Post #3290

🎙Statement by Permanent Representativeof the Russian Federation to the UN Vassily Nebenzia at a UNSC Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East(New York, January 28, 2026) 💬 Vassily Nebenzia: Recent developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone give us grounds for cautious optimism and offer hope for a definitive transition from the logic of confrontation and violence to diplomacy and economic revival. We welcome the return to Israel of the body of the last hostage, Ran Gvili, which was made possible owing to the Palestinians disclosing the information on its whereabouts. The wounds inflicted on the Israeli nation on October 7, 2023, may still be fresh, but let us hope that this symbolic event, which marked the final reunification of all families with their loved ones, is set to pave the way for restoring relations between the two peoples. <...> We note the long-awaited start of the second phase of President Trump's peace plan, which was announced by the US on January 14. The launch of the work of transitional bodies in the enclave – first and foremost that of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), headed by experienced official of the Palestinian Administration (PA) Ali Shaath – lays the groundwork for rebuilding the Gaza Strip. ❗️ We stand convinced that the peace initiative will hardly succeed until the interests and rights of the Palestinian people are fully respected and transitional structures coordinate closely with the PA. We emphasize that any plans for the forcible displacement of Gazans are inadmissible, no matter what plausible pretexts these plans may be furnished with. <...> We believe that further implementation of Trump’s plan will require mediators to focus on finding a comprehensive negotiated solution to the problem of disarming Palestinian groups and withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza. Attempts at a military solution are doomed to failure. *** Unfortunately, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic given total devastation and restrictions on the delivery of supplies. Persistent bans on carrying out humanitarian operations and importing essential goods and equipment for clearing rubble are seriously exacerbating the plight of Gazans. <...> It is precisely based on the acute needs and pressing demands of the Palestinians that we announced our readiness to provide US$1 billion from Russian assets frozen by the previous US administration for projects to rebuild and reconstruct the Gaza Strip. ☝️We call on Israel to refrain from actions that undermine the humanitarian response and to ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian agencies to address one of the most acute crises of our time. <...> 👉 Our country's position on the Palestinian-Israeli settlement is principled and not subject to circumstantial changes. We reaffirm our support for the two-state formula and a just solution to the Palestinian issue on the basis of a universally recognized legal framework. Read in full