<\/p>\n
16 September 2024<\/p>\n
Underscoring that the only credible measure of progress is the actual condition on the ground in Gaza, the head of United Nations humanitarian efforts in the Strip told the Security Council today that sufficient political will is sorely needed to ensure effective humanitarian operations amid restrictions, security incidents and continued suffering.<\/p>\n
\u201cTime is slipping away as a man-made humanitarian crisis has turned Gaza into the abyss,\u201d stressed Sigrid Kaag, Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza<\/strong>, as she offered a \u201csober and sombre assessment\u201d of the situation in the Strip.\u00a0While the continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is \u201cunconscionable\u201d, she nevertheless detailed the completion of the first phase of a two-round polio-vaccination campaign, which shows that \u2014 even in the direst of circumstances \u2014 \u201chumanitarian action is possible\u201d with sufficient political will.<\/p>\n However, she stated that effective humanitarian operations require the right quality, quantity and range of goods to meet the daily needs of civilians in Gaza \u2014 and \u201cthat goal is not being met\u201d.\u00a0 Calling for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver aid at scale throughout the Strip, she emphasized that \u201cthe horrors of the past 11\u00a0months have made it painfully clear that a political solution is the only sustainable path forward\u201d.\u00a0 Without that, the cycle of suffering will continue.<\/p>\n Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), echoed that, stating that the effective delivery of aid at the scale required will be impossible without political will, security guarantees and an enabling environment.\u00a0 Detailing UNOPS\u2019 mechanism for a single, comprehensive supply-chain-management system for humanitarian aid to Gaza, he reported that more than 22,000 metric tons of aid cargo have been delivered to the Strip. Thanking Member States that have contributed financially to UNOPS to support the mechanism, he added: \u201cWe cannot overemphasize the challenges of delivering a humanitarian response in Gaza right now.\u201d<\/p>\n In the discussion that followed, many Council members echoed that sentiment as they condemned recent events involving humanitarian workers, including the obstruction of a UN team supporting the polio-vaccination campaign at a checkpoint in Gaza and an air strike on a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East\u00a0(UNRWA) in Nuseirat.\u00a0 Against that backdrop, they underscored the need for the 15-member organ to implement its own resolutions.<\/p>\n \u201cThe repeated targeting and intimidation of the United Nations in Gaza is deeply concerning,\u201d stressed the representative of Malta, urging the Council to demand and ensure full implementation of its resolutions, adherence to international law and accountability. The organ must not, she added, \u201creduce itself to simply commenting helplessly on this catastrophe\u201d.\u00a0 The representative of Slovenia, Council President for September, spoke in his national capacity to concur: \u201cIt is time for the Security Council to ensure compliance with its resolutions.\u201d<\/p>\n Joining others in underlining the immediate need for a ceasefire to achieve peace in Gaza and the wider region, Mozambique\u2019s representative pointed to the recent humanitarian pause allowing for polio vaccinations as an example that peace is possible if the warring parties prove willing to follow the path of mutual accommodation.\u00a0 \u201cAs Council members, we shoulder the obligation and responsibility to change the course of events,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n For its part, Israel must cooperate with \u2014 rather than oppose \u2014 humanitarian efforts, stated the representative of Algeria.\u00a0 \u201cThe stark reality is that daily aid deliveries have decreased significantly\u201d since the Council adopted resolution\u00a02720\u00a0(2023), he observed, adding that this is not a logistical shortcoming.\u00a0 Rather, it is a manifestation of a deeper political impasse.\u00a0 Calling for the prioritization of early recovery projects, he said that resolution\u00a02720\u00a0(2023) requires not only a ceasefire, but also the restoration of stability and reconstruction in Gaza.<\/p>\n It is a \u201cmiserable reality\u201d, stressed the representative of the Republic of Korea, that the volume of humanitarian assistance remains far below the minimum required to meet the needs of 2.3\u00a0million people in Gaza.