{"id":315695,"date":"2025-12-11T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=315695"},"modified":"2026-03-09T13:43:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T17:43:01","slug":"implementation-of-security-council-resolution-2334-2016-report-of-the-secretary-general","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/implementation-of-security-council-resolution-2334-2016-report-of-the-secretary-general\/","title":{"rendered":"Implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) – Report of the Secretary-General (S\/2025\/807)"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

11 December 2025<\/p>\n

I. Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. The present report is the thirty-sixth quarterly report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016)<\/a>, covering the period from 20 September to 2 December 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    II. Settlements<\/strong><\/h3>\n
      \n
    1. In its resolution 2334 (2016)<\/a>, the Security Council reaffirmed that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, had no legal validity and constituted a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. The Council reiterated its demand that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and that it fully respect all of its legal obligations in that regard. No such steps were taken during the reporting period, as settlement activities continued.<\/li>\n
    2. During the reporting period, Israeli authorities advanced or approved over 6,310 housing units in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In Area C, approximately 2,340 housing units were advanced, and over 3,400 housing units were approved; almost all units approved are in two plans within the area designated for the E1 settlement plan. In East Jerusalem, over 570 housing units were advanced in the settlement of Har Homa. In addition, the Ministry of Housing published three tenders for over 460 housing units in the settlements of Ma\u2018ale Adumim and Adam in Area C. No tenders were published for East Jerusalem.<\/li>\n
    3. On 22 October, two private bills extending Israeli law to occupied West Bank settlements were passed in preliminary readings in the Knesset: one applying sovereignty across all settlements, and another seeking the annexation of the Ma\u2018ale Adumim settlement east of Jerusalem. The bills did not advance beyond preliminary readings during the reporting period, and neither received government support.<\/li>\n
    4. On 22 October, the Land Authority of Israel reportedly handed Palestinian residents of the village of Qalandiyah, north of East Jerusalem, land confiscation orders initiated in the 1970s and 1980s concerning hundreds of dunams of privately owned Palestinian land in the village. The orders were issued for implementation following a government decision of 26 May approving the establishment of a waste management facility in the Atarut industrial settlement in East Jerusalem. An Israeli military order was also issued on 24 November for the seizure of some 77 dunams of land in Isawiyah and Za\u2018ayyim, east of Jerusalem and in the E1 planned settlement area.<\/li>\n
    5. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, throughout the reporting period. Israeli authorities, citing the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which remain almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, demolished, sealed, seized or forced people to demolish 152 structures. Those included 24 structures that were demolished by their owners after they received demolition orders to avoid heavy Israeli fines. Another eight structures were demolished, sealed, seized or destroyed during Israeli forces security operations or on punitive or other grounds. Of the total number of structures that were documented as having been demolished or seized, five had been funded by international donors. Overall, the demolitions resulted in the displacement of 192 persons, including 81 children and 47 women. In addition, more than 1,460 structures were identified as having been destroyed or damaged in refugee camps in the northern West Bank.<\/li>\n
    6. On 28 October, the Israeli authorities delivered demolition notices to 13 structures, including 11 homes, in the village of Umm al-Khayr in the South Hebron Hills. The orders placed 13 families, around 70 people, including 30 children, at risk of displacement. The residents were given 14 days to appeal the demolition notices, which were issued due to a lack of Israeli-issued building permits. Since 2009, 56 structures have been demolished in Umm al-Khayr.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      III. Violence against civilians, including acts of terror<\/strong><\/h3>\n
        \n
      1. In its resolution 2334 (2016)<\/a>, the Security Council called for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction, called for accountability in that regard and called for compliance with obligations under international law for the strengthening of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including through existing security coordination, and to clearly condemn all acts of terrorism.<\/li>\n
      2. Overall, the reporting period was marked by the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which reduced the level of hostilities affecting the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. Prior to the ceasefire, intensive Israeli military operations had continued in Gaza, as well as continued attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups targeting Israel Defense Forces personnel. Eleven rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel and were intercepted or fell in open space. More limited military operations and attacks continued after the ceasefire went into effect on 10 October.<\/li>\n
