NEW YORK: The United Nations Security Council convened today to discuss the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on the Palestinian issue. During the meeting, members listened to a briefing from the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland.
Wennesland shared insights from his recent visit to the Gaza Strip earlier this week, witnessing the unfolding tragedy and meeting with UN teams working on the ground amid significant challenges in providing life-saving assistance to Palestinians in the besieged enclave. He described what he witnessed as “shocking and unsustainable.”
The UN envoy reiterated the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire agreement, emphasizing his continued urging of all relevant parties to address the key obstacles hindering the UN’s humanitarian response to the tragedy.
He underscored the necessity for enhanced safety measures, increased security, tools, and access points to expand the scope of aid, especially in northern Gaza where a starvation is c
urrently unfolding amid the ongoing Israeli military siege of the region.
Regarding the two-state solution, Wennesland called for a time-bound political framework to end the occupation and establish a two-state solution in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law, and bilateral agreements.
He stated, “These efforts must coalesce and accelerate if we are to emerge from this nightmare onto a trajectory that can provide Palestinians and Israelis with a chance of lasting peace.”
Wennesland appealed for a coordinated and comprehensive collective response, not only to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also to restore the political horizon for both Palestinians and Israelis, promoting peace and stability in the region.
Council members also heard a briefing from a representative of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
On Tuesday, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a draft resolution calling for an end to the Israeli aggression in Gaza, with the United States exercising i
ts veto power. Thirteen countries voted in favor of the resolution, while the United Kingdom abstained from voting.
The resolution rejected the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, called for adherence to international law, and renewed its call for full, rapid, secure, and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into all areas of the Gaza Strip.
Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA