Statement by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, during the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question 24 October 2023

We thank the Federative Republic of Brazil for convening this timely, open debate. We also thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr Tor Wennesland and Ms Lynn Hastings, Deputy Special Coordinator, for their briefings. The details they provided pointed to the terrible plight of innocent civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the urgent need to ensure the release of hostages as soon as possible.