Chair, 

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, San Marino, and Ukraine.

The EU warmly welcomes the ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza. It allows for the phased release of the hostages, ending their terrible ordeal that has lasted for more than 15 months. It ends hostilities and eases the humanitarian suffering in Gaza. We are relieved that the hostages, including several EU nationals, will finally be reunited with their loved ones and that much needed humanitarian aid will reach civilians in Gaza. It is vital that the deal is fully implemented to allow all the hostages to be released, and to ensure a permanent end to hostilities. The EU stresses the need for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, including the unimpeded access for the much-needed humanitarian aid which needs to reach civilians in Gaza. The EU also recalls the need to fully implement the International Court of Justice orders, which are legally binding. 

We extend our gratitude to the US, Egypt and Qatar for their efforts in negotiating the ceasefire, which we had consistently called for. This is a significant achievement, which should have positive repercussions across the Middle East. 

Since the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians have been caught up in violence, which has spread across the region. The EU deeply deplores the unacceptable number of civilians, especially women and children, who have lost their lives.

While welcoming the increase of aid entering Gaza since the ceasefire entered into force, we call for full and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip and that aid can be effectively distributed to those in need, including by UN agencies and notably UNRWA. EU Foreign Ministers met with the UNRWA Commissioner General last week. Displaced Gazans should be ensured a safe, and dignified return to their homes.

Chair, 

The EU reiterates its unwavering commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council (UNSC), based on the two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. We will contribute to this objective through our support for the Palestinian Authority to help it address its most pressing needs and its reform agenda, as well as to exercise its responsibilities in Gaza. We will also engage with Israel and international partners in order to revive the political process. The EU stresses that a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood is a crucial component of that political process. The EU supports the holding of an international conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia for the implementation of the two-state solution in June 2025 in New-York. As part of the EU's long-standing commitment to support Palestinians in need and in light of the latest developments in the region, the EU announced a new humanitarian aid package for Gaza worth €120 million. The EU and its Member States remain the largest donor to both the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA.

Thank you, Chair.