GAZA - As Gaza teeters on the brink of collapse, a senior U.N. official on Monday renewed his call for an immediate cease-fire and measures to address the humanitarian crisis. Muhannad Hadi, deputy special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, briefed ambassadors at the Security Council on the impact of the conflict, now in its second year.
"As winter approaches, the horror in Gaza continues and there is no end in sight," he said.
The conflict, sparked by terrorist attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in southern Israel last October, has reportedly claimed the lives of more than 44,000 Palestinians and 1,700 Israelis and foreigners.
Tens of thousands more have been injured and more than 100 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza in appalling conditions.
The situation in Gaza remains desperate
Mr Hadi highlighted the devastating impact of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) operations in northern Gaza, which have led to mass displacement and dozens of casualties, including women and children.
Humanitarian aid to those in need has also been severely affected, as UN convoys carrying vital aid have been looted by armed Palestinian groups.
On 16 November, a UN convoy of 109 trucks carrying food was looted, with 97 trucks lost. A few days later, more than 20 people were reportedly killed in anti-looting operations conducted by the Gaza authorities.
"Attacks on aid workers and humanitarian convoys must stop immediately. Law and order must be restored and civilians must have safe access to vital aid," Hadi said.
Violence in the West Bank escalates
Mr. Hadi further informed the Security Council of the increasing violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Over the past few weeks, 32 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli security operations and attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities have escalated, particularly during the olive harvest.
Palestinian attacks by shooting and killing also continued, although no casualties were reported in the occupied West Bank or Israel, he said.
He added that Israel also continues to build settlements and demolish Palestinian structures, and some ministers "now openly call" for the annexation of the occupied West Bank.
"I repeat that the annexation is a violation of international law and must be firmly rejected," he noted.
Guess he informed the Security Council.
Impact on the wider region. Mr Hadi also drew attention to the impact of the conflict in Israel, where civilians continue to face attacks by both Hamas and Hezbollah.
"Unfortunately, the situation throughout the region remains serious. Israeli military operations have continued across the Blue Line with Lebanon, as well as the firing of rockets by Hezbollah towards Israel, including this weekend," he said.
He welcomed the ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities and called on the parties to accept a ceasefire "anchored in the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701".
Call for a ceasefire
Hadi also warned that developments throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory indicate an "imminent risk of losing the frameworks" within which we have operated since 1967 and 1973, when the Security Council adopted resolutions "aimed at laying the foundations for a just and lasting peace."
"We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the de-escalation of tensions throughout the region," he added, calling for political and security frameworks that would help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, end the occupation and achieve a two-state solution.
To prevent further escalation, he called on the international community to renew its commitment to diplomacy and to support measures to ensure long-term security for Israelis and Palestinians.
"We need a ceasefire; we need to get the hostages out; we need support to save lives to be provided safely immediately," Hadi said.
Final reflections
Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, also spoke, reflecting on the challenges facing the region and the international community's efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis.
He reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of critical humanitarian aid, noting the difficulties.
"We have demonstrated on the ground and in the Council how difficult the situation is at the moment... From my visits to Gaza, I am deeply disappointed to see that despite all efforts... it is not possible to deliver the amount of aid and support that is needed for the civilians living in Gaza."
On the occasion of his last address to a formal meeting of the Security Council, Mr. Wennesland thanked the members of the Council, the UN Secretariat and all colleagues for their cooperation and support.
He concluded by stressing the need for sustained international engagement in the search for a just and lasting solution to the crisis.
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