hamas are finally returned home. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gvili family and all other families that endured this horror.
Latvia supports the full implementation of President Trump's Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. It must serve as a building block for a broader stabilization in the Middle East. We welcome the launch of Phase Two of the Comprehensive Plan, which has commenced with the announcement of the Executive Board, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. We also welcome the work of the Civil-Military Coordination Center.
Further on, it is imperative that Hamas disarms and relinquishes power.
We look forward to the Board of Peace in its transitional administration capacity, as endorsed by the Security Council resolution 2803, to provide strategic oversight of the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and redevelopment of Gaza for the benefit of its people. We also await the International Stabilization Force to be generated and to fulfill its security role.
With the transitional governing bodies taking up their duties, there is a pathway for tangible reconstruction and development, with drinking water and food, as well as hospitals and schools to be accessible to everyone throughout Gaza.
The Palestinian Authority has to be assisted in building institutional capacities, implementing its reform agenda and addressing security challenges.
Mr. President,
The past two years have confirmed that breaking the cycle of violence requires sustained investment in a viable political solution. A peace that addresses the security concerns and the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. We should not lose sight of the objective of the two‑state solution, in accordance with international parameters, as defined by Security Council resolutions, and the New York declaration endorsed last September. A just and lasting peace requires Gaza and the West Bank to be addressed as one unified entity.
The unprecedented levels of violence, land confiscations, house demolitions and settlement expansion that are emerging across the West Bank undermine international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region. We strongly oppose any steps towards territorial or demographic change in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and urge Israel to halt its settlement policy in the West Bank.
Mr. President,
The ultimate value of any plan is determined not by its quality on paper, but by its effective and efficient execution in the real world. We commend the dedication and courage of humanitarian workers who, despite extremely difficult circumstances, have responded swiftly to the urgent needs of civilians in Gaza. The immediate flow of aid following the peace agreement last October provided a vital lifeline, and it should be continuously ensured without interruption or obstruction. Humanitarian needs remain immense and are further exacerbated by dire weather conditions, with most civilians still lacking access to shelter, clean water, and basic medical care.
In this regard, the adoption of new registration requirements for international non-governmental organizations raises serious concerns about their potential impact on humanitarian assistance. Safeguarding an enabling, predictable, and non-discriminatory operating environment remains essential to ensuring that this vital assistance can continue, in line with international humanitarian and human rights law. We call on Israel to engage in a meaningful dialogue with affected stakeholders.
Mr. President,
The situation in Iran has reached an alarming level of repression. The regime has killed thousands of innocent protesters. It continues to carry out mass repression, in an attempt to silence protesters.
Latvia stands in solidarity with the brave people of Iran. We demand an immediate end to the violent oppression of its people who are simply exercising their fundamental rights.
Iran’s ongoing support for armed proxies and its aggressive regional interventions undermine security and stability across the Middle East and beyond. The continued material support of the Iranian regime to Russia’s war against Ukraine is despicable.
Mr. President,
We also take note of certain positive developments in the region that merit continued support from the international community. We welcome the Lebanese government’s political commitment and efforts to foster economic recovery, reconstruction and security, including steps taken to ensure the State's monopoly on weapons. We reaffirm our support to the implementation of the UNSC resolution 1701 and the important role of UNIFIL.
Emerging from decades of violence and grief, the new Syria has a historic opportunity to shape a future of peace, security, and prosperity for its people and neighbors. We welcome the efforts of the Syrian transitional government to sustain security and advance an inclusive political transition and socio-economic recovery.
In the conclusion, let me emphasize that at a time when there is a glimmer of hope for stability and lasting peace in the Middle East, the international community must strengthen its collective commitment to this goal. In doing so, we must focus on the needs of the people and their aspirations for security and dignity.
I thank you.