Published on: 2026-07-28
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
July 28, 2026 Peace and Security
The situation in the West Bank is rapidly deteriorating – this was warned by the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov, speaking on Tuesday at a Security Council meeting. According to him, recent days have been marked by a sharp increase in violence, creating the threat of a broader regional escalation.
Alakbarov emphasized that the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to end the conflict in Gaza and resolution 2803 remains a key condition for stabilization.
“The plan must be fully implemented, including the disarmament of HAMAS and all armed groups, the withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza, and the deployment of international stabilization forces,” he said.
Humanitarian situation in Gaza: there are improvements, but they are minimal
Alakbarov reported that during a recent trip to Gaza he saw some signs of progress – clearing of areas from garbage and deliveries of sanitary equipment. However, he emphasized that this is only a small part of what is needed for recovery.
According to him, the destruction in the sector remains extensive, living conditions are harsh, and humanitarian aid is the only source of survival for most families.
“Human dignity should not be a conditional concept. The space for recovery is still practically closed,” he noted, adding that the approaching winter makes the situation even more critical.
The Deputy Special Coordinator emphasized that the expansion of Israeli military control zones and regular airstrikes continue to increase pressure on the population of Gaza, which is now forced to live on approximately one-third of the territory of the sector.
Violence in the West Bank
Over the past week, numerous incidents involving violence have occurred in the West Bank, including attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages as well as Palestinians on Israelis. As a result, both Palestinians, including one child, and Israelis have died.
Alakbarov called on Israel to take urgent measures to prevent violence by settlers and to ensure the protection of Palestinian communities. He reminded: “All settlements are illegal under international law.”
Financial Crisis of the Palestinian Authority
According to Alakbarov, the Palestinian Authority is on the verge of financial collapse due to Israel withholding tax revenues. This leads to the inability to provide key government services, including education and healthcare, as well as to pay the salaries of civil servants.
The deputy special coordinator noted that maintaining banking correspondent relationships is critically important to prevent an economic collapse, and called on the parties to continue cooperation.
Preparation for elections and the political process
Alakbarov welcomed President Mahmoud Abbas’s decision to set the date of parliamentary elections for November 28. He emphasized that an inclusive and transparent electoral process will be an important step towards strengthening Palestinian governance and restoring public trust.
The UN, according to him, is ready to support the holding of elections in cooperation with the Central Election Commission.
Regional tension
Alakbarov noted that the conflict around Gaza and the West Bank is unfolding against the backdrop of broader regional tensions affecting the supply of goods, security, and political dynamics. He emphasized that the mobilization of international efforts, demonstrated at recent meetings in Brussels and Rome, should be continued and intensified.
“The political process is impossible without the restoration of Gaza”
Alakbarov concluded his speech with a call to the Security Council to ensure the implementation of past resolutions and support efforts to stabilize the region. He emphasized the link between the political process and the reconstruction of Gaza: “The political process cannot be successful while Gaza remains devastated, violence in the West Bank is increasing, Palestinian institutions are divided, and the security situation is rapidly deteriorating.”
According to Alakbarov, the UN will continue to engage with all parties and utilize its on-the-ground capabilities to promote long-term solutions.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.