Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN Deputy Special Co-ordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said he was briefing the Council “at a moment of both profound opportunity and considerable risk”, noting tentative diplomatic progress on Gaza amid growing instability elsewhere.
“In front of us, we see a potential turning point for Gaza, a genuine chance for a better future,” he said. “But many uncertainties remain.” Alakbarov said the second phase of President Donald Trump’s 20‑point Comprehensive Plan represented “a critical step in consolidating the ceasefire in Gaza”, alongside the creation of transitional governance bodies such as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the Office of the High Representative for Gaza.
He briefed the Council via video link after returning from Cairo, where he met members of the National Committee to discuss how the UN could support efforts to restore public services, expand humanitarian assistance and lay the groundwork for reconstruction in line with Security Council resolution 2803.
He warned, however, that the task ahead is “monumental” and will require close coordination among all parties, taking into account existing capacities on the ground.
Alakbarov welcomed the recovery of the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza, offering condolences to the family of Ran Gvili. He said he hoped that with all hostages now accounted for, “the process of healing for the families and all those affected may begin.”
The UN official also described Israel’s announcement that the Rafah crossing will reopen for pedestrian movement in both directions as encouraging, though he stressed that demilitarisation of Gaza and effective security arrangements remain essential for the next phase of the plan to succeed.
Gvili was among more than 250 Israeli and foreign nationals abducted by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups during the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, in which more than 1 250 people were killed. Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza led to vast destruction and the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, with many more suffering life‑changing injuries.
Alakbarov said his recent visit to Gaza revealed both severe hardship and remarkable resilience. “The people in Gaza are ready and eager to lead the way to a better, more stable future,” he told the Council. He described students taking exams in difficult conditions, farmers planting crops despite shortages, and small businesses finding ways to keep operating in a shattered economy.
However, humanitarian needs remain immense. Nearly the entire population continues to require some form of assistance, and more than 1.5 million displaced people remain exposed to cold winter weather. Humanitarian operations still cannot function at scale, Alakbarov warned, citing insecurity, limited access and delays at crossing points.
Turning to the occupied West Bank, Alakbarov said the situation there is “unravelling”, with continued violence, settlement expansion, home demolitions and displacement undermining prospects for peace. He warned that instability in the West Bank could jeopardise gains made in implementing the second phase of the Gaza stabilisation plan.
“The implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan is critical,” he said, urging the Security Council to act with unity. Alakbarov reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting both Palestinians and Israelis in moving toward a two‑State solution in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
