Mr President,

Allow me first to express our deep concern regarding the grave humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza. Czechia supports efforts to find a meaningful and durable resolution to the fighting on the ground, including the swift release of all hostages. The tragic developments we are witnessing clearly demonstrate that this protracted conflict cannot and will not be resolved by force alone.

At the same time, I wish to reiterate my country's firm commitment to Israel's right of self-defence in full compliance with international law and international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, we cannot remain silent in the face of the dire reality on the ground. We urge all sides, including the Israeli authorities, to take every measure possible to facilitate the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza.

Mr President,

We indeed support many aspects of this resolution, particularly those explicitly aimed at addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, yet the resolution regrettably goes well beyond its stated humanitarian objective by incorporating some highly politically charged and even one-sided assertions.

First and foremost, while we acknowledge that, for the first time, this General Assembly resolution explicitly refers to Hamas, specifically in relation to the hostages currently held captive, we deeply regret that the text once again fails to unequivocally condemn Hamas’ unspeakable atrocities of 7 October, carried out with the deliberate intent to murder innocent civilians, including women and children.

Let us be absolutely clear: Hamas bears responsibility for countless atrocities, including perpetuating violence against Gaza’s civilian population, cynically using civilians as human shields, and diverting humanitarian aid for its own ends. The irrefutable truth remains that Hamas terrorists could immediately bring this brutal conflict to an end by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages.

In light of these considerations, we decided to abstain in the vote on this resolution.

Thank you.