At the UN Security Council meeting, Ramiz Alakbarov stated that despite the ceasefire in Gaza, the situation remains extremely unstable and prone to risks.
According to him, recent Israeli airstrikes on densely populated areas have resulted in numerous casualties and destruction, while Palestinian armed forces continue to carry out sporadic strikes against Israeli soldiers, which also leads to human losses.
“Such violence threatens the fragile peace. All parties must exercise maximum restraint and fulfill their obligations,” emphasized Alakbarov.
He also noted the efforts of countries such as Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the USA, as well as the positive consequences of the Security Council's adoption of resolution 2803 (2025).
Issues with Hostages and Missing Persons
Alakbarov pointed out that the ceasefire has brought some relief to the populations on both sides. Some Israeli families were able to reunite with relatives who had previously been held captive in Gaza, while others received the bodies of the deceased.
However, the bodies of three hostages have still not been returned, and their families “live in agonizing uncertainty.” The UN representative called for the immediate return of the remains.
He also reported on his meeting with the relatives of missing residents of Gaza, whose fate remains unclear: many may be trapped under rubble or in detention facilities.
Destruction in Gaza
Alakbarov reiterated that despite a reduction in hostilities, the situation in Gaza remains critical. Almost 80 percent of buildings in the enclave are damaged or destroyed, and many of the 1.7 million internally displaced persons are living in overcrowded shelters without adequate access to water, food, and medical services. The delivery of tents and other essential items is delayed, which raises particular concern as winter approaches.
According to the speaker, out of 214,000 tons of humanitarian cargo prepared for delivery, only about 24,000 tons have been delivered to Gaza. He urged Israel to increase the throughput at checkpoints and expedite the inspection of humanitarian cargo, as well as to resume the registration of NGOs.
The United Nations continues to actively cooperate with the Civil-Military Coordination Center to deliver aid in accordance with humanitarian norms. Thanks to joint efforts, the volume of supplies has increased, and Alakbarov noted a positive signal in the restoration of fiber-optic internet in Gaza.
“The destruction in Gaza is catastrophic, including physical, economic, and social aspects. However, it is not enough to focus solely on meeting urgent material needs. Psychosocial support, the restoration of social cohesion, and issues of justice are also of immense importance. People must regain their dignity and hope,” he added.
Escalation of Violence in the West Bank
Alakbarov expressed serious concern about the sharp increase in violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He noted that the expansion of settlements continues, and Israeli military operations are leading to human casualties and destruction. September was a record month for the number of attacks by settlers, reaching up to 8 incidents per day.
Attackers are destroying trees, attacking Palestinian farmers, setting property on fire, and desecrating holy sites. Meanwhile, Israeli forces often do not intervene or even participate in these attacks.
The Deputy Special Coordinator also condemned the terrorist acts committed by Palestinian groups, emphasizing the need to hold all perpetrators accountable.
Economic Resilience of Palestine
Alakbarov noted that a viable Palestinian economy is a necessary condition for the reconstruction of Gaza and ensuring stability in the region. He called for an end to unilateral measures that undermine the activities of the Palestinian Authority and for urgent solutions to the crisis in the banking sector.
In concluding his speech, he stated that lasting peace is only possible with a political process that leads to a just resolution of the conflict. To achieve this, it is necessary to end the illegal occupation and implement the two-state concept.
