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, 28 September 2026
Thank you, Madam President,
I thank Acting Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov for his informative briefing.
I also thank Mr Maoz Inon and Mr Aziz Abu Sarah for their contribution and for demonstrating, through their personal experience, that the path to peaceful coexistence is possible.
The situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate at an alarming pace. Mounting settler violence, forced illegal displacement, house demolition, uprooting of livelihoods, movement restrictions and limited access to essential services are putting a growing pressure on Palestinian communities. The ongoing escalation has intensified security challenges also for Israelis. We deplore the continued deadly attacks on civilians across the West Bank. Terrorism and violence against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances.
The annexation narrative, as well as incitement of extremism and violence, expressed by some government officials and leaders, creates fertile ground for aggressive actions and polarization, hindering Israel’s own long-term security interests. The current trajectory in the West Bank does not lead to peace and stability. The recent announcement of additional tenders for 2,147 housing units in the E1 area further accelerates Israeli settlement expansion, which is illegal under international law.
Coupled with road infrastructure inaccessible to Palestinians and extended administrative and enforcement powers, these settlements deliberately fragment the West Bank and undermine the viability of the two State solution.
International law, international humanitarian law and Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2334, must be respected. We call on Israel to address rising settler violence in the West Bank, ensure accountability for assaults and killings, halt settlement expansion, including in the E1 area, and fully respect all of its legal obligations and commitments, including the historic status quo arrangements governing the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.
Madam President,
Stability in the West Bank requires effective, accountable and unified Palestinian governance that provides an alternative to violence. It is important to continue supporting the Palestinian Authority. The measures contributing to prolongation of the Palestinian Authority’s fiscal crisis and the destabilisation of the Palestinian economy are deeply concerning. We call on Israel to ensure that the Palestinian banking sector can operate unobstructed and to release withheld tax revenues, allowing the Palestinian Authority to meet its budgetary obligations, pay public sector salaries and provide essential services. A functioning, credible and effective Palestinian Authority is in the interest of both Palestinians and Israelis. At the same time, the Palestinian Authority must continue to fulfil its commitments and pursue meaningful, comprehensive reforms.
We support the holding of free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections in Palestine. Credible elections are essential for strengthening the legitimacy of Palestinian governing institutions, both among Palestinians themselves and in their engagement with Israel. The participation of Hamas in future Palestinian governing structures is unacceptable.
Turning to Gaza. We remain deeply concerned by the lack of tangible progress in Gaza and the continuing number of civilian casualties. The Comprehensive Peace Plan proposed by the US President Trump and endorsed by resolution 2803 provides a clear and realistic path to achieve peace and stability in the region. It needs to be fully implemented.
With winter approaching, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is becoming even more critical. The precarious state of Gaza's already fragile healthcare system is a particular cause for concern. Essential winterization and shelter materials continue to face severe restrictions on entry. We reiterate the urgent need for the rapid, safe and unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance and essential equipment at scale, including winterization materials, medical and laboratory supplies, and other items necessary to sustain essential services and ensure dignified living conditions.
In conclusion, Madam President,
A political perspective, encompassing Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, governed in the future by a single, legitimate and reformed Palestinian Authority is the only way to sustainable peace. A secure Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state are mutually reinforcing objectives. For this perspective to be realized, the international community must continue and intensify its efforts towards the implementation of the two-State solution, as defined in Security Council resolutions and the New York Declaration, as restated at last week’s High-Level Ministerial meeting of the Global Alliance. Latvia reaffirms its commitment to this shared objective.
I thank you.