Thank you Mr. President,
The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and thanks the Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and Jordan for presenting this resolution. 

We are deeply concerned about the ongoing escalation in the Middle East. We condemn Iran’s unprovoked attacks targeting civilians and civilian objects across the wider region and deplore the loss of civilians lives. We also urge Iran to end the violence and repression against its own people. As High Commissioner Turk recently stated “the ugly reality of war is not a carte blanche to violate human rights”.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands underlines its full solidarity with our partners in the region and those countries affected directly. 

We further raise concern about the impact of damage to civilian infrastructure on access to essential services, including food, water, and healthcare. The attacks on energy infrastructure, including oil & gas installations and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran are unacceptable and have a severe impact on the global economy, driving up energy prices and disrupting critical supply chains, with particular concern for vulnerable countries that depend on these systems.

The Netherlands calls for an immediate end of all attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure and reiterates the importance of freedom of navigation as a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

Mr. President, 
We call for de-escalation and maximum restraint, and call on all parties to comply with obligations under International Law and International Humanitarian Law. 

The Netherlands supports the resolution presented by the GCC countries and Jordan and calls for it to pass by consensus.

Thank you.