A potential turning point in Gaza
At the UN Security Council's monthly session dedicated to discussing the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, a note of cautious optimism emerged from the Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alekperov. Alekperov affirmed that there is a genuine opportunity and a potential turning point that could lead the Gaza Strip toward a better future, but he emphasized that this optimism is tempered by the continued and alarming deterioration of the situation in the occupied West Bank.
General context and humanitarian crisis
These statements come amid the ongoing devastating war in the Gaza Strip, which has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The Strip's more than two million residents are suffering under a crippling blockade and severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel, in addition to widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes. Current diplomatic efforts, backed by the international community, aim to end this suffering by achieving a lasting ceasefire that would allow for the sufficient and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and pave the way for reconstruction.
The importance of diplomatic efforts and reconstruction
Alekperov highlighted the importance of international initiatives, particularly the US-backed proposal endorsed by the Security Council, which aims to establish a phased ceasefire. He explained that the success of these efforts is a crucial step not only to ending the fighting but also to laying the foundations for lasting peace. In this context, he emphasized the meetings held in Cairo to discuss how best to support the United Nations in facilitating humanitarian aid, providing essential public services, and initiating planning for a large-scale reconstruction effort. He stressed that this task requires full coordination among all international, regional, and local stakeholders to ensure that aid reaches those who need it and that recovery begins.
Challenges in the West Bank and their impact on peace
In contrast to the glimmer of hope in Gaza, the UN official painted a grim picture of the situation in the West Bank. He warned that continued settlement expansion, which is illegal under international law, escalating settler violence, and widespread demolitions and arrests are all undermining the two-state solution and exacerbating despair and tension. Al-Akbarov also pointed to the systematic campaign targeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which aims to end its vital operations in the occupied Palestinian territory, threatening to worsen the humanitarian crisis for millions of refugees who depend on its essential education, health, and relief services.
