Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, PR of Latvia at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
18 February 2026, New York
Thank you, Madam President,
Let me thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her informative briefing. I also express deep appreciation to civil society briefers – Ms Hiba Qasas and Mr Nadav Tamir – for their valuable contribution to our discussion. Their words reminded us, with both courage and humanity, that even amid hardship, the future for both peoples need not be defined by the conflict. This foundational truth must be strengthened by courageous leadership and sustained international engagement.
The Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, put forward by President Trump and endorsed by the Security Council Resolution 2803, is at the heart of ongoing international endeavours to achieve peace and stability in Gaza. Every effort must now be made to advance the next steps toward its full implementation. The established ceasefire and the long‑awaited completion of Phase One, including the return of all hostages taken by Hamas, have given hope that, instead of continued loss and suffering, people in Gaza and in Israel may finally experience peace and security.
Phase Two, currently underway, sets out practical steps that need to be implemented without delay to restore dignified daily life for the people of Gaza. These include ensuring unhindered flow of aid, the adequate provision of medical and winterisation supplies, the clearing of rubble, the restoration of the full functionality of hospitals and schools, and the launch of reconstruction efforts across Gaza. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, entrusted with these responsibilities, should be empowered with the necessary means, tools and access to effectively implement its mandate, as set out in the Peace Plan and resolution 2803.
The reconstruction of Gaza is closely linked to security and governance. The demand for Hamas to disarm and relinquish power must be enforced. The people of Israel deserve to live in peace and security, without the daily threat of terrorism. We await the upcoming Board of Peace meeting announcing the deployment of an UN-authorized stabilization force, as well as the indispensable financial contributions required for development projects to be implemented for the benefit of the people of Gaza.
We welcome the reopening of the Rafah crossing and urge the parties concerned to work towards increasing the number of people able to cross the border in both directions every day. We support the redeployment of EU Boarder Assistance Mission to Rafah and remain convinced that the mission can contribute to the safe and controlled cross-border movement.
An unimpeded flow of goods remains essential, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be deeply alarming, with civilians facing shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and safe shelter. We commend the vital work of the UN agencies and humanitarian partners operating under extremely difficult conditions, and we reaffirm our support for their efforts to meet urgent civilian needs.
We take note of UNRWA’s ongoing reforms, and the tangible steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Colonna report, thereby enhancing the UN Agency’s accountability and transparency in delivering humanitarian support and services. We underscore the importance of fully respecting the immunities of the UN, its personnel and premises as essential for the effective fulfilment of their humanitarian mandate.
Madam President,
At a time when international attention is focused on resolving the conflict in Gaza, we must not lose sight of the West Bank. Escalating settler violence against Palestinian civilians, land confiscations, house demolitions and settlement expansions have reached unprecedented levels. These developments fuel tensions and perpetuate a cycle of violence, exposing both Palestinians and Israelis to increasing security risks. This cycle of violence also raises the threat of terrorism for the Israeli people.
Recent steps approved by Israel’s security cabinet aimed at expanding control over the entire West Bank are unacceptable and disrupt ongoing international efforts to achieve peace and stability, including the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Plan and resolution 2803. These decisions undermine existing agreements to which Israel is a party and are incompatible with international law and Security Council Resolution 2334. We condemn policies and threats of forcible displacement and annexation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and urge Israel to abide by its obligations under international law.
We are deeply concerned about the severe fiscal difficulties the Palestinian Authority continues to face as a result of the conflict-related economic consequences. We urge Israel to release the withheld clearance revenues so that the Palestinian Authority can meet its budgetary obligations, including the payment of public sector salaries and the provision of essential services. The Palestinian Authority has to be assisted in strengthening its institutional capacities, advancing its reform agenda, and addressing security challenges in order to provide effective governance in the West Bank and, eventually, in Gaza.
Madam President,
In conclusion, allow me to underline that the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Plan and resolution 2803 requires genuine engagement by all parties. Ongoing international efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the Middle East must strive for a political solution that addresses the security concerns and legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. A just and lasting peace requires that Gaza and the West Bank be treated as one unified entity. We firmly believe that a negotiated two-State solution, in accordance with internationally agreed parameters as defined by Security Council resolutions and the New York Declaration, remains the only viable path to lasting peace in the Middle East.
I thank you.