Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is making unprecedented efforts with the Egyptian government and a number of other regional and international partners to prevent renewed hostilities in Gaza, UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said.
DiCarlo was addressing the Security Council in the monthly session on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian territories.
The session was held “in the wake of yet another series of violent escalations that threatened to plunge Gaza into war.”
She said the recurring violence “highlights the urgency” of UN and Egyptian-led efforts by Nickolay Mladenov along with regional and international partners, “to prevent another devastating outbreak of hostilities, respond to the most urgent humanitarian needs, and support intra-Palestinian reconciliation.”
She welcomed Egypt's continued efforts to facilitate Palestinian reconciliation, which is "essential for improving the situation in Gaza and also for achieving Palestinian national aspirations."
She added that the humanitarian situation in Gaza had also further deteriorated, partly due to Israel’s closing of the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza in July in response to Palestinians launching incendiary kites into its territory. Though it became operational again this month, another crossing for pedestrians has been shuttered except for humanitarian cases.
DiCarlo called on all parties to ensure that urgently needed humanitarian supplies reach the strip.
“They should not be held hostage to political and security developments,” she said.
“I also reiterate previous calls by the Special Coordinator (Mladenov) to Hamas to provide full information on the Israeli nationals who are being held in Gaza, as required by international humanitarian law.”
DiCarlo reported that the UN is increasing its capacity to better support projects in the areas of energy, water, health and job creation, which have been agreed upon by the Palestinian Authority and the international community.