\u00a0As skin infections run rampant, it is concerning that even basic hygiene items \u2014 such as soap \u2014 are being denied entry into the Strip.\u00a0 \u201cIsrael must demonstrate to the rest of the world that they are actually doing their best to facilitate humanitarian aid to the Gazan people,\u201d he emphasized.<\/p>\n Stressing that the UN must \u201cstick to facts\u201d, Israel\u2019s representative said that 1\u00a0million tons of aid have been delivered to Gaza.\u00a0 Also spotlighting the ongoing polio-vaccination campaign, he said that over 500,000\u00a0Gazan children have been inoculated thanks to his country\u2019s cooperation with the World Health Organization\u00a0(WHO) and the United Nations Children\u2019s Fund\u00a0(UNICEF).\u00a0 \u201cDespite the slander, the noise, the panic,\u201d he said, Israel continues to cooperate with those agencies \u201cwho truly care about the welfare of civilians\u201d.\u00a0 No meaningful discussions can take place about Gaza\u2019s future and reconstruction with Hamas left in control of it, he added.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only viable reconstruction plan is one that includes a road map to the two-State solution with the relevant security guarantees,\u201d stressed Guyana\u2019s representative.\u00a0 Noting that 96\u00a0per\u00a0cent of Gaza\u2019s population faces acute food insecurity, she stated that there will be a deal for a ceasefire only when there is sincere concern for the protection of civilians \u2014 including those taken hostage on 7\u00a0October\u00a02023.\u00a0 \u201cAs of now, that concern is largely absent, despite narratives to the contrary,\u201d she pointed out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n SIGRID KAAG,\u00a0Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza<\/u><\/strong>, offering a \u201csober and sombre assessment of the situation on the ground\u201d, reported that 101 hostages are still held in Gaza, denied humanitarian visits.\u00a0 All hostages, she stressed, must be released immediately and unconditionally and, for as long as they are held, must be treated humanely and allowed to receive visits and assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). \u201cThe essence of our common humanity is at stake,\u201d she underscored.\u00a0 Meanwhile, in Gaza, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 93,000 have been injured.\u00a0 Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 22,000 people have sustained \u201clife-altering injuries\u201d \u2014 \u201ca sad reflection of the tragedy of this war\u201d, she noted \u2014 and the health infrastructure, already crippled, has been further decimated.\u00a0 She stressed: \u201cTime is slipping away as a man-made humanitarian crisis has turned Gaza into the abyss.\u201d<\/p>\n Calling for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver aid at scale throughout the Strip, she said that the continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is \u201cunconscionable\u201d.\u00a0 She nevertheless detailed the completion of the first phase of a two-round polio vaccination campaign, which shows that \u2014 even in the direst of circumstances \u2014 \u201chumanitarian action is possible\u201d with sufficient political will and real-time political commitment. \u00a0However, systems in place today are not a substitute for the political will required to reach civilians and respond to their needs, she said, adding: \u201cSystems do not save lives, nor provide dignity for those who have lost all.\u201d Effective humanitarian operations require the right quality, quantity and range of goods to meet the daily needs of civilians in Gaza, and \u201cthat goal is not being met\u201d, she stressed.<\/p>\n Stating that the Council is \u201cfully aware\u201d of the humanitarian community\u2019s requests, she said that the scope of humanitarian items allowed entry remains \u201ctoo restricted for effective humanitarian operations\u201d.\u00a0Further, recent security incidents \u2014 including shootings at humanitarian convoys \u2014 demonstrate that agreed protocols and procedures still require comprehensive implementation.\u00a0 Welcoming the recent medical evacuation of 251\u00a0patients and family members to the United Arab Emirates \u2014 \u201cthe largest so far\u201d \u2014 she nevertheless said that \u201cmuch more is needed\u201d.\u00a0 Over 14,000\u00a0patients still require specialized treatment outside Gaza, and she urged Member States to host these individuals and their families.\u00a0 \u201cProgress on the above becomes even more important as winter nears, and the humanitarian catastrophe deepens,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n She went on to stress that the recovery and reconstruction of the Strip \u201cshould not wait\u201d, and that the Palestinian Authority must resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.