UN warns Gaza recovery too slow
A senior United Nations official has warned that Gaza's recovery remains "far too slow" while rapidly deteriorating conditions in the occupied West Bank are increasing the risk of a broader escalation across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Briefing the UN Security Council, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov said recent developments in the West Bank had significantly worsened the security situation and called for urgent action to prevent further escalation.
Humanitarian needs remain immense
Following a recent visit to Gaza, Alakbarov said humanitarian conditions had improved slightly but remained far below what was needed.
He said limited progress had been made in clearing solid waste and facilitating sanitation supplies, but described the advances as insufficient given the scale of destruction and humanitarian needs.
Alakbarov said he witnessed widespread displacement, overcrowded living conditions, extensive damage and near-daily civilian casualties caused by ongoing Israeli military operations. He also praised the resilience of Palestinians attempting to rebuild their lives despite the conditions.
"Human dignity should not be conditional," he said, stressing that local resilience could not replace the large-scale delivery of essential supplies or the political commitment required for Gaza's long-term recovery.
He added that Gaza remains restricted to roughly one-third of its territory because of continuing Israeli military operations, making humanitarian access and UN relief efforts increasingly difficult.
Concern over West Bank violence
Alakbarov said violence in the occupied West Bank had intensified over the past week, resulting in civilian casualties, displacement and property damage.
He cited continued attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities, homes, places of worship and infrastructure, and urged Israel to take immediate steps to prevent settler violence, protect civilians and ensure accountability for those responsible.
The UN official also referred to the July 14 announcement by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that 1.3 billion shekels had been allocated for temporary housing units in dozens of new settlements before formal government approval.
He reiterated the UN's position that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law.
Concern over UN facilities and Palestinian finances
Alakbarov also expressed concern over repeated unauthorized entries by Israeli forces and officials into the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre in East Jerusalem during school hours, stressing that UN premises are protected under international law.
He further warned that the Palestinian Authority's financial crisis remains severe because Israel continues to withhold clearance revenues, limiting its ability to pay public sector salaries and provide essential services, including education and healthcare.
Alakbarov said Gaza's reconstruction could not be sustained without a credible political process and urged the UN Security Council to translate its resolutions into concrete action on the ground.
Source:AA
