Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ intervention at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (New York, 23.09.2025)

Thank you, Mr. President,

Distinguished colleagues,

I would like to thank you for convening this important meeting today, at a very critical moment for the Middle East.

What we have been witnessing in the Gaza Strip, words fail to describe. The humanitarian catastrophe is ongoing. For almost two years, the civilian population has endured conditions that are unsustainable and deeply concerning. No one should be compelled to live under such circumstances.

The expansion of military operations in the City of Gaza has led to further displacement and risks worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. This reality endangers civilian lives. Any further escalation in Gaza, which worsens the already dramatic situation for civilians, must be avoided.

The plight of children underscores the urgent need to guarantee safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access at scale to all parts of Gaza in full respect of international law and international humanitarian law.

Mr. President,

Greece is actively engaged in all efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza. We have consistently provided humanitarian assistance. We have already welcomed injured children from Gaza for treatment in Greek hospitals.

On another strand of effort, we voted in favor for every draft Resolution that would address the crisis in Gaza, the latest one demanding the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid.

This past May, I stood alongside the representatives of 80 UN members here in New York, reaffirming the significance of protecting civilians in armed conflict.

Humanitarian access is crucial to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian population. Safe access to food, water, shelter, clothing and medicines throughout the territory must be guaranteed and international humanitarian law must be respected.

Initiatives to expand deliveries into Gaza by land, air, or sea must be further strengthened.

At the same time, hostages continue to suffer horribly at the hands of Hamas. We were appalled by the images and videos released last month showing two hostages, visibly emaciated as they described the appalling conditions of their captivity. We reiterate our call for the unconditional release of all remaining hostages.

Mr. President,

We recall that this Council has rightly addressed the recent strikes in Doha earlier this month, which are even more concerning given Qatar's crucial role in hosting and mediating negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, alongside the United States and Egypt.

We continue to believe that diplomacy remains the most effective tool, even in the most difficult circumstances. Greece has unwaveringly supported the negotiating efforts, and will continue to do so. And we urge all parties to rise up to the gravity of the situation, return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, and be guided by international law and international humanitarian law.

Mr. President,

Recent settlement expansion and settler violence further impair the prospects for peace.

We express our profound concern over announcements on the construction of additional settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank. Such plans, were they to be realized, would further undermine the prospect of a two-state solution.

The escalation of settler violence, including against Christian communities, is a cause for grave alarm as well. It needs to stop now.

Mr. President,

However remote or difficult the prospect may seem today, the two-state solution remains the only viable path forward.

We need to provide the Palestinian people with a credible prospect of hope for the future. This is an indispensable condition for peace, stability and security in the region - including the long-term security of Israel.

We appreciate, in this vein, the leadership demonstrated by France and Saudi Arabia, in co-chairing the Two-State Solution Conference. Greece stands by all international initiatives, including the relevant Global Alliance and the Arab Plan, towards realizing this vision.

Greece will continue to contribute to every effort that revives the political process towards a two-state solution. A political process which, we firmly believe, must lead to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, through a revitalized and comprehensive approach and which is essential for lasting peace and stability in the region.

Against this backdrop, we see no role for Hamas -neither in governance nor in future discussions concerning the day-after in Gaza. Therefore, Greece has repeatedly stressed that an empowered and reformed Palestinian Authority must play a central role in Gaza's future and remains the best partner for peace. The European Union has already stepped up, approving a three-year package worth around €1.6 billion, crucial to preventing fiscal collapse and enabling the Palestinian Authority to fulfil its formidable task.

Mr. President,

To Greece, the stability of the Middle East is not an abstract concern. Ιt is an indispensable necessity. As a country of the Eastern Mediterranean, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, developments in the region have a direct impact on our own security, prosperity and stability, as well as on Europe as a whole. We are convinced that only through dialogue and the rule of international law can we build a safer neighborhood; one where peoples can coexist in dignity and security.

Thank you.

September 23, 2025