\u00a0 Further, rebuilding Gaza offers the opportunity to involve all members of Palestinian civil society, and fostering an environment that enables the Palestinian business community to play its role is equally important.\u00a0 \u201cThe only credible measures of change and progress are the actual conditions on the ground in Gaza,\u201d she stressed, emphasizing that \u201cthe horrors of the past 11\u00a0months have made it painfully clear that a political solution is the only sustainable path forward\u201d.\u00a0 Without that, the cycle of suffering will continue.<\/p>\n JORGE MOREIRA DA SILVA,\u00a0Executive Director, United Nations Office for Project Services<\/u>\u00a0(UNOPS)<\/strong>,\u00a0recalling his January visit to Gaza, noted its \u201ctruly challenging environment\u201d for humanitarian aid delivery.\u00a0 In December\u00a02023, his office delivered a design of the mechanism that is meant to deliver a single comprehensive humanitarian aid supply change management system for Gaza, he said.\u00a0 The mechanism had to address the unpredictability of pipelines, delays and multiple inspections while also building confidence and transparency in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.\u00a0 Since May, the mechanism has been running the integrated database covering humanitarian consignments going through Cyprus, and since June those along the Jordan corridor.\u00a0 It has also captured consignments being sent from the West Bank and from inside Israel.\u00a0\u201cThe database moves away from counting trucks and provides the capacity to look at actual supplies entering Gaza compared to the identified needs,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Since its activation, he said, 229\u00a0humanitarian aid consignments have requested clearance through the mechanism, of which 175 consignments have been approved, 101\u00a0have been delivered, 17\u00a0are pending clearance and 37\u00a0have been rejected.\u00a0 This translates into more than 22,000\u00a0metric tons of humanitarian aid cargo delivered to Gaza, he said, adding that \u201cthese figures are also publicly available on the mechanism\u2019s live dashboard which was launched earlier last week\u201d.\u00a0 The consignments were primarily delivered through the Jordan corridor, which was formalized under the mechanism, while a smaller portion of consignments were delivered through the Cyprus corridor.\u00a0 Noting that 14\u00a0international monitors have been deployed to those countries to verify the humanitarian nature of each consignment and track it from the point of origin to delivery, he echoed the call for more items and consigners to be allowed to enter Gaza.\u00a0 \u201cEleven of our international monitors are also ready to deploy inside Gaza in order to reinforce this important verification and tracking mechanism,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Over the past 11\u00a0months, he noted, the Egyptian route has served as a vital lifeline for delivering aid to the people of Gaza and UNOPS is working with that country\u2019s authorities to fully integrate this route.\u00a0 The Office is also procuring 280\u00a0trucks for the Jordan corridor, and is procuring 38\u00a0trucks for use by the humanitarian community inside Gaza, he said.\u00a0Thanking Member States who have contributed financially to UNOPS in support of the mechanism, he added:\u00a0 \u201cWe cannot overemphasize the challenges of delivering humanitarian response in Gaza right now.\u201d\u00a0 The effective delivery of aid at the scale required will simply not be possible without political will, security guarantees and an enabling environment, he emphasized, also noting \u201cthe critical and irreplaceable role that UNRWA [the\u00a0United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East]\u00a0plays in Gaza, as the key implementer of our collective will.\u201d<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Switzerland<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that hostilities in Gaza continue to cause civilian casualties, and that Israeli evacuation orders are adding further pressure on an already desperate population, many of whom are children. \u00a0In addition, more than 100\u00a0hostages remain in captivity, she continued, reiterating calls for their immediate and unconditional release. \u00a0Switzerland condemns all violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties.