President
The adoption of the “veto-initiative”-resolution 76/262 was important, and a significant step in making the Council more transparent and accountable.
The repeated use of the veto undermines the effectiveness of the Security Council, but the increased engagement of the General Assembly in matters of international peace and security is in our view important.
Maintaining peace and security is fundamental to all member states.
Norway regrets that vetoes were cast on 22 March by two permanent members of the Council.
President,
With the situation in Gaza deteriorating at an alarming speed, we welcome the adoption of Resolution 2728 by the Security Council on 25 March, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and humanitarian access to Gaza.
This long-awaited resolution must now be implemented. The demands made by the Security Council in the resolution are legally binding on the parties, and we expect them to act accordingly.
President,
Norway’s positions are crystal clear: We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire. All hostages must immediately be released. And we call for a drastic increase in humanitarian aid that can access Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated to an unprecedented level. A famine is now imminent. And according to experts, most probably underway.
Palestinians are already dying from hunger and lack of nutrition. A heavy responsibility rests on Israel to allow significantly higher quantities of aid to reach those in need, especially to the north.
The opening of the Erez-crossing is very positive if it leads to large quantities of aid reaching the most affected population. We refer to the provisional measures issued by the ICJ on 28 March this year, which we expect Israel to comply with.
Humanitarian actors must be allowed to fulfill their tasks, without fearing for their lives. The recent Israeli attack on the World Central Kitchen aid convoy is totally unacceptable. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. At least 196 humanitarians have been killed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since October 2023. This must stop.
President,
Looking ahead, allow me to repeat Norway's firm position: Only a two-state solution can guarantee peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. We will continue to work with all relevant partners to ensure the realization of this much-needed outcome.