United Nations: New plan for Gaza and warnings about the situation in the West Bank
In a pivotal session of the UN Security Council to discuss developments in the Middle East, the United Nations highlighted a significant turning point that could alter the course of events in the region. During the monthly session dedicated to the Palestinian issue, Ramiz Akbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, affirmed that the Gaza Strip stands at a potential "turning point" that could pave the way for a more stable future, despite the formidable challenges that persist on the ground.
Features of the peace and reconstruction plan
The UN official noted that the announcement of the second phase of the comprehensive plan, comprising twenty points and presented by US President Donald Trump, represents a crucial step towards consolidating the ceasefire. This phase is significant because it extends beyond security to include the establishment of vital administrative structures, most notably the "Peace Council" and the "National Committee for the Administration of Gaza," in addition to the Office of the High Representative. These steps come at a time when the Gaza Strip is suffering from widespread destruction of its infrastructure, making the existence of organized administrative bodies indispensable for managing the recovery phase.
In a related context, Al-Akbarov addressed the strategic meeting held in Cairo, which focused on discussing mechanisms for international support to provide essential services. The people of Gaza are facing a severe humanitarian crisis that requires a sustained flow of aid and the restoration of water, electricity, and sanitation networks—essential elements without which no genuine reconstruction process can begin. He emphasized that the success of these efforts necessitates full coordination among all international and regional actors, taking into account available logistical capabilities.
Deteriorating conditions in the West Bank
In contrast to the potentially positive signs in Gaza, the UN official painted a grim picture of the situation in the occupied West Bank. He warned that the continued deterioration of security, the expansion of settlement activity, and the escalation of settler violence threaten to undermine any chance for a comprehensive peace. He noted that demolitions and mass arrests are exacerbating tensions, raising the specter of an explosion of violence that could prove uncontrollable.
The UNRWA crisis and the international community
Al-Akbarov concluded his briefing by warning against the escalating campaign against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). UNRWA is a lifeline for millions of refugees, providing education, health, and relief services. He stressed that attempts to end the agency's operations in the occupied Palestinian territory pose not only a humanitarian risk but also a threat to regional stability, calling on the international community to uphold its responsibilities in protecting the agency and ensuring its continued operation as part of its collective commitment to international law and human rights.
