New York, January 28, 2026 – During the open debate of the United Nations Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, the Democratic Republic of the Congo commended the Federal Republic of Somalia for its conduct of the proceedings, as well as for the initiative in organizing this important meeting.
The DRC expressed concern over the persistence of tensions and hotspots of instability in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. It underscored the complexity of the crises in the region, marked by the intertwining of political, security, and humanitarian dimensions, as well as by the fragmentation of regional dynamics and the proliferation of armed actors. In this context, the DRC reaffirmed the urgency of a comprehensive and coherent approach, grounded in respect for international law, in order to prevent any escalation and preserve regional peace and security.
Speaking more specifically on the Palestinian question, regarded as the epicenter of the crisis in the Middle East, the DRC recalled that this meeting was taking place two months after the adoption of Security Council resolution 2803, considering that it provides a relevant framework for an inclusive transition in Gaza and constitutes an important step forward, the credibility of which will, however, depend on its effective and transparent implementation.
The DRC welcomed the leadership of the United States of America, as well as the efforts undertaken by Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Türkiye in concluding the comprehensive plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, in particular the initiatives that enabled progress toward a ceasefire. It emphasized that this progress revives hope for an improvement in the situation of populations affected by the conflict, while recalling that restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy remain the only lasting paths to resolving crises, even the most acute ones.
While taking note with satisfaction of the political and diplomatic progress, notably the appointment of the officials of the Peace Council and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, the DRC drew the Council’s attention to the humanitarian situation, which remains deeply alarming. It stressed the need to guarantee the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and civilian infrastructure, in accordance with international humanitarian law, and called for safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access, as well as increased financial support for the United Nations humanitarian response.
The DRC also emphasized the importance of a constructive approach regarding the role of UNRWA and the need to ensure adequate security guarantees for United Nations personnel, particularly in the context of protecting vulnerable civilian populations.
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo recalled the collective responsibility of the members of the Security Council to ensure respect for the ceasefire and to make sure that it leads to lasting peace. It called for unity, vigilance, and sustained engagement in order to support the parties toward genuine stability for the benefit of all the peoples of the region.