Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the UN at UN Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
28 July 2026, New York
Thank you, Madam President,
I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov for his briefing.
Madam President,
At a time when the international community is making a united effort to resolve the conflict in the wider Middle East, Iran has reignited the crisis by targeting ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz and conducting yet another campaign of reckless attacks against its neighbours - Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar, as well as Jordan.
Iran has also continued to undermine Yemen's sovereignty, including through recent unauthorized flights into Sana'a and Hodeidah. Moreover, Iran must abandon any attempts to disrupt free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. In the same vein, Iran-supported Houthis must cease their threats and attacks against commercial shipping imposing an unlawful blockade in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and their attacks against Saudi Arabia, which threaten freedom of navigation, international trade and regional stability, and risk drawing Yemen into a wider regional conflict.
By launching an attack against Syria on 17 July Iran demonstrated that it prioritizes its own strategic objectives and the preservation of its disruptive influence in the region over Syria’s post-war stabilization efforts. Iran’s unjustified aggression blatantly disregards the Memorandum of Understanding, threaten regional stability and constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the respective countries. Latvia categorically condemns these attacks, and we express full solidarity with our Gulf partners, Jordan, Iraq and Syria.
The wars in the Gulf and Ukraine are becoming increasingly interconnected, with Russia and Iran acting as mutually reinforcing drivers of instability across both regions. Russian-Iranian cooperation is no longer just a tactical partnership. It is a long-term strategic alliance based on shared interests to weaken and challenge the international security and strengthen the military capabilities of both countries. We condemn Russia for supporting the destabilization efforts by Iran in the Middle East, leading to irregular migration flows. Russia has repeatedly relaxed visa rules, facilitated transit, provided logistical support, and used disinformation to channel migrants from the conflict areas of the Middle East and Africa toward EU borders, thus instrumentalizing the consequences of the conflicts it helped to spread.
We reiterate our support for the resumption of meaningful negotiations between the United States and Iran and appreciate the mediating efforts of Pakistan and Qatar, among others. In order for diplomacy to succeed, a complete cessation of hostilities and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is needed, in full compliance with the MoU and Resolution 2817.
In Lebanon, we welcome the ongoing peace negotiations between Lebanon and Israel under the auspices of the United States, which pursue the same objectives as the resolution 1701 - to secure a permanent ceasefire, achieve a sustainable solution to the conflict and provide lasting peace.
We commend the conclusion of the 26 June trilateral framework agreement providing for the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces throughout the southern part of the country, disarmament of Hezbollah and withdrawal of Israel’s forces from Lebanon. Launching the “pilot zones” plan represents a tangible step towards the implementation of this framework.
We call for the continuation of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel to reach a comprehensive and sustainable agreement, restoring Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity while addressing Israel's security concerns. This effort also requires an end to Iran’s support for and influence over Hezbollah, which undermines Lebanon's sovereignty and the prospects for lasting peace.
The international community must continue and reinforce its support to Lebanon’s government and armed forces to take full control of the territory and the monopoly of weapons. Adjusted, credible, and impartial UN presence in Lebanon will be essential to oversee the implementation of resolution 1701 after the drawdown of UNIFIL, as well as the comprehensive bilateral agreement, once it is reached.
Madam President,
In Gaza, further progress in implementing resolution 2803 and the Comprehensive Peace Plan, put forward by President Trump, is urgently needed. In this regard, all parties must abide by their commitments.
Hamas and non‑state armed groups must accept the plan proposed by the Board of Peace, disarm and relinquish their power. The ongoing daily strikes in Gaza and the resulting Palestinian civilian casualties must stop. The deployment of the ISF and the Palestinian police, as well as the withdrawal of the IDF must provide a pathway for stabilization. The long-delayed recovery of the entire Gaza Strip through the work of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) must be enabled urgently. We welcome the recent meeting of the Palestine Donor Group and launching the Team Gaza Initiative to support reconstruction and health care.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely challenging, as insecurity, access restrictions and repeated displacement continue to constrain humanitarian operations. Limited and unpredictable flows of humanitarian goods are increasing hunger, restricting the availability of essential supplies and placing additional pressure on a nearly collapsed health system. Sustained, safe, and predictable humanitarian access remains critical to enable an effective response.
In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the human rights, humanitarian and security situation keeps deteriorating. Expansion of Israeli settlements, including in the E1 area, is ongoing, with increasing numbers of Palestinian families being evicted from their homes. Settler violence continues. We call on Israel to ensure accountability for all committed assaults and killings, and fully respect all of its legal obligations.
A political solution, encompassing Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is the only way to sustainable peace, based on the two‑State solution, as defined by Security Council resolutions and the New York Declaration. Addressing the security concerns and the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians requires renewed momentum in the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, and genuine engagement by all parties.
Syria’s achievements by pursuing the path of stability and recovery Syria's achievements stand out against the backdrop of broader regional turmoil and inspire hope that positive change is possible. We welcome the Secretary-General's recent visit to Syria and trust that the UN’s continued support will reinforce Syria’s political transition, reconstruction and transitional justice.
In conclusion, Madam President,
Latvia remains committed to achieving comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, as well as fully restoring freedom of navigation, and expresses its readiness to continue efforts alongside regional and global partners to achieve this shared goal.
I thank you.