The UN Security Council discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and the growing tension throughout the region. UN Special Coordinator: the situation in the Middle East threatens to get out of control Peace and security
On Thursday, the UN Security Council discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and the growing tension throughout the region. The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Thor Wennesland, told members of the Security Council that there is no end in sight to the war, and human suffering continues.
This week he visited the Gaza Strip, where he said there was a desperate humanitarian situation. Warning that it could get completely out of control, Wennesland called for a collective effort to prevent this from happening.
Humanitarian situation
Palestinians forced to leave their homes and shelters face acute shortages of food, water, shelter and medicines. At the same time, in unsanitary conditions, the number of cases of infectious diseases is growing, and public institutions are on the verge of collapse.
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Wennesland noted that the UN is ready to deliver essential supplies to the strip, but humanitarian assistance depends on ensuring safe and coordinated transport and the provision of permits from Israel.
“UN convoys and warehouses must not be hit, and we must obtain permission for passage [of aid convoys] in a timely manner,” he stressed.
Political solution
Warning that the situation in Gaza could spiral completely out of control, Wennesland called for a collective effort to not only overcome the crisis in Gaza, but also help restore the political process for the future of Palestinians and Israelis.
“To achieve this, we urgently need an agreement on a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages,” the Special Coordinator said, emphasizing the need to create space for dialogue.
“Ultimately, the only long-term solution for Gaza is political,” he said.
Wennesland noted that a plan must be created to restore unified Palestinian governance throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, while taking into account the security of Israel.
Two-state solution
According to the speaker, international assistance for strengthening the Palestinian Authority and reforms in order to enhance its domestic and international legitimacy will be critical. two-state creation in accordance with UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.
These measures are necessary to give the Palestinians and Israelis a chance for lasting peace, he concluded.