Gaza - New York: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (temporarily), Sigrid Kaag, said that the region is witnessing a rapid transformation today, the scope and impact of which are still uncertain, "but which also presents a historic opportunity." According to the United Nations Daily News Bulletin, a copy of which we received today, Wednesday.

In her briefing to the Security Council meeting on Tuesday to discuss the situation in the region, Kaag, who also holds the position of the United Nations Senior Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza, said, "The people of the region can emerge from this period with peace, security and dignity. However, this may be our last chance to achieve a two-state solution."
Kag welcomed the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire, including the release of 34 hostages, reiterating the Secretary-General's condemnation of the public display of hostages released by Hamas, including "statements made under duress, and the horrific display of coffins of deceased hostages."
She reiterated the need to release all hostages and to allow them, while in captivity, to receive visits and assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
She also said that as part of the ceasefire agreement, 1,135 Palestinian prisoners and detainees had been released so far, noting that reports of serious ill-treatment and humiliation while in detention were “alarming”.
She said: “The trauma is undeniable on both sides. In Gaza, death, destruction and displacement have been inflicted on Palestinian civilians in Gaza.”
She warned that while the first phase of the ceasefire had provided much-needed relief, “much more remains to be done to address more than fifteen months of deprivation of basic humanitarian necessities and, above all, the loss of human dignity.”
She explained that since the first phase of the ceasefire came into effect on 19 January, the United Nations, NGOs and Member States had rapidly increased life-saving humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and improved access and security conditions had allowed for the delivery of aid and services. “A resumption of hostilities must be avoided at all costs. I call on both sides to fully implement their commitments to the ceasefire agreement and conclude negotiations on Phase II,” she added.

She stressed that while addressing immediate needs in Gaza, “we must also build a future that provides protection, recovery and reconstruction,” noting that preliminary estimates show that $53 billion will be required for recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

“Palestinians must be able to resume their lives, rebuild and build their future in Gaza. There can be no room for forced displacement,” she said.

The UN official stressed that while planning for Gaza’s future is being shared, a number of things must be ensured, including that “Gaza remains an integral part of a future Palestinian state. Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are politically, economically and administratively united.”
Kag also stressed that there must be no long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza and that Israel’s legitimate security concerns are addressed.
She made four main requests: first, continued support for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, including the release of all hostages, is of utmost importance.

Second, “It is of utmost importance that we do not lose sight of the dangerous dynamics in the West Bank, and that urgent calm is essential.”

Kag added: “Third, the international community must continue to support the Palestinian Authority in its reform efforts and in resuming its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian security forces must also be enabled to carry out their responsibilities in the areas under their control.”
In her fourth request to the Security Council, she also called for political and financial support for recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

She expressed concern about military operations, attacks and the escalation of violence in the West Bank, adding that reports continue to indicate casualties, destruction and displacement, especially in the governorates of Jenin, Tubas and Tulkarm, where refugee camps and infrastructure are severely affected.
“I am appalled by the killing of a pregnant woman and young children during these operations,” Kaag said. “Such incidents must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable. All acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terrorism, must be condemned.”
She also warned that continued settlement activity, coupled with continued calls for annexation, “pose an existential threat to the prospects of a viable, independent Palestinian state and thus to the two-state solution.”
Kag addressed Israeli legislation that would halt UNRWA’s work in the occupied Palestinian territory, stressing that “UNRWA’s work remains essential and must be allowed to continue unhindered.”
Regarding the work of the Palestinian Authority, she said that the Palestinian Authority continues to implement agreed-upon reforms, including in fiscal policy, governance and the rule of law, the investment climate, and the provision of basic services.

The situation in Lebanon and southwest Syria
Kag spoke about the situation in Lebanon, stressing that the election of a president and the formation of a new government represent an opportunity to fully empower state institutions to lay the foundation for greater stability, expand state authority, and address the multifaceted challenges facing the country.
She called on Lebanon and Israel to fulfill their obligations under the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and take meaningful steps towards the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 to restore stability and allow people on both sides of the Blue Line to return to their homes. On the situation in southwestern Syria, Kaag said the UN was concerned about violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, adding, “I urge the parties to fulfill their obligations under the agreement.” “Peace in the Middle East is possible. We can achieve a future where Israel is secure alongside a viable and independent Palestinian state.”