Published on: 2026-06-29
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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June 29, 2026 Peace and Security
Despite the ceasefire regime that came into effect eight months ago, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire. At the same time, the situation in the occupied West Bank continues to deteriorate. This was stated by Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator of the United Nations for the Middle East Peace Process, while presenting to the Security Council the latest report on the implementation of resolution 2334.
According to Alakbarov, Israeli airstrikes and military operations in Gaza continue. According to data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, since the announcement of the ceasefire, the number of deaths has exceeded a thousand people.
Israeli forces also continue to expand the territory under their control. According to Israeli sources, the army currently controls about 70 percent of the sector’s territory.
“Palestinians are forced to concentrate in increasingly smaller territories and live in conditions of violence and insecurity,” noted the UN representative.
Limited progress
Alakbarov recalled that after the Security Council adopted resolution 2803, the humanitarian situation in Gaza improved. The proportion of families whose members go to bed hungry decreased from 92 to 36 percent, and humanitarian organizations were able to expand the population’s access to clean water, medical care, and education.
At the same time, he emphasized, these achievements remain insufficient. Sanitary conditions remain a serious concern. About 70 percent of the population lack decent housing, and humanitarian organizations continue to face numerous restrictions.
The UN representative also expressed concern about reports of intimidation of protest participants in Gaza on June 26.
“Civilians must be able to exercise their rights peacefully and without fear, and always be under protection,” he said.
According to Alakbarov, the legitimate needs of the residents of Gaza can only be met through the full implementation of Resolution 2803. It provides for the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the deployment of International Stabilization Forces, and the transfer of sector management to the National Committee for Gaza Administration. The UN is ready to support the work of this body, including ensuring basic state services and preparing for reconstruction efforts.
Rising tensions in the West Bank
The Deputy Special Coordinator also reported that the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues to deteriorate.
Israeli military operations in the areas of the Jenin and Tulkarm refugee camps have led to new displacements of the Palestinian population. Particular concern is raised by the fact that these actions are taking place in Area A, which is under the civil and security control of the Palestinian Authority.
Presenting the main findings of the Secretary-General’s report on resolution 2334, Alakbarov once again condemned the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
“These actions further entrench the illegal Israeli occupation and jeopardize the viability of a fully independent, territorially intact, and sovereign Palestinian state,” he emphasized.
He also condemned violence against civilians, including attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and attacks by Palestinians on Israelis, emphasizing that all those responsible must be held accountable.
According to Alakbarov, ongoing violence, restricted access, the destruction of homes, and prolonged military operations have led to the largest crisis of forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since 1967.
Support for UNRWA and the two-state solution
The Deputy Special Coordinator condemned Israel’s decision to place military installations on the premises of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem and called for this decision to be reversed, as well as for the return of the United Nations facility. He once again appealed to member states to continue their political and financial support of UNRWA.
In conclusion, Alakbarov emphasized that the UN remains committed to resolving the conflict based on the two-state principle.
“I join the Secretary-General and reaffirm the United Nations’ strong commitment to supporting Palestinians and Israelis in ending the occupation and resolving the conflict in accordance with international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and bilateral agreements, to implement the concept of two states – Israel and a fully independent, democratic, territorially integral, viable, and sovereign Palestinian State (of which the Gaza Strip is an integral part) – living side by side in peace and security within reliable and recognized borders corresponding to the lines existing before 1967, with the capitals of both states in Jerusalem,” he stated.
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