BRUNEI DARUSSALAM'S STATEMENT
ON THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Brunei Darussalam is deeply concerned by the heightened tensions and ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, which continue to affect civilian populations and critical infrastructure, resulting in the loss of lives, injuries and displacement of communities. The current developments have worsened the humanitarian situation, undermined regional security, disrupted global trade and economic activity, and further diminished prospects for a peaceful resolution.
We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN), including full respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all States. We stress the urgent need for parties to abide by the relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including UNSC Resolutions 2817 and 2803 and exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation and safeguard regional and international stability. We also continue to underscore the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, particularly the UN Charter.
At the same time, Brunei Darussalam underscores the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which sets out the rights and obligations of all States with respect to maritime activities. In this regard, we call on all parties to lift the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the lawful transit passage of navigation in international waters.
Brunei Darussalam further condemns the illegal actions by the Occupying Power affecting the sanctity of religious sites in Jerusalem, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque. We reaffirm the importance of preserving the legal status quo of the holy sites, as well as the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem that contribute to their protection and preservation. Respect for places of worship and religious and cultural heritage remains vital to promoting peaceful coexistence and preventing further tensions.
We also remain gravely concerned over the ongoing situation in Lebanon and Palestine, including the expansionist agenda by the Occupying Power in Palestine, which further undermine prospects for a just and lasting peace. Brunei Darussalam reaffirms its steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people and supports the creation of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, on the basis of the two-State solution, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
