“Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children. The thousands of girls and boys killed, including newborns, are a disgrace to humanity. The childhood of the children who are experiencing the atrocities of war today will never be the same again.  I welcome the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution focussing on the protection of children in Gaza and the release of hostages, many of whom are children. A humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed, as is the immediate establishment of corridors for the delivery of aid to hospitals and the evacuation of hospitalised children.

The call for full respect for international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles and for a humanitarian ceasefire is a call to reason. It is despicable that children are victims of violence. Wars have rules too, and children should not be involved in armed conflicts. It is our responsibility to protect them.

This is an important resolution, because it is the first time in seven years that the Security Council has adopted a resolution on the Middle East. The Security Council has thus shown that - despite all the polarisation - it can take a stand in major crises such as the current one in Gaza. Of course, this is the first and most urgent step. It will be necessary to continue focussing our efforts on ending the conflict and finding a political solution. Slovenia – as a member of the UN Security Council – is ready to play a responsible and active role.”