Greece’s Intervention to the UN Security Council for Gaza: Call for truce and sustainable solution

Concerned that, after more than a year, there is no end to human suffering in which the Israeli-Palestinian conflict rages, Greece expressed on Friday (03.01.2025) as a non-permanent member of the UN since 1 January 2025. During the Extraordinary Meeting of the UN Security Council, convened at Algeria’s request following the Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza, Greece appealed for a balanced approach that respects humanitarian principles, promotes diplomatic dialogue and seeks a sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on mutual recognition and respect for international law. CORVERSE The Greek Permanent Representative, Ambassador E. Sekeris stressed “the deep misery experienced by the Gazan population over the past 14 months due to the ongoing conflict and stressed that the situation, including attacks on hospitals and collapse of health services, has brought the healthcare system to the brink of complete collapse” and expressed Greece’s “intense concern about the continuation of the conflict”, stressing “the need to end the humanitarian crisis and protect civilians”. International Humanitarian Law and the Right to Self-Defence Greece, said Mr.Seckeris, recognised Israel’s right to self-defence, given the significant losses, such as the 1,200 dead citizens and the 100 hostages remaining in captivity in the last year. However, he stressed that ‘all actions should be guided by international and humanitarian law’, noting that ‘under international law hospitals should not be used for military purposes nor should they become targets under vague accusations’. “The attacks that caused the deaths of patients, medical personnel and humanitarian workers, pointing out that these are serious violations of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law,” said Sekeris. CORVERSE Greece has requested the opening of the crossings for unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid and ensuring that shelters remain safe shelters and will not be turned into “death traps” for those forced to leave their homes. “UNRWA operations remain vital to the civilian population,” said Mr. Sekeris. The Greek Permanent Representative stressed “the need for diplomacy and dialogue” and referred to the devastating attacks of 7 October 2023 “as a painful reminder of the human costs of the conflict and called for immediate truce, unconditional release of hostages and the seamless distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale.” “The military pressure alone is not enough to defeat terrorism and extremist ideologies,” said Mr. Sekeris. Two-State solution Mr Shekeris reiterated Greece’s support for the two states’ solution, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions, “as the only viable solution for lasting peace” and stressed the need to respect Israel’s right to exist safely and to ensure Palestinian self-determination at the same time through a political horizon. “The only long-term solution for the region is to revitalize the political process in order to pave the way for a political horizon for a two-state solution, according to the relevant Security Council resolution, while recognising Israel’s right to exist in peace and security,” said Mr Sekeris. Closing his speech, the Greek Permanent Representative stressed that “the pursuit of peace is a precious “gift” that the international community must try to offer.”