New York: The Security Council convened amid the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, with ambassadors urging Israel and Hamas to adhere to their commitments amidst renewed violence and increasing humanitarian needs. The session focused on safeguarding the truce, easing aid access restrictions, and sustaining political momentum. As tensions escalate in the occupied West Bank and southern Lebanon, the meeting tested the Council's ability to stabilize the situation and maintain a credible path towards Palestinian self-determination.
According to United Nations, the U.S. delegate expressed support for the strong implementation of the arms embargo to help Libya assume responsibility for its own security. She emphasized that renewed authorization is crucial for Member States to enforce the embargo and curb weapons trafficking, a key Council priority. She welcomed ongoing consultations with Libyan authorities and appreciated those contributing resources to Operation IRINI, which monitors and disrupts illicit activities off Libya's coast. IRINI also plays a vital role in information-sharing, particularly with the Libya Panel of Experts.
The United Kingdom's delegate voted in favor, highlighting the embargo's critical role in supporting Libya's security and stability and creating conditions for progress in the political process. Operation IRINI, along with Member States, ensures robust implementation of the arms embargo and strengthens its strategic partnership with Libyan authorities in support of Libya's sovereignty and security. She stated that the adoption of the resolution sends a clear message of the international community's commitment to limiting the flow of weapons that fuel conflict and instability in Libya.
The Russian Federation's delegate, explaining her delegation's abstention, criticized the arms-inspection mechanism for failing to meet its goals, with Libya still awash in weapons used by armed groups. She argued that implementation has effectively fallen to the European Union's Operation IRINI, with illegal arms flows scarcely decreasing despite the EU's claims of success. She criticized IRINI's practices, warning that unilateral approaches erode trust and undermine the Council's authority.
China's delegate, explaining his abstention, acknowledged that Council sanctions have helped curb illicit arms flows and limit violence in Libya, but raised concerns about Operation IRINI's transparency, effectiveness, handling of seized items, and coordination with Libyan authorities. He urged the Council to assess IRINI's mandate and make timely adjustments while calling on the European Union and others to support strengthening Libya's security capacities.
France's representative, introducing the draft resolution with Greece, emphasized the arms embargo's essential role in preventing clashes and supporting Libya's political process. He highlighted the EU's Operation IRINI as professional and impartial, and proposed renewing authorizations under resolutions 2292 (2016) and 2780 (2025), with the Council adopting resolution 2804 (2025) with 13 votes in favor and 2 abstentions.
Libya's representative described the principle of complementarity as the foundation of the Court's work in Libya, with the National Prosecutors Office investigating numerous cases of serious crimes. He called on the International Criminal Court to work alongside Libyan authorities and avoid politicization. The Russian Federation's delegate criticized the Court's politically motivated work, accusing it of preventing Libyans from establishing their own justice system and calling for the withdrawal of the Libyan and Darfur files.