UN Official Calls for Swift Action to Secure Fragile Peace in Gaza

“After two years of devastating war and unimaginable human suffering, we now have an opportunity to conclude a dark chapter in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and set the course for a more just and peaceful future,” said Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.  

Since the ceasefire took effect, the UN and its partners have launched a 60-day response plan. Aid deliveries rose by 46 per cent in the first week, supported by Israeli facilitation and tracking through the UN 2720 Mechanism for Gaza. “But this is not enough,” he warned, stressing that meeting humanitarian targets requires more crossings, safe corridors, and unrestricted entry of goods, fuel, and humanitarian staff.

Reconstruction, he added, “must be a collective, Palestinian-led effort.” Working with the Palestinian Authority, international partners, civil society and the private sector, the UN stands ready to coordinate recovery efforts in line with the ceasefire, the New York Declaration and the Arab Plan for Recovery and Reconstruction.

A ‘Momentous But Precarious’ Juncture

Mr. Alakbarov called for the immediate release of remaining deceased hostages and large-scale humanitarian access across Gaza.  “All parties must abide by their commitments under the deal and agreements should be reached to implement the next phase.”

Reconstruction, meanwhile, will require “a collective effort and should be Palestinian-led”, he said.  Working with the Palestinian Authority, international partners, civil society and the private sector, the UN is ready to help coordinate recovery efforts in accordance with the ceasefire, the New York Declaration and the Arab Plan for Recovery and Reconstruction.

“We are at a momentous but precarious juncture,” Mr. Alakbarov said.  President Trump’s 20-point plan and the Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement to End the War in Gaza have created “a viable path towards ending the war”.  The upcoming Cairo Reconstruction Conference — co-hosted by Egypt, the Palestinian Authority and the UN — will advance recovery and rebuilding efforts.

For its part, the UN will continue to support all efforts to end the occupation and resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in line with international law and UN resolutions, he said. This is critical to realize “a two-State solution — Israel and Palestine, of which Gaza is an integral part — living side by side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders, on the basis of pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States”.