\u00a0 She further condemned the incident at a checkpoint on 9\u00a0September affecting a UN team working on the vaccination campaign in Gaza. \u00a0As the occupying Power, Israel, has an obligation to provide for the basic needs of the population under its control. \u00a0The deliberate use of starvation as a method of warfare is a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. \u00a0The civilian population, infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, must not be the object of attack. \u00a0The deadly consequences of Israeli military operations in areas where civilians have taken refuge are \u201cintolerable\u201d. \u00a0She welcomed implementation of the polio vaccination campaign, which shows what the\u00a0United Nations and its humanitarian partners can achieve if the parties to the conflict respect their obligations to guarantee safe and unhindered access to the civilian population.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Russian Federation<\/strong><\/u>\u00a0called the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave horrific and said that the reason for this is the ongoing Israeli military operation, which Israel has been carrying out without any regard for international humanitarian law or resolutions and decisions of the Security Council. \u00a0\u201cSuch arrogance emanates from the unconditional support for any of its actions by the United States, which has for nearly a year now been blocking any hint of a substantive reaction,\u201d he said. \u00a0In the past week, Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of nearly 100\u00a0civilians.\u00a0 There can be no justification for this. \u00a0\u201cWestern parties\u201d play mute when there\u2019s a need to provide a frank assessment about what is transpiring with the Palestinians. \u00a0\u201cFor if we were talking about any other State, they would vociferously condemn such attacks,\u201d he said. \u00a0If this situation continues, then these developments may result in the cessation of\u00a0United Nations operations in Gaza, and in this case, more than 2\u00a0million Palestinians will face death. \u00a0\u201cThis is a real prospect, and we cannot allow this to happen,\u201d he warned. \u00a0In addition to polio, at any point there can be an outbreak of other communicable diseases in Gaza as \u201cregular vaccines have virtually been depleted\u201d. \u00a0Humanitarian workers are powerless and defenceless in the face of Israeli strikes, he added.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0France<\/u>,<\/strong> demanding full and immediate implementation of resolutions\u00a02712 (2023), 2720\u00a0(2023), 2728\u00a0(2024) and\u00a02735\u00a0(2024), underscored that all parties must comply with international humanitarian law, guarantee protection for humanitarian workers and establish and implement deconfliction mechanisms \u2013 \u201cwhich the smooth operation of the polio-vaccination campaign shows is possible\u201d.\u00a0 Further, he stressed that goods entering Gaza must \u201ccorrespond to the reality of the needs\u201d there, noting \u201cfar too many restrictions\u201d in place.\u00a0 Humanitarian actors must be able to access the equipment that allows them to operate on the ground, a horizon must be restored for Gazans and an immediate, lasting ceasefire is \u201cindispensable\u201d, he stressed.\u00a0He also said that conditions for early recovery projects to restore basic services must be established in conjunction with regional countries.\u00a0 He added that neither a strictly humanitarian response, nor one based purely on security, will suffice.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Sierra Leone<\/strong><\/u>\u00a0highlighted the shortages of medical supplies in the Gaza Strip due to persistent obstacles to the entry of aid vehicles through the Kerem Shalom crossing and condemned the attack on the UNRWA school serving as a shelter in Nuseirat, that killed six Agency personnel.\u00a0 Full operationalization of Security Council resolution\u00a02720\u00a0(2023) would require achieving an immediate ceasefire, and restoration of law and order \u201cin a society now characterized, at the minimum, as a war crime scene\u201d, he said.\u00a0 Calling for an effective deconfliction mechanism and welcoming the timely delivery of polio vaccine, he said only an end to the current conflict will allow for the arduous but vital task of rebuilding Gaza and \u201cmake it habitable, a home to its people\u201d.\u00a0Further, \u201cthe issue of humanitarian aid coordination and reconstruction must now be gleaned through the lens of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice\u201d, he stressed.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Japan<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that Gaza\u2019s agony continues as Israeli attacks in densely populated areas continue unabated.