United Nations Security Council: Open debate on “Advancing Peace in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for a Lasting Peace”

President. Today's meeting comes at a critical time.

Across the Middle East today it seems that almost no nation is spared from the scourge of war.

New Zealand shares the deep concern of others we have heard from: at the scale of civilian harm, at the risks of regional spillover, and at the strain on global stability.

New Zealand urges all parties to conflict to uphold international humanitarian law, enable safe and sustained humanitarian access, and prioritise the protection of civilians.

New Zealand welcomes the diplomatic efforts underway across the Middle East to end conflict. We acknowledge the critical role mediating states have played in establishing ceasefires.

We are regrettably aware, however, that while ceasefires may reduce fighting; they too seldom end it.

Real, sustainable, and durable peace requires more than fragile ceasefires. It requires sustained, good-faith dialogue, to establish lasting comprehensive agreements.

Without such diplomatic efforts, conflicts will remain unresolved, violence will continue, and the people of the Middle East will continue to suffer.

Dialogue is critical not only to end conflicts, but to mitigate conflict's terrible impacts. As we have seen in recent years, even during conflict, targeted diplomatic efforts can enable humanitarian access, protect civilians, and address food insecurity and other cascading effects.

President

The conflicts in the Middle East inflict their harshest impacts on civilians across the region. But the impacts of such conflicts are felt across the world.

Despite geographical distance, we are acutely aware of the impacts in the Indo-Pacific where the stability of global supply routes is essential.

These global impacts ensure we have a common interest in advancing peace in the Middle East.

President

The United Nations Charter empowers this Council with the primary responsibility for maintenance of international peace and security. Too often that responsibility has been ignored or prevented by those wielding the veto.

The Security Council should provide unified support to mediation efforts in the Middle East, whether they are led by states, the Secretary-General or his representatives.

Through its resolutions, statements and substantive actions, the Security Council should support efforts to bring combatants into dialogue and to end the conflicts that today threaten international peace and security in the Middle East.

Mr President

In Lebanon, as in Gaza, we have seen that diplomacy establishes ceasefires. But such agreements are fragile. Ceasefires require all parties to adhere to them. They require deliberate deescalation, and the withdrawal of armed forces in accordance with the terms of a ceasefire.

It is only through sustained dialogue, supported by the international community, and the Security Council, that conflict can be ended, and that fragile truces can be turned into lasting peace.

I thank you

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