The United Nations’ (UN) Deputy Middle East Envoy Ramiz Alakbarov told the Security Council on Thursday, warning that without decisive support for reconstruction and humanitarian aid delivery, the region risks sliding back into violence.
The fragile truce, achieved through a broad agreement over President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan earlier this month, has created “a momentous but precarious juncture,” he said.
“The agreement represents hope for a better future, but the dynamics are extremely fragile,” Alakbarov cautioned. “A return to conflict must be avoided at all costs.”
He commended the mediation efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye, describing the ceasefire as “a critical breakthrough” that must be strengthened through restraint and co-operation.
Alakbarov also called for the immediate return of the remains of deceased hostages and urged that humanitarian aid enter Gaza “at scale” to meet what he described as “enormous and urgent needs.”
Since the truce took effect, the UN and its partners have expanded relief operations, with a 46% increase in aid deliveries during the first week of the ceasefire. However, Alakbarov warned that access remains limited and called for more crossings, safe passage for aid workers, and sustained entry of fuel and essential goods.
He further noted that ongoing violence, including Israeli strikes, Palestinian militant attacks, and reprisals by armed groups, continues to threaten stability and undermine relief efforts.
Turning to the West Bank, the Deputy Envoy voiced concern over large-scale Israeli security operations, settler violence, and the withholding of Palestinian tax revenues by Israel.
He welcomed the International Court of Justice’s recent advisory opinion affirming Israel’s obligation as an occupying power to facilitate humanitarian relief and cooperate with the UN.
Looking ahead, Alakbarov emphasised that reconstruction must be Palestinian-led, supported by regional and international partners. He pointed to the upcoming Cairo Reconstruction Conference, co-hosted by Egypt, the Palestinian Authority and the UN, as a key platform to advance recovery efforts.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
