Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
October 23, 2025 Peace and security
After two years of devastating war in Gaza, an opportunity has emerged to close a dark chapter in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and chart a path to a more just and peaceful future. This was stated by Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, speaking at a Security Council meeting on Thursday.
He said the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis will leave a mark on generations, and the situation for civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory remains dire.
A fragile truce
"The devastation in Gaza is beyond words," the rapporteur said. "Civilians, including children, women, and men, continue to suffer the consequences of war and deprivation." The UN representative also recalled that the bodies of dead Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, where their families are waiting "in agony" for the return of their loved ones' remains.
Alakbarov emphasized that the ceasefire gives hope, but the situation remains extremely volatile. "A return to conflict must be avoided at all costs. The remaining bodies of the deceased hostages must be returned without further delay. Humanitarian aid must be delivered to the Strip in full to meet the enormous needs of the residents where they are located," he noted, calling on all parties to strictly adhere to their obligations under the agreement.
Humanitarian principles
The Deputy Special Coordinator said that following the ceasefire's entry into force, the UN and its partners promptly increased humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
He said the UN is implementing a 60-day plan aimed at simplifying customs procedures, expanding delivery routes, ensuring the safe movement of humanitarian personnel, and restoring key services.
According to UN data, the volume of aid arriving in Gaza in the first week after the ceasefire increased by 46 percent, but according to Alakbarov, “this is still not enough" He called for opening more transitions to enter the enclave, ensure safe humanitarian corridors, a constant supply of fuel, and the ability of organizations to operate in accordance with humanitarian principles.
Restoring order
The UN representative also expressed concern about the ongoing violence in Gaza, which "undermines humanitarian efforts and threatens stability." He emphasized the need to restore public order as a key step in improving the humanitarian situation.
The speaker also noted that this the restoration process in the enclave The UN, he said, is ready to facilitate the coordination of these efforts with the Palestinian Authority, international partners, civil society, and the private sector, in accordance with the ceasefire commitments, the New York Declaration, and the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan.
International law
Alakbarov also recalled that International Court of Justice October 22 issued an advisory opinion, which stated that Israel is obligated to fulfill its obligations under international law, ensure humanitarian access and cooperate with the UN.
Speaking about the situation in the West Bank, he noted that tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced by Israeli security operations. "Palestinians must be allowed to return to their homes, and the local economy must function," Alakbarov said. He also condemned settler violence against Palestinian farmers. during the olive harvest.
In addition, the Deputy Special Coordinator drew attention to the dire financial situation of the Palestinian Authority, which, according to him, is unable to receive approximately three billion dollars in tax revenues withheld by Israel.
Peace process
Concluding his speech, he emphasized that the peace process is at a "decisive but fragile stage." According to Alakbarov, President Trump's 20-point plan and the declaration signed at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit paved the way for ending the war. Furthermore, the upcoming Cairo Reconstruction Conference, co-hosted by Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, and the UN, will be an important platform for advancing Gaza's reconstruction efforts.
"The international community has in recent weeks reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable end to the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict," the rapporteur noted.
The UN, he said, will continue to support all efforts aimed at ending the occupation and realizing the solution of two states – Israel and Palestine, including Gaza – living side by side in peace and security within the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.