The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question.

UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov, briefed member states on the recent developments, noting that after two years of a catastrophic war and unspeakable human suffering there is an opportunity to close a dark chapter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

At the debate, Permanent Representative of Greece to the UNSC Aglaia Balta welcomed the US-led plan, which paved the way for the current ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages, reflecting significant international engagement and coordination.

She stressed Greece’s commitment to the day-after developments, as demonstrated by the Greek prime minister’s participation in the Peace Summit held in Egypt, and expressed Greece’s readiness to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza and the flow of humanitarian aid.

In addition, Balta expressed grave concern over settlement expansion and settler violence, including against Christian communities, in the West Bank, while concluding that the the time has come to forge a path towards lasting peace and security, based on the two-state solution.