Sierra Leone Statement At UN Security Council On the Situation inthe Middle East, including the Palestine Question

STATEMENT BY
H.E. ALHAJI MUSA TIMOTHY KABBA
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellency Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the Republic of Algeria.

1. I congratulate you on Algeria’s presidency of the Security Council and I thank you for convening this high-level open debate at such a critical moment.

• I extend my gratitude to the United Nations Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, for his important briefing, and commend his leadership and tireless efforts in addressing the complex challenges arising from the escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. His commitment to advancing peace in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Israel, and the broader Middle East region is deeply appreciated.

• I would like to begin by expressing my deepest condolences to the families of all victims, both Palestinian and Israeli, of the tragic violence that erupted since October 7, 2023. The scale of the violence, the immense loss of life, and the suffering endured by innocent civilians serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for peace, stability, and the protection of human dignity.

• We also pay tribute to the service and ultimate sacrifice of over 350 UN and humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip. We stand in solidarity with all humanitarian and frontline personnel.

Mr. President,

• For 15 months, the Security Council and the international community have been focused on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has claimed over 46,000 civilian lives, including approximately 18,000 children. Reports, including the UNRWA’s 12th January 2025 situation report and the Secretary-General’s response to General Assembly resolution ES/10/26, have exposed the horrific realities faced by civilians in Gaza.

• The violence has been marked by repeated violations of international law, including international humanitarian law. These violations are evidenced by collective punishment of the Palestinian people, indiscriminate and systemic attacks against civilians and civilian objects, as well as the denial of access to urgently needed humanitarian aid, which is essential for preserving and protecting lives.

• The impact of the conflict has been disproportionately felt by women and children. Many children who have survived are now orphaned, displaced, or maimed, with their education interrupted. Women have been stripped of their livelihoods, privacy and dignity.

• In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, OCHA reports that between 7 October 2023 and 8 January 2025, 816 Palestinians were killed, including 498 in 2024 alone. This situation cannot continue. The international community must demonstrate a collective commitment to ending the cycle of violence.

• At this critical juncture in the conflict, with the promising prospect of achieving a lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the beginning of Gaza’s reconstruction, Sierra Leone would like to emphasize three key points.

1. First, Sierra Leone welcomes the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. We commend Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their mediation efforts, which have led to a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza. This is a positive step that must be fully leveraged by both parties in good faith and with the right intentions.

1. Echoing the words of the UN Secretary-General, we call on all relevant parties to uphold their commitments and ensure the full implementation of the agreement. We encourage Israel and Hamas to comply fully with their obligations under the ceasefire deal and to carry out their respective duties within the specified timelines. We also welcome the release of three Israeli women hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire arrangement.

1. Second, we support the increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, as the humanitarian situation remains dire. The conflict has left over two million people in desperate need of food, medical supplies, and shelter. As displaced civilians return to their homes, they will require essential supplies to rebuild their lives. Humanitarian organizations, including the World Food Programme, have emphasized the need for all border crossings to remain open and operational, allowing aid to reach those in need.

1. For efficient and effective aid delivery, the World Food Programme has underscored the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in reaching all those in need at this critical juncture. In collaboration with UNRWA, the WFP has the capacity to provide life-saving food to at least 2 million people in Gaza over the next three months.

1. UNRWA remains the only organization with the logistical and human resources to address the severe needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. In light of recent legislation passed by the Knesset of Israel on 28 October 2024, we urge the Government of Israel to comply with its international obligations and allow UNRWA to continue its vital work unhindered, delivering life-saving services to millions of Palestinians.

1. Third, the diplomatic momentum gained must be preserved and expanded to facilitate future dialogue aimed at achieving a political settlement based on the ‘two-state’ solution. While the efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages are important steps toward alleviating immediate suffering, they represent only a fraction of the long-standing and unresolved issues at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The situation remains fragile, and both Palestinians and Israelis continue to live in fear and uncertainty.

1. The events of the past 15 months remind us of the consequences of occupation and the elusive nature of peace in the Middle East. They highlight that there is no viable alternative to a two-state solution, which would allow for the establishment of a Palestinian State alongside the existing Jewish State, with both states living side by side in peace, stability, and security.

1. This important work must start with the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, which must be comprehensive, addressing the infrastructural, economic, political, and administrative conditions necessary to establish effective governance, ensure efficient public services, and revitalize local production and private industry.

1. On a broader regional scale, we acknowledge that while the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is a crucial development in reducing violence in Gaza, it also holds broader significance for regional peace. It provides a temporary reprieve for civilians and opens a window for diplomatic efforts. All regional actors must seize this opportunity to work toward peaceful solutions to address the underlying issues fueling conflicts in the region.

1. In conclusion, Mr. President, Sierra Leone continues to call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and the prevention of further violence. We emphasize the importance of accountability for violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

• Finally, Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, based on the principles of international law and respect for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. We remain firmly supportive of the two-state solution, which is the only viable framework for resolving this conflict and ensuring the security and sovereignty of both Israel and Palestine.

I thank you.