UN: Gaza Devastation, West Bank Violence Hinder Peace Process

The United Nations has warned that a political process aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot succeed under the current conditions of devastation in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank. Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, briefed the UN Security Council, stating that Gaza's reconstruction is unsustainable without a political solution, and conversely, a political process cannot succeed while Gaza remains devastated.

Alakbarov described the immense hardship faced by Palestinians in Gaza, including displacement, overcrowding, destruction, and casualties from ongoing Israeli military operations. He noted that while some Palestinians are courageously attempting to rebuild, community resilience cannot replace the necessary scale of materials or the political will for genuine recovery. He emphasized that humanitarian assistance alone is insufficient and that recovery requires restoring livelihoods, rehabilitating infrastructure, and supporting Palestinian institutions.

The situation in the West Bank is also rapidly deteriorating, with persistent attacks by Israeli colonist militias on Palestinian communities and infrastructure, alongside Israeli military operations, demolitions, and settlement expansion. Alakbarov warned that the ongoing dangerous dynamics in the West Bank and the potential collapse of the Palestinian Authority threaten the possibility of building a viable future for Gaza.

Furthermore, the Palestinian Authority's financial situation remains critical due to Israel's withholding of clearance revenues, hindering its ability to provide essential public services. Alakbarov urged all parties to create conditions for upcoming Palestinian Legislative Council elections.