President,
the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic.
On 17 November, this Council adopted resolution 2803 expressing clear support for the US-initiated 20-point Peace Plan for Gaza. It is vital that all parties respect the agreement and that humanitarian relief and reconstruction can proceed. The announcement of the plan’s phase 2, the release – finally – of the remaining hostage and reports on the reopening of the Rafah border, provide hope.
In line with the Security Council resolution, the full resumption of aid into Gaza is essential. The UN, the ICRC, and humanitarian organizations, including international NGOs, must be allowed to enter Gaza and operate safely and without obstruction. International law and humanitarian principles must be upheld. This was also emphasized by the International Court of Justice in its advisory opinion of 22 October 2025.
Norway looks forward to working closely with the new bodies established to promote security, peace, and stability – including with High Representative Mladenov and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, to follow up on Council resolution 2803. Norway stands ready to contribute, drawing on more than thirty years of experience in Palestinian institution and state building through our leadership of the International Donor Group for Palestine, the AHLC.
President,
Rebuilding Gaza will require a major collective effort. Everyone must contribute, and Israel must assume its shared responsibility.
Palestinian ownership must be at the core of all efforts going forward. Our common objective remains a unified, independent, and viable Palestinian state, so that Israelis and Palestinians can live together in peace and security.
President,
Norway is deeply concerned by the unacceptable developments in the West Bank, where the continued expansion of illegal settlements and settler violence persist with impunity. Israel has an obligation according to international law to prevent and prosecute such actions.
Israel’s demolition of large parts of UNRWA’s headquarters in East Jerusalem last week, is a clear violation of international law. The ICJ clearly stated in its advisory opinion of 22 October 2025 that Israel is obliged to ensure full respect for the inviolability of UN premises, including those of UNRWA. The destruction of United Nations premises is the latest example of the systematic obstruction of UN operations in Palestine. It is not only a blatant violation of international law, but also a direct attack on the UN as a whole and thus sets a very dangerous precedent.
President,
let us now work together to fully implement Security Council resolution 2803 and to realize a two-state solution that offers hope of a peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Thank you