Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo wishes to congratulate the Federal Republic of Somalia for the diligence with which it has guided the work of the Security Council throughout the month of January, which is now drawing to a close, and for having taken the initiative to organize this quarterly debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine.
We welcome the presence in this chamber of the Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, as well as that of Their Excellencies, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Liberia and Greece. The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains concerned by the persistence of tensions and pockets of instability across the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. The region is marked by the interlocking nature of political, security, and humanitarian crises. The fragmentation of regional dynamics, the proliferation of armed actors, and the constant risk of escalation underscore the urgency of a comprehensive, coherent approach grounded in respect for international law in order to prevent any expansion of conflict and preserve regional peace and security.
Mr. President,
Our statement this morning will focus more specifically on the Palestinian question, the epicenter of the crisis in the Middle East. This meeting comes two months after the momentum generated by the adoption of resolution 2803. It provides the Council, at the beginning of the year 2026, with an opportunity to address the early signs of a return to peace and stability in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Through that resolution, the Council proposed a framework for an inclusive transition in Gaza, which constitutes an important step forward. The credibility of the Council will depend on its effective and transparent implementation.
At the outset, the Democratic Republic of the Congo would like to commend the leadership of the United States of America, as well as the actions of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Türkiye in concluding the comprehensive plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, particularly the efforts undertaken to secure a ceasefire between the parties to the conflict.
This historic progress certainly gives rise to hope for a positive momentum in favor of populations trapped by war, but it also serves once again as a reminder of the primacy of restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy as solutions to crises, even the most acute. The situation in Gaza further demonstrates that without genuine political will and sincere commitment, neither de-escalation nor peace can be envisaged.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo notes with satisfaction the political and diplomatic progress made in resolving the crisis in Gaza. It particularly welcomes the recent appointment of the leadership of the Peace Council and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Nevertheless, it wishes to draw the Council’s attention to the humanitarian situation, which remains deeply alarming. The protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and civilian infrastructure must remain an absolute priority, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Despite a partial improvement in the delivery of aid, needs remain immense. The Democratic Republic of the Congo strongly calls for safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to be guaranteed, as well as for increased financial support to sustain the United Nations humanitarian response.
In this regard, we underscore the need for a constructive approach to the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the security guarantees to be afforded to United Nations personnel in the discharge of their mandate, particularly with respect to the protection of vulnerable civilian populations.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, the members of the Council bear a collective responsibility to ensure respect for the ceasefire and to make certain that it evolves into lasting peace. They are called upon to remain united, vigilant, and committed in order to support the parties toward genuine stability for the benefit of all the peoples of the region.
I thank you.