Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The candidate countries, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina^[1], the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as San Marino align themselves with this statement.

The EU recalls its Council and European Council Conclusions of March, April, June and October 2024. We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, the urgent improvement of access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to hostilities, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2735. To this end, the EU has consistently supported the tireless mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

We recall our condemnation of Hamas in the strongest possible terms for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023. In exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, in all circumstances. We deplore all loss of civilian life, and call on all parties to take every feasible step to protect civilian lives. The number of civilian casualties, especially women and children, is unacceptable. The EU recalls the need to fully implement the orders of the International Court of Justice.

The EU reiterates its unwavering commitment to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution and its support to the Palestinian Authority to help address its most pressing needs and support its reform agenda. The European Union will actively support and engage with international partners on concrete irreversible steps towards the two-state solution reviving a political process to this end, including through the holding of an international peace conference as soon as possible. We stress that a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood is a crucial component of that political process.

The EU is deeply alarmed by the dramatic military escalation in the Middle East. We call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, put an immediate end to all hostilities and fully abide by international law, including international humanitarian law. The European Union is fully committed to helping de-escalate the situation and reduce tensions.

The EU affirms its full and unwavering support to the UN Secretary-General and commends the strong efforts of the UN and all humanitarian actors to deliver lifesaving aid in extremely dire conditions. We continue to call on all parties to take all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians, humanitarian workers and facilities, and reaffirm the urgency of allowing and facilitating humanitarian workers and international organisations to operate effectively in Gaza. We stress the essential role of the UN and its agencies, notably UNRWA which provides crucial support to the civilian population, both in Gaza and the wider region. The EU is a firm supporter of the United Nations and the multilateral and rules-based international order of which UNRWA is a part. We condemn any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA or to otherwise attempt to obstruct its capacity to operate its mandate. In response to the humanitarian crisis, the EU has mobilised all its crisis response tools to channel aid to Gaza, and has significantly increased its funding to humanitarian partners. The EU will continue supporting those civilians most in need.

Thank you, Chair.

[1] North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.