Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the UN, at the UN Security Council Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
New York, 26 August 2026
Thank you, Madam President,
I thank Acting Special Coordinator, Mr Ramiz Alakbarov, for his informative briefing.
I welcome the Board of Peace High Representative for Gaza, Mr Nikolay Mladenov, to this meeting and I thank him for the comprehensive briefing.
I also thank Executive Director of the Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA), Ms. Athena Rayburn, for her contribution to the discussion.
Madam President,
The Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, put forward by President Trump and endorsed by resolution 2803, remains at the core of ongoing international efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. Latvia welcomes the continuing efforts of the Board of Peace and the mediating countries – Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United States – to pursue the full implementation of the Plan. To achieve this goal, all parties must engage genuinely and fulfil their commitments.
Against this backdrop, I would like to underline three points:
First, we note with deep concern the ongoing daily air-strikes that continue to cause further civilian casualties in Gaza. Since the announcement of the cessation of hostilities more than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed and over 4,000 injured. Attacks endangering IDF soldiers also continue. We once again call on all parties to respect the ceasefire in good faith and in its entirety, as required by the Comprehensive Plan and Resolution 2803.
Israel’s right and obligation to defend its citizens, deeply scarred by the October 7 terrorist attack, is a clear principle underpinning our diplomatic efforts. At the same time, international law and international humanitarian law must be fully respected, ensuring the protection of civilians, journalists and humanitarian personnel across both Gaza and the West Bank. The rhetoric of annexation and statements calling for targeted killings of Palestinians, expressed by some Israeli politicians, are unacceptable.
Further constructive steps are needed to advance the Comprehensive Plan and prevent a resurgence of violence in Gaza. There is no future for non-state armed groups and terrorism in Gaza. We once again underline that the complete disarmament of Hamas and its relinquishing of power are imperative. Concurrently, the deployment of the International Stabilisation Force and the withdrawal of the IDF must take place, as outlined by Mr Mladenov.
With the support of the international community, including the UN agencies and the Palestine Donor Group, the work of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and its deployment on the ground is indispensable for restoring dignified living conditions to the people of Gaza. It must start without further delay.
The early involvement of the Palestinian Authority, alongside its ongoing reform efforts and preparations for the upcoming elections, would lay the foundation for future self-sustaining governance in Gaza.
Second, three months before the anniversary of the adoption of resolution 2803, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains appalling. Conditions are continuously critical across multiple sectors, with severe water insecurity depriving civilians of adequate access to safe drinking water and the water needed for basic hygiene and sanitation.
These conditions are compounding already grave public health risks, amid disrupted health services, damage to and attacks on health-care facilities and personnel, and persistent shortages of essential medicines, medical supplies and equipment.
Repeated displacement continues to expose civilians to increasingly precarious conditions. There is an urgent need for basic shelter assistance and other vital relief to meet the needs of displaced families, especially ahead of the winter. Sustained, safe and predictable humanitarian access remains essential to an effective response and must be facilitated without conditions, in accordance with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.
International humanitarian organizations, including UN agencies and international NGOs, continue to play a critical role in delivering life‑saving assistance despite severe operational constraints and their work must not be hindered.
Third, the international community, including in this Chamber, has repeatedly opposed the entrenching annexation of the West Bank. Today, we note with regret that the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, including in the E1 area, continues. Increased settler attacks and harassment, movement restrictions, and the demolition of property and infrastructure contribute to the forced displacement of Palestinians and fuel the vicious cycle of vengeance and radicalization. We urge Israel to address the situation, in full respect of international law and commitments, including Security Council resolution 2334, as well as all previous arrangements to which it has pledged itself. The withheld Palestinian tax revenues must be released without delay.
Attacks against Israeli civilians, incitement to violence and all forms of terrorism are equally unacceptable. The Palestinian Authority must fulfil its commitments to pursue meaningful, comprehensive reforms. This includes strengthening governance and accountability, addressing radicalization, including education in line with UNESCO standards, and reforming the payment system for families of prisoners.
Madam President,
It is essential that the Comprehensive Plan delivers the expected results. Neither Israeli security concerns, nor the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians can be realized amidst the risk of reigniting yet another devastating escalation. A political perspective encompassing Gaza and the West Bank is the only way to achieve long-term stability. It is crucial to continue and reinforce international engagement towards peaceful co-existence through the two-State solution, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and the New York Declaration. Latvia reaffirms its firm commitment to this shared objective of peace and stability in the region.
I thank you.