Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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November 24, 2025 Peace and security
Speaking to the UN Security Council on Monday, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov said the ceasefire in Gaza, which came into effect last month, was "generally holding," but the situation remained fragile and under serious threat.
He said recent Israeli airstrikes on densely populated areas had led to numerous victims and destruction, while Palestinian armed groups continue to carry out sporadic attacks on Israeli troops, which also lead to human losses.
"This violence threatens the fragile ceasefire. All parties must exercise maximum restraint and fully comply with their obligations," Alakbarov emphasized.
The Deputy Special Coordinator noted the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States, as well as the positive role played by the recent adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2803 (2025).
Return of hostages and search for missing persons
Alakbarov noted that the ceasefire brought relief to residents on both sides. Several families in Israel were reunited with relatives previously held in Gaza. Others received the bodies of the dead.
However, the bodies of three hostages have still not been returned, and their families are "living in excruciating uncertainty." A UN representative called for the immediate return of the remains.
He also reported meeting with relatives of missing Gazans, whose fate remains unclear: many may be under rubble or in detention facilities.
Destruction on a catastrophic scale
Alakbarov again warned that, despite the decrease in fighting, the situation in Gaza remains extremely dire. Nearly 80 percent of buildings in the enclave are damaged or destroyed, and many of the 1.7 million displaced people are living in overcrowded shelters without adequate access to water, food, or medical care. The delivery of tents, blankets, and other items is delayed, which is especially alarming as winter approaches.
© UNICEF/M.Nathil
The speaker reported that of the 214,000 tons of humanitarian aid prepared for delivery, only about 24,000 tons had been delivered to Gaza. He called on Israel to expand crossing capacity and expedite the screening of humanitarian aid, as well as to resume NGO registration.
The UN continues to work closely with the Civil-Military Coordination Centre to deliver aid in accordance with humanitarian principles. This collaboration has resulted in increased delivery volumes. Alakbarov also cited the restoration of fiber-optic internet in Gaza as a positive sign.
"The destruction in Gaza—physical, economic, and social—is catastrophic. We cannot limit ourselves to simply meeting immediate material needs. Psychosocial support, restoring social cohesion, and addressing justice are equally important. People need to regain their sense of dignity and hope," he emphasized.
Escalation of violence in the West Bank
Alakbarov expressed deep concern about the sharp increase in violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He stated that settlement expansion continues, and Israeli military operations are causing death and destruction. September saw a record number of settler attacks, with up to eight incidents per day.
The attackers destroy trees, attack Palestinian farmers, set fire to property, and desecrate holy sites. In several cases, he noted, Israeli forces failed to prevent the attacks or were involved in them.
The Deputy Special Coordinator also condemned terrorist attacks by Palestinian groups, stressing the need to bring all perpetrators to justice.
Economic sustainability of Palestine
Alakbarov emphasized that a viable Palestinian economy is key to the recovery of Gaza and stability in the region. He called for an end to unilateral measures that undermine the Palestinian Authority and for an urgent resolution to the crisis in the banking sector.
Concluding his speech, he stated that lasting peace is only possible with a political process leading to a just resolution of the conflict. This requires ending the illegal occupation and implementing the two-state solution.
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