Sustained Ceasefire In Gaza Essential For Humanitarian Aid, Says UN Coordinator

Tor Wennesland, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, has called on all parties involved to finalise a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip promptly. He stressed, "there is simply no time to lose," highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Wennesland warned that without an agreement, hopes for a stable and peaceful region will remain out of reach. In his briefing to the Security Council, he noted that after over 300 days of conflict in Gaza, a ceasefire and hostages release deal is crucial for regional peace and security.

The UN's commitment to increasing humanitarian aid during a ceasefire was reiterated by Wennesland. He stated, "Only a sustained ceasefire can enable a full-scale humanitarian and early recovery response in Gaza." The UN is prepared to support the implementation of any agreed-upon deal.

He described the situation in the occupied West Bank as highly volatile, referring to it as a "tinderbox of violence and tension." The ongoing war in Gaza and worsening conditions in the West Bank are part of broader regional tensions with potential for further escalation.

Wennesland acknowledged the efforts of regional mediators such as Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. He commended their relentless work in Doha and Cairo this week aimed at de-escalating tensions. Discussions with Lebanon, Egypt, and Qatar have been part of these efforts.

The UN Special Coordinator emphasised that achieving peace requires ending the occupation and working towards a two-State solution. This political horizon is seen as essential to breaking cycles of despair in the region.

Wennesland concluded by stressing that only through political solutions can lasting peace be achieved. The international community's role remains critical in supporting these efforts towards stability and security in the Middle East.

With inputs from WAM