New York: The UN Security Council convened an open session focusing on the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on the Palestinian issue. The session, chaired by Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, comes as Algeria leads the Security Council this month. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted a recent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as a “ray of hope” amidst ongoing challenges. He reported the entry of over 630 trucks carrying humanitarian aid into Gaza, emphasizing the need for the ceasefire to evolve into a permanent peace.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Guterres urged the parties involved to ensure the ceasefire leads to lasting peace in Gaza. He outlined four essential actions: unhindered operations for UN entities like UNRWA, safe conditions for aid delivery, access to life-saving assistance, and the allowance of sufficient commercial supplies into Gaza. Guterres also remarked on the Palestinian National Authority’s readiness to take on responsibilities in Gaza, calling for international support to reunify Gaza with the West Bank politically, economically, socially, and administratively.
The Secretary-General expressed concern about deteriorating conditions in the West Bank due to Israeli airstrikes and illegal settlement expansions. He warned against potential annexations of the West Bank by Israel, citing such actions as violations of international law. Guterres emphasized that stability in the Middle East hinges on steps towards a two-state solution.
In her address, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Fareseen Shaheen expressed hope that the recent ceasefire could lead to a complete and final withdrawal of occupation forces from Gaza and a political resolution based on international legitimacy. She underscored the Palestinian government’s readiness to manage the Gaza Strip in cooperation with international entities and highlighted the importance of UN resolutions, including Security Council Resolution No. 2735.
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf described the ceasefire as a long-awaited development, urging the Security Council to seize this moment to address the core of the conflict and support the Palestinian national project. Attaf emphasized that the ceasefire is a starting point and called for focused efforts on consolidating the agreement, respecting Palestinian aspirations, and launching a political process under UN auspices.
British Minister of State for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, labeled the ceasefire as a “critical first step” towards a two-state solution, acknowledging the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He stressed the need for international efforts to transform the ceasefire into lasting peace and urged Israel to refrain from actions that could hinder UNRWA’s work. Falconer emphasized the Security Council’s responsibility to ensure aid reaches those in need, advocating for sustained support for rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
