Source: UN News: Friday, 01 May 2026 00:02 AM
Due to Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and the activities of Hamas and other armed groups, the situation there is becoming fragile for the ceasefire that came into force in October last year. A senior UN official for political and peacebuilding affairs has issued this warning while addressing the member countries in a meeting of the Security Council on the Middle East crisis. The meeting, convened on Tuesday by Bahrain, which holds the UN Security Council presidency for the month of April, discussed the ceasefire in Gaza, the worsening humanitarian crisis and the peace plan supported by the United States. Khaled Khyri, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said that the tensions and conflicts that have arisen in the past few weeks, and the turmoil in the Middle East region, have diverted attention from the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. Told that the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, which was away from the eyes of the world, is continuously worsening. The Palestinian population in Gaza faces deadly airstrikes and dire humanitarian conditions almost every day. Tweet URL
At the same time, there has been an increase in violence in the West Bank, as well as violent actions by residents of Israeli settlements, displacement cases and settlement incidents. According to Assistant Secretary-General Kheri, this is posing a threat to entire communities and hurting the prospects of a political process towards a solution centered on a two-state solution. The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported that since the ceasefire began in October last year, there have been 200 deaths in Israeli attacks. Nearly 800 Palestinians, including more than 100 children, have been killed. Seven humanitarian aid workers have also lost their lives in shelling, airstrikes and firing. However, Israeli military forces say that they have targeted Hamas extremists and their bases in their action. Recovery needsThe humanitarian assistance needs in Gaza are also extreme. About 18 lakh Palestinians, i.e. almost the entire population, have been displaced. The Assistant Secretary-General noted that there is a need for rapid, planned action on Gaza. Not just for humanitarian aid, but for rapid recovery and reconstruction efforts. On April 20, the United Nations, the European Union, along with the World Bank, presented their joint assessment of the destruction and reconstruction needs in Gaza. According to this study, Gaza will need $71.4 billion over the next decade. More than $26 billion is estimated to be needed in the first 18 months to restore critical services, rebuild critical infrastructure and support the economy. In response to the enormous needs in the occupied Palestinian territory, the United Nations has recently launched a Horizon Fund. It is co-chaired by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Special Deputy Coordinator for Dialogue in the Middle East Ramiz Alakbarov. The UN Assistant Secretary-General said that through this fund, the UN is expected to be able to help the United Nations prepare a recovery plan in a timely manner, in line with its resolutions and international law, and in compliance with the rule of law. Support for the ‘Board of Peace’ UN Photo/Mark Garten Tony, member of the Executive Board of the Peace Board for the Gaza Strip Blair addressed the Security Council meeting. Former British Prime Minister and member of the Council of Peace’s executive board, Tony Blair, told member states that we have reached a critical juncture. He urged council members, through the UN and the World Bank, to mobilize financial resources for aid and reconstruction in Gaza. According to him, these efforts will have to be carried out in coordination with the National Committee for Governance in Gaza with the support of the ‘Board of Peace’. Last year, the Security Council adopted resolution 2803 in connection with the US-backed plan to end the violent conflict in Gaza, welcoming the establishment of the ‘Board of Peace’ under the leadership of US President Donald Trump. The framework for a transitional administration for the redevelopment of Gaza This is important to prepare. Apart from this, powers have also been given for a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF). Giving information about three key points of President Trump’s plan, the former Prime Minister said that Hamas, as currently constituted, can have no role in Gaza governance. An important test He said that if disarmament takes place, then the restrictions imposed on the entry or exit of people and goods into Gaza can be withdrawn. Is. “This is a huge award for the people in Gaza.” “But, because trust is low and suspicion is high, a transitional period is needed. We need Hamas to agree to the demilitarization process in Gaza and abide by its terms.” He said Israel would also have to meet its obligations under the same process. Tony Blair expressed confidence that once that agreement is reached, there will be a path to progress for the people in Gaza. This would include: additional humanitarian aid and supplies, a new medical system, greater freedom at border posts, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair said that Gaza is a test. For all of us. “Will we repeat history or change it?”