\u00a0 \u201cThe recent air strike on a school in Nuseirat killed six UNRWA staff members,\u201d he added, deploring the casualties of aid workers, who are tirelessly working to deliver the necessary relief supplies to the people of Gaza.\u00a0 This is totally unacceptable, and actions need to be taken to make real changes on the ground.\u00a0 A ceasefire in the Strip is the only path towards peace, security and stability in the region.\u00a0 He then extended his country\u2019s strong support to the diplomatic efforts by the United States, Qatar and Egypt that would lead to an immediate ceasefire, the release of the remaining hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale in Gaza.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Malta<\/u>,<\/strong> noting that the situation on the ground remains \u201cbeyond desperate\u201d, observed that military tactics are still being used to deny essential services to the Gazan population despite endless appeals from the international community.\u00a0 She also spotlighted recent attacks on humanitarian workers, pointing out that around 200\u00a0UN and humanitarian staff in Gaza have been killed in\u00a02024 alone and stating:\u00a0 \u201cThe repeated targeting and intimidation of the United Nations in Gaza is deeply concerning.\u201d\u00a0 The Council must therefore demand and ensure full implementation of its resolutions, adherence to international law and accountability, she urged \u2014 \u201cnot reduce itself to simply commenting helplessly on this catastrophe\u201d.\u00a0 Further, she stressed that \u201chumanitarian assistance must never be up for negotiation\u201d, and that States providing military support must ensure that their armaments are used in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Algeria<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said the recent killing of six UNRWA staff members represents a \u201cperilous erosion of international law\u201d.\u00a0 He also drew attention to UN data, according to which only 62\u00a0trucks entered Gaza daily during the first 10\u00a0days of September\u00a02024, compared to 97\u00a0trucks in December\u00a02023, and said:\u00a0 \u201cThe stark reality is that daily aid deliveries have decreased significantly since [Security Council resolution 2720\u00a0(2023)\u2019s] adoption.\u201d\u00a0 This is not a logistical shortcoming but a manifestation of a deeper political impasse.\u00a0 Calling on the occupying Power to cooperate rather than oppose humanitarian efforts, he asked why 11\u00a0UNOPS staff members have not been allowed to enter Gaza.\u00a0 Highlighting the indispensable role of UNRWA, he called for prioritization of early recovery projects and stressed that Council resolution\u00a02720\u00a0(2023) requires not only a ceasefire, but also the restoration of stability and reconstruction in Gaza.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Mozambique<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that the situation in Gaza continues to demand \u201cour profound reflection and action, as this is one of the biggest humanitarian crises of our time\u201d.\u00a0 The conflict poses a permanent risk to any reconstruction effort.\u00a0Residences, schools, hospitals, health wards and other places of refuge are a target of war and destruction.\u00a0 \u201cAs Council members, we shoulder the obligation and responsibility to change the course of events,\u201d he stressed.\u00a0 A cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire are urgent imperatives for peace in Gaza and the wider region.\u00a0 The recent humanitarian pause that has allowed polio vaccinations for children constitutes a good indication that ceasefire and peace are possible if the warring parties are willing to follow the path of mutual accommodation, he said.<\/p>\n The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/strong><\/u>\u00a0said that her country will continue to raise the need for Israel to facilitate humanitarian operations and protect humanitarian workers and facilities \u2014 such as the UNRWA school in Nuseirat recently targeted by the Israel Defense Forces.\u00a0Washington, D.C., is also communicating to Israel that there is no basis \u2014 \u201cabsolutely none\u201d, she repeated \u2014 for opening fire on clearly marked UN vehicles.\u00a0 Stating that the Israeli military \u201cknows well how to ensure that incidents such as these do not happen\u201d, she said that the United States therefore expects the Israel Defense Forces\u2019 leadership to implement \u201cfundamental\u201d changes \u2014 including changes to rules of engagement and \u201csteps to fix the obvious shortcomings in how deconfliction procedures are implemented\u201d.