“For 78 years, the Palestinian people have been denied their inalienable rights, in particular their right to self-determination,” he said.
“Now, It is time for us to take decisive action to end this decades-long stalemate..”
Gaza war, violence in the West Bank
Baerbock said the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023 “triggered one of the darkest chapters of this conflict.”
He described the immense devastation and suffering in Gaza after two years of war, with thousands dead, countless wounded, starving communities, ruined civil infrastructure and almost the entire population displaced.
The hostages have been freed and reunited with their loved ones, while other families are mourning the bodies that have been returned.
Although the horrors of Gaza have dominated the news, he warned that settlement expansion, demolitions and increased settler violence in the West Bank continue to undermine prospects for a sovereign, independent, contiguous and viable Palestinian state.
Two sovereign states
“Everything that has happened in the last two years has underlined what we have known for decades. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict cannot be resolved through illegal occupation, de jure either de facto Annexation, forced displacement, recurring terrorism or permanent war.“, said.
“Israelis and Palestinians will only live in lasting peace, security and dignity when they live side by side in two sovereign and independent states, with mutually recognized borders and full regional integration.”
This is outlined in the New York Declaration, supported by many Member States, and in UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), which endorsed the ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict in Gaza’ proposed by the United States.
“Unfortunately we see again every day that These are just words on paper if we don’t deliver“, said.
Ceasefire and humanitarian aid
“We need to ensure that the ceasefire is consolidated and becomes a permanent end to hostilities,” he added, noting that at least 67 children have died since the fragile truce began.
Ms. Baerbock also highlighted the need to ensure that aid is delivered throughout the Gaza Strip safely and unimpeded, and in full compliance with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.
This includes delivery through the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
He noted that “as described in the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel’s obligations…allowing UNRWA to fulfill its mandate and continue its operations there is not simply a gesture of goodwill, it is a legal obligation.”
Ms. Baerbock said that “the pursuit of peace, stability and justice in the Middle East requires our United Nations” and for the General Assembly to play a significant role.
Right to self-determination
“It requires all Member States to lead by example: to participate in this process, to respect the Charter of the United Nations, to adhere to international law and to the promise that this institution made to all the people of the world 80 years ago,” he continued.
“Let us remember once again: self-determination and the right to live in one’s own State in peace, security and dignity, free from war, occupation and violence, are It is not a privilege that must be earned, but a right that must be defended..”