The debate, on Tuesday, came as a limited ceasefire in Gaza remains in place under the United States (US)-backed Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, endorsed by the UN Security Council in October 2025.
UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov said Security Council resolution 2803 and the Comprehensive Plan must be fully implemented. Alakbarov said this includes the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, deployment of the International Stabilisation Force and transfer of governance to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
Despite improvements in food security and waste clearance, Alakbarov said Gaza continues to face widespread destruction, displacement, overcrowding and “nearly-daily casualties caused by ongoing Israeli military aggression”.
“Their resilience is inspiring and provides a rare glimmer of hope for what the future could hold,” Alakbarov said, referring to Palestinians and community organisations working to rebuild lives.
Alakbarov warned that community resilience cannot replace the supply of reconstruction materials at scale, including items Israel considers dual-use. “Gaza’s reconstruction cannot be sustained in the absence of a political process,” Alakbarov said.
Alakbarov said efforts must be guided by the political goal of reunifying the West Bank and Gaza under a single, sovereign Palestinian government, while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns.
The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine said Palestinians are being killed in everyday settings, including homes, schools and agricultural areas.
Palestine said Palestinians are “killed as if their lives never mattered”, adding that “impunity is the reason for the persistence and escalation of these crimes”.
Israel’s representative said Hamas’ refusal to disarm remains the main problem and accused the UN of failing to act against Hamas. “Either you give up power voluntarily or Israel will do what is necessary,” Israel said, addressing Hamas.
Several countries urged full implementation of resolution 2803. The US welcomed recent talks in Cyprus involving the Board of Peace and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, as well as nearly $1 billion in European pledges for recovery.
Russia said the Gaza peace agreement had stalled and that US President Donald Trump’s efforts remained “largely on paper”.
Colombia said Israel had killed more than 1 100 Palestinians since implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan began. “It is difficult to characterise this reality as a ceasefire,” Colombia said.
China warned that new mechanisms must not undermine the two-State solution, while France said settlement expansion threatens that goal.
Egypt welcomed moves by some European states to prohibit trade in goods from Israeli settlements, while Jordan and Qatar condemned provocations at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The meeting ended with repeated calls for humanitarian access, civilian protection, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament and renewed political efforts towards a two-State solution.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
