United Nations: The ceasefire in Gaza must be built upon, and the current stage is fraught with dangers

In his briefing to the Security Council from Jerusalem on Thursday, Mr. Ramiz Alakbarov said that the ceasefire and hostage release agreement – based on US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan – represents hope for a better future, “But the dynamics are very fragile.”

He added: “A return to conflict must be avoided at all costs. The bodies of the remaining deceased hostages must be handed over without any further delay. Humanitarian aid must enter the Strip on a large scale to meet the enormous needs of the population wherever they are. All parties must comply with their obligations under the agreement and agreements must be reached to implement the next phase.”

Expanding the humanitarian response

Given the massive scale of devastation and the pressing and urgent needs in the sector, Mr. Alakbarov said that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners are working to implement the 60-day plan developed by the United Nations to expand the response, which sets out concrete measures to simplify customs procedures, expand access routes, facilitate the entry of essential materials, restore essential services, and ensure the safe movement of humanitarian workers.

He added that aid entering Gaza – monitored by the United Nations – increased by 46% in the first week of the ceasefire, but stressed that this is not enough.

Mr. Alakbarov stressed that achieving the goals of the plan and ensuring an effective response requires the activation of more crossings and relief corridors, the safe movement of relief workers and civilians, the entry of materials without restrictions, sustainable fuel delivery, and providing work space for the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, including renewing the registration of non-governmental organizations – “All in accordance with humanitarian principles.”

Building on the ceasefire

The UN official said that the continued raids and sporadic attacks by Israel and Palestinian armed groups, “In addition to the apparent killings of Palestinians by Hamas and other armed groups.” It also undermines humanitarian efforts and threatens stability in the Strip.

And he said: “We must move quickly to build on the current ceasefire towards a comprehensive agreement, otherwise there is a serious risk of continued insecurity and violence, undermining recovery and reconstruction efforts.”

West Bank

As attention turns to the situation in Gaza, Mr. Alakbarov stressed the need not to lose sight of the situation in Gaza “The worrying situation in the West Bank.”

He stressed the need to allow tens of thousands of Palestinians displaced from their homes in the northern Gaza Strip to return to them. He also called for the perpetrators of settler violence to be held accountable, especially in the context of the olive harvest season. He pointed to the very difficult situation facing the Palestinian economy and the financial situation of the Palestinian Authority.

And he said: “We are at a critical, but risky, stage. The United Nations is committed to seizing this opportunity, but the scale and scale of the challenges ahead require the full support of this Council and the international community. Political will, financial resources and a sincere commitment to creating a better future for all is essential.”

The UN official stated that President Trump’s plan and the Sharm El-Sheikh summit finally succeeded in securing… “A practical path to end the war,” He added that the international community has affirmed in recent weeks its commitment to charting a path towards ending the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a sustainable manner.

He added that the United Nations will continue to support all efforts to end the occupation and resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in line with international law and United Nations resolutions, and achieve the two-state solution.