Source: UN News: Thursday, 23 October 2025 00:01 AM
The United Nations has said it is encouraged by new commitments to a ceasefire in Gaza, but the organization has warned that recent violence risks undermining fragile progress as rehabilitation efforts slowly gain momentum in the war-torn region, alongside a massive debris clearance project. “We are encouraged that all parties have reiterated their commitment to maintaining a ceasefire in Gaza, and we commend the tireless efforts of the mediators,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a regular news conference in New York on Monday. “However, we remain concerned by all the violent incidents in Gaza and the reported attacks yesterday (Sunday).” Dujarric urged all parties to abide by their obligations and avoid any actions that could trigger a renewed war. He reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for the release of the remains of all deceased hostages. Tom Fletcher, UN Head of Humanitarian Coordination, completed a visit to Gaza over the weekend, where he met with aid workers and inspected UN-supported projects. Did. These include a child nutrition centre, a hospital and street cleaning operations. Debris removal is a huge challenge. In Gaza City, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has launched a large-scale debris removal campaign, the first phase of a comprehensive debris management plan aimed at restoring access to essential services such as hospitals and schools. “Debris is a major challenge in Gaza, where the amount is estimated at around 60 million tonnes,” said Jaco Cilliers, UNDP representative in Palestine. @UNDP The UN agency is taking an important first step in recycling the material by clearing roads and building new access roads and temporary facilities. “This is a very difficult process and will take many years to complete,” Jaco Cilliers warned. Border crossings open for aid UN humanitarian workers have also reported progress in aid deliveries under the ceasefire. Palestinian refugees UN aid agency for (UNRWA), is expanding temporary learning centers and its partner organizations are resuming food parcel distribution in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, “Over the weekend, we, along with our partners, continued to collect aid supplies from the Carem Shalom/Carem Abu Salem and Kisufim border posts. This includes post-natal and hygiene kits, medical supplies, fuel, The spokesman said that on Sunday, for the first time, Israeli authorities allowed the United Nations to deploy inspection personnel to the Kisufim border crossing. The spokesman said that this is certainly a welcome step, as it provides UN agencies with much-needed information about the presence of aid materials in that area.
