UN Official Warns of Unprecedented Deterioration in Occupied Palestinian Territory

New york: UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov, delivered a stark message during the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, stating that the world is witnessing a dramatic deterioration in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, reaching levels of crisis not seen in recent history. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Alakbarov highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, where hostilities have persisted for over twenty-two months, leading to an escalating humanitarian disaster characterized by increasing civilian casualties, mass displacement, and growing famine. He emphasized the international community's position that the Two-State solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Alakbarov called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages, urging bold action to resolve the conflict, end the occupation, and re-establish a politica l dialogue. He expressed grave concern over the situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, stating that the territory envisioned for a future Palestinian State is shrinking, while the prospect of a One-State reality of unlawful occupation and violence continues to grow. He reported intensified Israeli military strikes throughout Gaza, affecting displaced people, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings. Alakbarov noted the alarming targeting of journalists, with more than 240 journalists killed since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. Alakbarov shared his shock following a visit to Gaza, where he witnessed the destruction and suffering firsthand. He praised humanitarian workers risking their lives to deliver aid under intolerable conditions, despite insufficient security measures. He stressed the urgent need to end famine, highlighting the necessity for increased food supplies and the restoration of essential systems like water, sanitation, and health services. The escalation of violence has also displaced over 32,000 residents in the West Bank, with Alakbarov calling for their return home and the restoration of services, including those provided by UNRWA. Meanwhile, Joyce Msuya, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, presented a grim analysis confirming that famine is occurring in the Gaza governorate and is expected to worsen, potentially affecting over 640,000 people by the end of September. Msuya highlighted the severe malnutrition crisis affecting children and pregnant women in Gaza, emphasizing that the famine is a result of the ongoing conflict, not natural causes. She urged the Security Council to facilitate a cessation of hostilities, ensure humanitarian access, and restore commercial flows of essential goods to mitigate the crisis. Msuya called upon the international community to act urgently, comparing the situation to the plight of one's own family members, underscoring the immediate need to address the human-made catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.