Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 18, 2026 Peace and security
The United Nations' top official warned the Security Council on Wednesday that the Middle East is at a defining moment: a fragile ceasefire in Gaza offers a rare window of opportunity for progress but remains under serious threat due to ongoing violence and a dire humanitarian situation.
Window of opportunity
Speaking at a meeting chaired by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo stated that the coming weeks would be crucial in determining whether the region could move toward stabilization or face a renewed escalation of conflict. After years of destruction and immense human suffering, she noted, a "window of opportunity" for change has emerged, "but it is neither guaranteed nor indefinite."
Strengthening the ceasefire regime
The UN calls on all parties and Security Council members to focus on strengthening the ceasefire reached last October, as well as on concrete steps to restore and move toward a lasting peace. Key to these efforts remains the implementation of the next phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and progress toward resuming the political process leading to a two-state solution.
According to the rapporteur, these measures should include efforts to demilitarize the Strip – disarming Hamas and other Palestinian groups, as well as transferring powers to the National Committee for Gaza Governance.
Humanitarian access
According to DiCarlo, some progress has been made in expanding humanitarian access since the ceasefire took effect, including the opening of the Rafah crossing to pedestrian traffic in both directions on February 2. This allowed for the medical evacuation of patients and the return of hundreds of people. However, thousands of local residents still need medical treatment unavailable in Gaza.
Despite these advances, the humanitarian situation remains dire. The vast majority of the Gaza Strip's population remains unable to return to their homes and lives in extremely difficult conditions. Aid operations face severe restrictions, and a severe shortage of shelter materials, medical equipment, and educational supplies hampers humanitarian efforts.
Airstrikes on Gaza
"Gaza is still not at peace," DiCarlo emphasized, noting that in recent weeks, Israeli airstrikes have targeted densely populated areas, killing dozens of Palestinians, including women and children. Meanwhile, armed clashes between the Israeli military and Palestinian armed groups have continued, highlighting the fragility of the ceasefire.
The situation in the West Bank
Meanwhile, the situation in the occupied West Bank is rapidly deteriorating. According to the UN, Israeli forces have escalated their operations, including raids, mass detentions, and an increasing number of displaced Palestinian families, particularly in the north. Continued settlement expansion, demolitions, and rising settler violence are further fueling tensions.
DiCarlo warned that recent decisions by Israeli authorities could expand Israel's civil authority over parts of the West Bank and accelerate settlement growth, raising serious concerns about possible forced population displacement and what she called a gradual "de facto annexation" of territory. The UN emphasizes that Israeli settlements have no legal standing under international law.
The economic crisis is also adding to the pressure: withholding tax revenues is exacerbating the Palestinian Authority's financial difficulties and leading to cuts in basic services.
Prospects for lasting peace
In conclusion, DiCarlo emphasized that at this "fragile stage," half-hearted measures are insufficient. She called for the full implementation of diplomatic initiatives, urgent de-escalation on the ground, and the resumption of a political process capable of leading to lasting peace and a viable two-state solution.
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