\u00a0 She added that Hamas is using civilian sites to conduct operations and pose an ongoing threat, calling on all sides to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Guyana<\/u>,<\/strong> condemning the recent attack on the An Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Deir al Balah, pointed out that this war has become \u201cthe deadliest for the United Nations\u201d with 224\u00a0of its personnel senselessly killed. \u00a0Noting that 96\u00a0per cent of Gaza\u2019s population is facing acute food insecurity, she added that there will be a deal for a ceasefire only when there is sincere concern for the protection of civilians, including those taken hostage on 7\u00a0October\u00a02023. \u00a0\u201cAs of now, that concern is largely absent, despite narratives to the contrary,\u201d she pointed out. \u00a0The destruction of Gaza is not because of a natural hazard, she said, highlighting Israel\u2019s consistent spate of military operations against the Gaza Strip prior to 7\u00a0October\u00a02023.\u00a0 The pattern of financing and refinancing reconstruction in Gaza is unsustainable, she stressed, adding that \u201cthe only viable reconstruction plan is one that includes a road map to the two-State solution with the relevant security guarantees\u201d.<\/p>\n The representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/strong><\/u>\u00a0condemned the Houthi attack over the weekend and reiterated her country\u2019s demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for Hamas to release all hostages.\u00a0 \u201cWe welcome the news that the first round of the UN\u2019s polio vaccine campaign in Gaza has now concluded, facilitated by Israel\u2019s implementation of agreed tactical pauses,\u201d she said.\u00a0 Despite the challenges \u2014 including the attack on a United Nations vaccination convoy last week\u00a0\u2014 this shows that deconfliction can work where there is political will.\u00a0 Israel has committed to flood Gaza with aid, but this has not materialized.\u00a0Mass Israeli evacuation notices and the use of heavy weaponry mean that nowhere is safe.\u00a0 The United Kingdom calls on both Israel and Hamas to take the deal on the table.\u00a0 There will be an enormous task in helping those in Gaza rebuild.\u00a0 Early recovery will include clearing unexploded ordinance and rubble and providing essential services, she said.<\/p>\n The representative of the\u00a0Republic of Korea<\/strong><\/u>\u00a0stressed that it is \u201cunacceptable\u201d that a UN convoy delivering polio vaccines, already approved by the Israel Defense Forces, was held at gunpoint for more than seven hours at a checkpoint in Gaza on 9\u00a0September.\u00a0 Calling on all parties to the conflict \u2014 \u201cespecially Israel\u201d \u2014 to prevent similar incidents, he underscored that deconfliction and notification mechanisms must be respected.\u00a0 Further, it is a \u201cmiserable reality\u201d, he said, that the volume of humanitarian assistance into Gaza remains far below the minimum required to meet the needs of 2.3\u00a0million people, most of whom cannot afford commercial goods.\u00a0As skin infections run rampant, it is concerning that even basic hygiene items \u2014 such as soap \u2014 are being denied entry into the Gaza Strip.\u00a0 \u201cIsrael must demonstrate to the rest of the world that they are actually doing their best to facilitate humanitarian aid to the Gazan people,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0China<\/u><\/strong>, noting that, last week, the UN convoy supporting the polio vaccination campaign approved by Israel was detained for nearly eight hours during which shots were fired, said that in the same week, six UNRWA employees were killed in an air strike.\u00a0 Describing the Agency as \u201ca pillar of strength\u201d, he commended it for not abandoning Gaza and called on Israel to investigate all attacks on humanitarian workers.\u00a0 That country must put humanity first, lift the blockade, open all crossings and scrap restrictions on humanitarian deliveries, he said.\u00a0 Pointing to 41,000\u00a0deaths among Palestinian civilians since the start of the war, he said \u201cthis is past belief\u201d.\u00a0 Had the United States not stood in the way, the Council could have adopted a resolution demanding a ceasefire early on, he said, calling on that country to use its significant influence to prevail upon Israel to cease its military operations and \u201cgive the long-suffering Palestinian people a chance to live\u201d.