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
15 October 2026, New York
Thank you, Madam President,
I thank Acting Special Coordinator, Ramiz Alakbarov, for his informative briefing.
Since the announcement of a ceasefire last October, the strikes and attacks continue to cause further civilian casualties in Gaza. Almost two million people continue to face the harsh weather in tents and makeshift shelters, exposed to cold and water infiltration. Although the famine conditions that existed a year ago have since eased, access to adequate food remains insufficient. The lack of basic healthcare continues to cost lives, as people die from treatable diseases and otherwise manageable medical conditions.
UN bodies, the Board of Peace, international humanitarian partners and regional organizations need to keep up their coordination and efforts to bring forward the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Plan, endorsed by resolution 2803. Almost one year later, progress has been made, yet its full implementation remains stalled. Appropriate and tangible humanitarian aid must be allowed to enter Gaza at scale. With winter approaching, ensuring access to safe and adequate shelter is increasingly urgent. Construction materials, engine oil, medical supplies and equipment, including shipments that remain awaiting entry authorization at the border crossings, must be allowed into Gaza without preconditions and further delay, in accordance with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.
Implementation of Phase Two of the Comprehensive Peace Plan must be further advanced. Hamas and the armed factions in Gaza must disarm and relinquish their power. There can be no durable advancement towards lasting peace in Gaza while Hamas remains armed. The International Stabilisation Force and the Palestinian police have to be deployed. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) has completed extensive institutional and operational preparations and must finally be able to start its work. These steps must be accompanied by the IDF's withdrawal to the previously agreed positions.
The deteriorating situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, cannot be viewed in isolation from the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Plan. The illegal Israeli settlement expansion, including in the E1 zone, the forced displacement of Palestinians, and land annexation are unacceptable. These measures erode the two-State solution and must be urgently reversed. We condemn violent settler attacks on Palestinian homes and villages, as well as attacks against Israeli civilians, and incitement to violence and extremism. It raises serious risks of further escalation, with devastating consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians.
A secure Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state are mutually reinforcing objectives. For this perspective to be achieved, 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. 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 path to sustainable peace. The ongoing fiscal crisis, which limits the Palestinian Authority's ability to meet its obligations and provide basic services, must be alleviated through the full and urgent release of all withheld clearance revenues, and by ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the Palestinian banking sector.
While acknowledging the challenging circumstances, we regret the postponement of elections in Palestine and underline the importance of holding timely legislative and presidential elections, which are a prerequisite for viable and credible Palestinian governance and would ensure the
Palestinian people, including the younger generation, their fundamental right to democratic representation.
Madam President,
Turning to the situation in the wider Middle East, we deplore the return to full‑scale war in Yemen and its widening impact across the region. The Houthi attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh constitute heinous acts of violence and mark a dangerous escalation. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Latvia stands firmly in solidarity with the Government of Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reaffirms their right to defend their territory and protect their population in accordance with international law. At the same time, international efforts must continue to deescalate the renewed crisis and restore the conditions for a Yemeni-led political settlement.
The freedom and safety of international maritime navigation must be preserved and protected in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law, as reflected in UNCLOS. Iran’s intimidation and attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as similar recent actions by the Houthis near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and in the Red Sea, have far reaching global consequences and are unacceptable.
Iran must cease its disruptive conduct, attacks and threat to its neighbours and instrumentalise its proxies, sowing conflict in the whole region.
In Lebanon, trilateral talks have created a historic opportunity for achieving sustainable peace, fully respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and Israel’s security. This opportunity must be seized through sustained and coordinated international efforts to support the Lebanese government in its endeavours to consolidate its authority throughout the country, fulfil its commitment to disarm Hezbollah, and continue developing the capacity of the national armed forces. A continued international presence in Lebanon by the UN and other international partners, is key to the implementation of Resolution 1701. We must avoid a potential security vacuum following the end of the UNIFIL mission's mandate.
Since the fall of the Assad regime, the course adopted by the Syrian government to foster stability and cooperation, combatting terrorism and complying with its international non-proliferation commitments, represents a significant turning point for the entire region and beyond. While challenges remain, the ongoing progress towards an inclusive political transition, economic recovery and transitional justice requires peace within Syria and along its borders, with full respect of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
Sustainable peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through continuous efforts from the entire international community, respect for the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, and the faithful implementation of the agreements to which the parties have committed themselves. Latvia stands ready to engage with members of this Council to pursue solutions that contribute to lasting regional stability.
I thank you.