NEW YORK, Nov 24 (KUNA) -- UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov underscored Monday the need for a full implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire deal in Gaza Strip.
Calling also for reaching an urgent agreement on the mechanisms for carrying out the following phases, noting that UN resolutions and the 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump provide a pathway for moving forward. Alakbarov made the briefing in a session held by the UN Security Council to discuss the Palestinian issue.
"The ceasefire has largely held in Gaza," noting that recent Israeli airstrikes on populated areas have caused numerous casualties and destruction, he stated. "This violence is jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire," Alakbarov said, urging all parties "to exercise restraint and fulfil their commitments under the agreement." Alakbarov reported, "the UN has redoubled efforts to mobilize and scale up humanitarian assistance" in Gaza, but efforts must be expanded.
He affirmed that New York Declaration on the peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian, along with initiatives such as the Global Coalition for a Two-State Solution, could play a vital role in advancing efforts toward a resolution.
He also referred to his visit to Gaza last week, during which he met with displaced people and humanitarian workers, whom he said are working on the ground to provide assistance.
In this regard, he highlighted that preparations are underway for the Cairo Conference on the Reconstruction of Gaza, which provides an opportunity to align recovery priorities with a broader vision for Gaza's reconstruction, welcoming Egypt's continued leadership in this effort. Regarding the situation in the occupied West Bank, he warned of the escalating settlement expansion, and rising levels of violence.
Moreover, he denounced blatant violations and heinous crimes in the West Bank. The United Nations will continue to support all efforts aimed at ending the unlawful occupation and implementing a negotiated two-state solution, based on the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as a capital of two states living side by side in peace and security, he concluded. (end) ast.ahs