Statement by Mr. Andžejs Viļumsons, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia at UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
28 April 2026, New York
Thank you, Mr. President,
I thank Assistant Secretary-General, Mr Khaled Khiari, for his informative briefing.
I welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway and Representative of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, Mr Espen Barth Eide, and I thank him for outlining the international community’s continued efforts in Gaza and the West Bank.
I also welcome the member of the Executive Board of the Board of Peace, Mr Tony Blair, to this meeting, and I thank him for his valuable contribution.
Mr. President,
Over the past two months, the Middle East has fallen into a new wave of violence, and reignited threats to international peace and security. Iran's decision to take global navigation and shipping hostage by closing the Strait of Hormuz created a grave and immediate global economic and energy crisis. The consequences of Iran’s unprovoked attacks against the Arab countries in the region, aided by Russia, are felt worldwide. Iran’s belligerent actions are totally unacceptable and must stop, as set out in resolution 2817.
The recent extension of the ceasefire provides a glimmer of hope that diplomatic efforts will provide a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and the regime’s destabilizing activities across the Middle East. We appreciate the mediation efforts of Pakistan and other countries in this regard.
Hezbollah has chosen the interests of the IRGC above the interests of the Lebanese people. It has dragged the civilian population into this conflict who now bear the severe brunt of this escalation. Lebanon is experiencing massive humanitarian crisis. The Lebanese government has made steps towards re-establishing state control throughout the whole territory. Continued and increased international support is necessary to this regard. We welcome the government’s decision to ban Hezbollah's military and security activities and encourage further efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese army and internal security forces in view of implementing Resolution 1701. We reiterate our firm commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. Latvia welcomes the cessation of hostilities and the historic direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the US.
We recall that UNIFIL implements the mandate authorised by this Council and the mission must not be targeted by either side. Latvia condemns in the strongest terms the attacks that have led to the deaths of the UNIFIL peacekeepers of Indonesia and France and have left several peacekeepers severely injured. International Humanitarian Law is non-negotiable and must be respected in all circumstances. Civilians, medical facilities and civilian objects such as houses and villages must be protected. Exercising the right of self-defence, must not lead to occupation of the sovereign territory of another country.
Mr. President,
At a time when international attention is focused on resolving the conflict in the wider Middle East and Lebanon, we must not lose sight of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Despite the international community's consistent call to stop the unlawful settlement expansion in the West Bank, the establishment of thirty-four new settlements was recently approved by the Israeli authorities. The spiralling violence is creating immense suffering and increasing security risks for both Palestinians and Israelis. We call on the Israeli authorities to take immediate and effective action to prevent further settler attacks and ensure accountability. 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.
In alignment with the EU Joint Statement, we recall that the approval of the Death Penalty Bill by the Israeli Parliament marks a grave regression from Israel’s own commitments. We are deeply concerned about the de facto discriminatory character of the Bill. We await the judgement of the Supreme Court of Israel and call on the Government not to implement this law in line with Israel’s previous commitments.
In Gaza a fragile ceasefire holds, awaiting the next steps in implementing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict put forward by President Trump and endorsed by the Security Council Resolution 2803. Tangible restoration of living conditions, including unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance at scale, is urgently needed. Hamas and other non‑state armed groups must disarm and relinquish power. We strongly condemn Hamas for rejecting the disarmament plan prepared by Nikolay Mladenov.
We look forward to the deployment of the International Stabilisation Force and internationally trained Palestinian civil police, as well as the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from Gaza.
Along with the urgent need for early recovery and reconstruction, it is necessary to create a social and political environment conducive to a reunited Palestinian governance. We congratulate the Palestinian Authority for organizing the municipal elections on 25 April, notwithstanding the multiple challenges. We must continue support for the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda and maintain a political perspective that addresses the security concerns and legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. We reiterate 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 a lasting peace. Latvia is committed to work with the Council members to this objective.
I thank you.