Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Special Coordinator Sigrid Kaag emphasised that peace in the Middle East is possible.
Sigrid Kaag, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ad Interim, briefs the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East.
Rebuilding Gaza
Highlighting the scale of destruction, Ms. Kaag cited an assessment by the World Bank, EU, and UN, which estimated that $53 billion will be needed for recovery and reconstruction.
Arab states are leading discussions on rebuilding, with Egypt set to host a reconstruction conference.
“The UN is ready to support reconstruction efforts. Palestinian civilians must be able to resume their lives, to rebuild, and to construct their future in Gaza. There can be no question of forced displacement,” she said.
Situation in the West Bank
While international attention is focused on Gaza, Ms. Kaag warned that violence is escalating in the West Bank, amid Israeli military operations, settler violence and severe movement restrictions.
“I am alarmed by the killing of a pregnant woman and young children during these operations. Such incidents must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable,” she said.
She also reported Israel’s advancement of plans for 2,000 new housing units, the continued expansion of settlements and the accelerated eviction and demolition.
“These developments along with continued calls for annexation, present an existential threat to the prospect of a viable and independent Palestinian State and thereby the two-State solution,” Ms. Kaag warned.
Regional situation
Beyond Gaza and the West Bank, Ms. Kaag also addressed both Lebanon and Syria, which have been drawn in and destabilised by the Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah conflict.
She welcomed the formation of a new Government in Lebanon, calling it an opportunity for stability and urging the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 to prevent further escalation.
In southwest Syria, Ms. Kaag expressed concerns over violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, urging all parties to uphold their commitments.
More to follow…