Occupied Jerusalem, June 29 (SANA) The UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, stressed on Monday the need for the immediate implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803, which mandates a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the entry of humanitarian aid, while also warning of the continued deterioration of conditions in the West Bank, particularly in occupied Jerusalem, UN News reported.
Alakbarov, in a video briefing to the Security Council from occupied Jerusalem, said: “Despite the ceasefire announced eight months ago, Gaza continues to face a state of deep uncertainty and immense human suffering,” reaffirming his condemnation of continued massacres by Israeli occupation forces that result in civilian casualties, particularly women and children.
The UN official expressed grave concern over recent calls to resume large-scale hostilities in Gaza, stating that this would have catastrophic consequences for the Palestinian people and the entire region. He reiterated the Secretary-General’s concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip and called for the facilitation of full, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian aid access.
West Bank concerns and UNRWA condemnation
Regarding the situation in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, Alakbarov condemned the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements and systematic violence against Palestinians, warning that these actions entrench the illegal Israeli occupation and destroy the prospects for a viable, sovereign Palestinian state.
He noted that settler violence, severe movement restrictions, home demolitions and prolonged military operations by occupation forces have caused the largest displacement crisis for Palestinians in the West Bank since 1967.
Concluding his briefing, Alakbarov strongly condemned the Israeli occupation authorities’ decision to establish military facilities in the UNRWA compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied Jerusalem, demanding the occupation government immediately reverse the decision and return the compound to the United Nations. He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting a two-state solution.
The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023. Security Council Resolution 2803 was adopted to mandate a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid entry into the Strip. Palestinian medical sources in Gaza announced Monday that the death toll from the ongoing Israeli offensive has risen to 73,058 killed and 173,488 wounded since October 7, 2023. The Israeli war has also caused widespread destruction of infrastructure and residential neighborhoods, alongside a severe humanitarian crisis due to restrictions on aid and reconstruction materials.
KhA
