UN Official Briefs Security Council on Gaza Crisis, Urges Two-State Solution

Dire Situation in Gaza

• 💔 The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with intensive Israeli military operations causing further Palestinian displacement and impeding aid.
• 📈 At least 1,891 Palestinians have been killed since June 30th, with many casualties occurring while attempting to collect aid.
• ⚠️ The Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City was hit by an Israeli strike, killing three and injuring several others, forcing the evacuation of hundreds seeking shelter.
• ⛽ Despite a limited increase in fuel truck approvals, the amount is a fraction of what is needed for essential life-saving services.

Hostages and Ceasefire Efforts

• 🕊️ Intensive talks are ongoing for a potential Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages, with a call for a permanent end to the war.
• 🤝 According to Israeli sources, 50 hostages are still held by Hamas and other armed groups, with 28 believed to be dead.
• ⚖️ International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties, and civilians must be protected.

West Bank Concerns

• 🏘️ The occupied West Bank remains deeply concerning due to high levels of violence, including Israeli military operations, settler attacks against Palestinians, and Palestinian attacks against Israelis.
• 💸 The Palestinian Authority faces a dire fiscal crisis, exacerbated by Israel withholding clearance revenues, impacting its ability to provide essential services and pay civil servant salaries.
• 🇺🇳 UNRWA faces immense operational, political, and financial pressures, with 330 staff killed in Gaza and insufficient funds to sustain operations beyond August 2025.

Diplomatic Efforts and Two-State Solution

• 🇫🇷🇸🇦 An upcoming ministerial meeting co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia is key to highlighting international consensus and reaffirming the principles of a two-state solution.
• 🗺️ The vision for a lasting solution includes two states, Israel and a vibrant, sovereign Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security.
• 🏛️ Addressing violence, settler attacks, and providing fiscal relief for the Palestinian Authority are key priorities for stability and governance.