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Ecuador<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0said that political will is needed to allow for the delivery of aid in the quantity needed to alleviate the appalling situation of the civilian population in Gaza.\u00a0 Despite\u00a0United Nations efforts, it has still not been possible for humanitarian aid to be provided and distributed at the necessary scale and without any obstacles in order to guarantee access in Gaza to food, water, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications and medical services.\u00a0 Ecuador calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and the delivery of sufficient aid to Gaza, as well as the guaranteed safety of humanitarian personnel.\u00a0Until that happens, all parties must commit to allowing supplies to be delivered to civilians in need while also guaranteeing the safety of humanitarian workers.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Slovenia<\/u><\/strong>, Council President for September, spoke in his national capacity to observe that today\u2019s briefing and the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground confirm that both political will and respect for international law \u201chave been in very short supply during the whole duration of this sad conflict\u201d.\u00a0 Nothing can replace the absence of Israel\u2019s political will to ease \u2014 or help ease \u2014 the suffering of civilians in Gaza and, despite the Council\u2019s political will to alleviate that suffering through resolution\u00a02720\u00a0(2023), the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale has not been achieved.\u00a0 \u201cIt is time for the Security Council to ensure compliance with its resolutions,\u201d he urged, detailing a \u201ccascading\u201d approach forward \u2014 exert pressure to ensure a ceasefire that holds, rebuild life in Gaza, immediately begin a time-bound political process and implementation of the two-State solution, and finally, reconstruct the Strip.<\/p>\n The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u><\/strong>, expressing concern that \u201cthere is hardly a mention of the hostages\u201d in the statements delivered in the Council, added that the six executed hostages were kept in a tunnel whose \u201centrance was hidden beneath a child\u2019s bedroom\u201d. \u00a0\u201cWe all must ask ourselves how much [aid] is stolen by the Hamas terror machine and never reaches the Palestinians,\u201d he said, adding that his country\u2019s humanitarian efforts during the war are \u201cunparalleled for a country which underwent its most tragic day and has since been forced to go to war\u201d.\u00a0 Stressing that the\u00a0United Nations must \u201cstick to facts\u201d, he said\u00a01\u00a0million tons of aid have been delivered, and 800,000\u00a0tons of food have passed into Gaza.\u00a0 Also highlighting the polio vaccination campaign that is under way, he said over half a million Gazan children have been vaccinated, thanks to his country\u2019s cooperation with WHO and the UN Children\u2019s Fund\u00a0(UNICEF).<\/p>\n \u201cDespite the slander, the noise, the panic,\u201d he said, Israel continues to cooperate with those agencies \u201cwho truly care about the welfare of civilians\u201d. \u00a0But, it will not work with those who only care to harm his country, he stressed, adding that \u201cUNRWA Gaza has become nothing more than a cartel, fostering hatred and prolonging misery in Gaza\u201d.\u00a0 Israel has documented proof of UNRWA staff involvement in the Hamas-led atrocities of 7\u00a0October\u00a02023, he said, adding that it provided more than 100\u00a0names to the Agency\u2019s Commissioner.\u00a0 \u201cThis list is part of an ongoing process and does not yet reveal the full extent of the infiltration of UNWRA Gaza,\u201d he said.\u00a0 No meaningful discussions can take place about Gaza\u2019s future and reconstruction, with Hamas left in control of it, he said.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s goal is to defeat Hamas, secure the return of hostages and \u201callow Gazans to take control of their own future\u201d, he added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 16 September 2024 Watch Security Council’s 9725th meeting on UN Web TV Israel Must Cooperate with Humanitarian Efforts, Demands Representative Underscoring that the only credible measure of progress is the actual condition on the ground in Gaza, the head of United Nations humanitarian efforts in the Strip told the Security Council today that sufficient 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SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n
Briefings<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Statements<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n