Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana at the the 9542nd Meeting of the UN Security Council - Threats to International Peace and Security

I would like to thank USG Di Carlo for the information provided.

We value the assessments of the United Nations and welcome the Organisation’s continued monitoring of the situation.

My delegation is gravely concerned about the precarious security situation prevailing in the Middle East and the potential for a wider regional conflagration. Such a risk must concern us all.

Guyana condemns the attacks that resulted in the deaths of three US servicemen. We are concerned at reports of civilian losses in the response that has ensued.

We consider it important that no effort be spared to avert new threats and provocations that could further inflame tensions in a region already besieged by conflict and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Guyana urges due caution in responding to these challenges.

We call upon all parties to respect international law, including international humanitarian law, and the Principles of the United Nations Charter. We urge due respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Guyana further considers that this Council must not relent in the search for solutions to the current security challenges in the region, not least the situation in Gaza, nor in efforts to avert a broader, destabilizing regional conflict.

In that regard, Guyana reiterates its call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, where unprecedented numbers of Palestinians have been killed since 7th October.

The Council must unite to bring peace to Palestine and Israel, and an end to this human tragedy.

I thank you!