Senior political affairs official Khaled Khiari warned of increasingly dire conditions in the region
The na faces increasing risk of collapse, from United Nations Political Affairs, Khaled Khiari, at a Security Council session.
According to him, the continuation of Israeli attacks threatens the maintenance of the truce. “The ceasefire is increasingly fragile as Israeli attacks and armed activities by Hamas and other groups continue”he declared.
Khiari said that negotiations to advance to phase 2 of the plan approved by the UN continue without agreement, especially on the central point of disarmament.
The warning was reinforced by members of the Council, who highlighted the risk of returning to a large-scale conflict. The assessment is that the current truce represents a limited window to implement a US-backed plan, which envisages a demilitarized Gaza, a temporary Palestinian administration with international support and a broad reconstruction program.
In practice, however, negotiations are stalled. Countries allied with Washington hold Hamas responsible for the impasse, while Palestinian representatives and Arab states accuse Israel of restricting the entry of humanitarian aid and advancing into territories.
There are also assessments that the plan itself has lost strength in recent weeks.
Khiari said that civilians remain the main ones affected. Data from the Gaza Ministry of Health indicates around 800 deaths since the start of the truce, including more than 200 children and 7 aid workers. The Israel Defense Forces say the targets are Hamas fighters and structures.
The humanitarian situation remains critical. According to the UN, around 1.8 million people — almost the entire population of Gaza — are displaced and depend on aid. “Humanitarian needs remain overwhelming […] Essential services such as water, sanitation and health are once again on the brink of collapse.”said Khiari.
A joint report from the UN, European Union and World Bank estimates US$71.4 billion over 10 years, with US$26.3 billion needed in the first 18 months.
In the West Bank, the escalation of violence and the expansion of Israeli settlements are also concerns. Authorities have advanced plans for more than 1,000 housing units as settler attacks intensify and expand the displacement of Palestinian communities.
Khiari stated that the political solution remains the only way. “There is no alternative to a political solution […] A framework that leads to an end to the occupation and a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel is essential for lasting peace.”he declared.
According to him, without disarmament, continued access to aid and political commitment, the ceasefire runs the risk of falling apart — and reconstruction plans may not even get off the ground.
