Greek intervention in the Security Council on the Middle East ceasefire agreement

Greece’s deep concern about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, emphasising the situation on the Palestinian issue and the situation, expressed the Greek permanent representative to Evangelos Sekeris during the meeting of the Security Council for the Middle East. Mr Shekeris, Greece’s permanent representative to the UN, described the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of hostages as a crucial step towards stability, stressing the need for full implementation of it in order to achieve lasting peace in the region. CORVERSE “As fragile as it may seem, it can be a turning point to establish lasting stability in the region. It is time for this agreement to be fully implemented so that all Israeli hostages can finally return to their loved ones and the Palestinian people can finally stop counting dead,” he said. Mr Shekeris referred to recent positive developments, such as the release of three Israeli hostages, after prolonged captivity from Hamas and warned of the challenges ahead, pointing out the need for comprehensive planning after the end of the conflict, to ensure long-term governance and security in Gaza. Reaffirming Greece’s support for the solution of the two states, Mr. Shekeris described this vision as “a light in the depth of a dark and distant tunnel” and called on the international community to continue its collective efforts to preserve this vision “because it must stay alive”. DEPENDENCE “It is now crucial to ensure that negotiations on subsequent phases succeed,” he noted. Mr Shekeris acknowledged recent steps towards deescalation, including the reduction of tensions at the Lebanon-Israel border and Lebanon’s progress in overcoming its political stalemate and praised the mediation efforts of the United States, Egypt and Qatar. Despite positive indications, Mr Shekeris urged Member States not to be complacent, noting that the ceasefire is fragile, but also that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains. He stressed the irreplaceable role of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in providing critical services to the Palestinians, calling for full implementation of the recommendations of the Catherine Colona Report to strengthen cooperation between UNRWA and Israel. Greece’s contributions to human pain relief, including support for UNRWA and initiatives such as the Cyprus Plan, were also mentioned. “Amalthia”, which recently allowed over 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to be transferred to Gaza through the port of Ashdod. Mr. Sekeris invoked the Talmud, saying that “whoever saves a life saves the whole world” and stressed the humanitarian aid actions supported by Greece. In closing his position, Mr.Seckeris reiterated the role of Greece as a bridge of communication, given its close ties with both the Arab world and Israel, and expressed the hope that the ceasefire would develop into lasting peace, but also that the neglected peace process would be revived towards a viable solution of two states. “What we watched since Hamas launched its terrorism on October 7 was a tragedy. We hope this is the end of this tragedy. May we see the release of all hostages and the preservation of the truce. May it turn into long-term peace. And I wish to see the Peace Process revive, towards a viable solution of two states,” he said.