EU Statement – UN General Assembly: UN General Assembly 10th Emergency Special Session (resumed) on the Situation in the Middle East – 61st meeting
*In accordance with Resolution 65/276 (Participation of the European Union in the work of the United Nations).
Statement
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I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
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The Candidate Countries Montenegro*, Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina*, as well as Armenia, Andorra, and San Marino align themselves with this statement.
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We thank you, President, for convening this debate following the vote in the Security Council on 4 June 2025. We also thank the E10 for their efforts in tabling this resolution, which received the support of 14 Council members.
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The humanitarian situation, notably caused by the blocking of humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months, has reached an unprecedented level of catastrophe that requires our urgent and sustained attention. The suffering of the civilian population must end. Delivering humanitarian assistance at scale, the release of all hostages, and the return to a ceasefire leading to a permanent end to hostilities are all essential.
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The EU, once again, unequivocally condemns Hamas’ brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks of October 7. The EU also deplores the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, especially children, in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza, following Israel’s response to these attacks. We also recall the need to fully implement the International Court of Justice orders.
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The EU urges all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
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Our message is clear: humanitarian aid must never be politicised or militarised. Aid must reach civilians in need. We recall the importance of unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza. The EU also urges Israel to act on the basis of the UN proposals under the 2720 mechanism and to ensure full respect of international humanitarian law and of the core principles of humanitarian action — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence — by constructively discussing with the UN and designated NGOs.
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The EU takes note of the UN General Assembly resolution proposed by Spain recalling the return to an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the commitment to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. It is time to break the cycle of violence and ensure peace and security for all. The EU will continue to work with regional and international partners to that end.
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Allow me to reiterate the essential role of the UN agencies, including UNRWA, which provides crucial services to millions of people in Gaza, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and across the region, including Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
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The EU also strongly condemns the further escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, following, increased settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements, Israeli military operations and increased terrorist attacks against Israel.
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We reiterate our commitment to international law and to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace and mutual recognition, within secure and recognised borders.
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The EU will continue to spare no effort to help revive a political process, including through the Global Alliance for the two state solution, and is looking forward to the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution hosted by France and Saudi Arabia next week.
Thank you.
* Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.