New York, 24 September 2026

Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,

Over the past year, some diplomatic progress has been made towards bringing to an end to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. This includes through the ceasefire, the return of hostages, and efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Any just and peaceful political development should be welcomed and consolidated. However, the reality of life in the Gaza Strip shows that what has been done so far is still decidedly insufficient, since more than two million people continue to live in extreme poverty and are victims of military attacks. The situation remains tragic. The consequences of prolonged violence and devastation continue to weigh heavily on the civilian population, especially those in vulnerable situations. Children, in particular, continue to bear a burden that no child should ever be expected to endure. Their suffering highlights the urgent need to protect civilians, ensure full respect for international humanitarian law and guarantee safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access.

The Holy See welcomes the efforts undertaken through the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and Security Council Resolution RES/S/2803 (2025) to consolidate the ceasefire, promote the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, and establish a foundation for a more stable future. However, these efforts cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader political context. Gaza must be considered in the context of the future of the Palestinian people as a whole, and humanitarian relief and reconstruction cannot be a substitute for a just and lasting political solution.

In this regard, the New York Declaration is one of the frameworks that translates the longstanding commitment to the Two-State Solution into concrete action. The Holy See’s position is clear: the Two-State Solution, based on secure and internationally recognized borders, is the only viable and equitable path toward a just and lasting peace. The Holy See continues to uphold the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, and their legitimate aspiration to live in freedom, security and dignity within an independent and sovereign State.

Looking ahead to 2026–2027, the progress achieved over the past year should not be regarded as an end in itself, but rather as a foundation upon which a genuine political process can be rebuilt. To achieve this, it is essential to preserve the territorial and political conditions necessary for the realization of two States, to strengthen legitimate Palestinian institutions, and refrain from measures that further fragment Palestinian territory or undermine the viability of a Palestinian State.

The Holy See also expresses its grave concern at the recent decision to expand and establish new Israeli settlements, which further undermines the realization of the Two-State Solution. In this context, the Holy See strongly condemns all acts of violence against Christian communities living in Palestinian territories of the West Bank and reiterates the importance of preserving their historic presence. They continue to serve as a moderating and stabilizing presence, contributing to peaceful coexistence and mutual trust.

In an era in which strength is too often regarded as a prerequisite for peace, the experience of recent years should remind us that lasting peace cannot be imposed by force. Rather, it can only be achieved through dialogue, respect for international law, and a sincere commitment to the dignity, legitimate aspirations and security of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.

In this context, the Holy See also reiterates the particular importance of Jerusalem, sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, and its longstanding call for an internationally guaranteed special statute that safeguards its unique character, the Holy Places and the rights of the faithful of the three monotheistic religions.

Excellencies,

The task before us is therefore not merely to manage the consequences of conflict, but to address its root causes and create the conditions for a peace that can endure. The initiatives undertaken over the past year offer an opportunity to move in that direction. This opportunity must not be missed.

Thank you.