      3. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, during the reporting period, at least 1,938 Palestinians were killed and at least 4,888 were injured in the Gaza Strip. Of these, according to the Ministry, at least 356 Palestinians, including women and at least 58 children, have been killed and 909 have been injured since the ceasefire came into effect on 10 October. That brings the total number of Palestinian fatalities in Gaza, according to the Ministry, to at least 70,112 since 7 October 2023, the majority of them reportedly women and children, and the number of injured to 170,986.<\/li>\n
      4. According to Israeli sources, during the reporting period, three Israel Defense Forces soldiers were killed in hostilities in Gaza. Israeli sources reported that more than 1,986 Israelis and foreign nationals had been killed in attacks in or originating from Gaza by the Hamas Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and other armed groups, including at least 338 women and 39 children, and at least 1,006 members of the security forces, on and since 7 October 2023. All remaining 20 living hostages out of the 251 who were abducted by Hamas and others from Israel on 7 October 2023 were released during the reporting period, and 27 of 28 deceased hostages\u2019 remains were returned.<\/li>\n
      5. During the reporting period, at least 7 United Nations personnel were killed in Gaza, bringing the total number of United Nations personnel killed since 7 October 2023 to 387.<\/li>\n
      6. Prior to the ceasefire, intensive Israeli military operations in Gaza City continued with further large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure, including through air strikes and large-scale demolitions, especially controlled detonations of many multistorey buildings. The military operations and evacuation orders issued by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza City led to another round of mass displacement, particularly from the eastern and south-western parts of the city.<\/li>\n
      7. On 9 October, the parties and mediators agreed to and signed implementation steps for President Trump\u2019s proposal for a comprehensive end of the Gaza war that outlined commitments to a partial withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from nearly half of the Gaza Strip and a suspension of military operations in those areas, the full entry of humanitarian aid and relief, release of all hostages held in Gaza and release of an agreed list of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Implementation commenced on 10 October, including the phased withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces to a line of disengagement, with an estimated 53 to 58 per cent of the territory of Gaza remaining under Israel Defense Forces control.<\/li>\n
      8. On 13 October, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza. Released hostages described and exhibited signs of serious ill-treatment, including physical and psychological abuse. The same day, Israel released 250 Palestinian prisoners, most of them serving life or long-term sentences in Israel, and 1,718 Palestinians from Gaza who had been detained without charges or trial since 7\u00a0October 2023. Released prisoners described and exhibited signs of serious ill-treatment and abuse. Between 13 October and 2 December, Hamas returned the bodies and\/or remains of 27 deceased hostages held in Gaza to Israel. In the same period, Israel returned the bodies of 345 Palestinians to Gaza. The remains of one deceased hostage have not yet been returned.<\/li>\n
      9. In the immediate wake of the partial disengagement by the Israel Defense Forces, the Gaza Ministry of Interior announced that it would deploy its forces to areas from which the Israel Defense Forces had pulled back \u201cto restore order.\u201d Clashes intensified between Hamas and various armed actors in Gaza with a series of high-profile reprisal killings taking place on all sides. On 13 October, Hamas reportedly carried out public executions of people they accused of collaborating with Israel or being linked to ongoing internal fighting between Hamas and other armed actors<\/li>\n
      10. The ceasefire remained fragile throughout the reporting period. Limited Israeli military operations and air strikes continued in Gaza, resulting in casualties and continued destruction of civilian infrastructure, with demolitions concentrated in Israel-controlled areas. Sporadic attacks by Palestinian armed groups against the Israel Defense Forces also continued, resulting in casualties.<\/li>\n
      11. On 17 October, 11 members of one family, including 7 children and 2 women, were killed in eastern Gaza City when the Israel Defense Forces struck their vehicle. On 23 and 27 October, at least three Palestinians, including a doctor, were killed in two Israeli air strikes in eastern Khan Yunis. Heavy bombings and the destruction of residential buildings were also reported throughout Gaza.<\/li>\n
      12. On 19 October, two Israeli soldiers were killed when armed Palestinians reportedly fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire towards Israel Defense Forces troops operating in the Rafah area. Hamas denied responsibility for the attack. The Israel Defense Forces subsequently stated that it \u201cstruck the area \u2026 to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity.\u201d Further Israel Defense Forces air strikes took place, primarily striking central Gaza. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, 45 Palestinians were killed.<\/li>\n
      13. On 28 October, an Israeli soldier was reportedly killed in the Rafah area by armed Palestinians firing on Israel Defense Forces troops. Hamas denied responsibility, reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire. However, the Israeli military accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire and, on 28 and 29 October, Israeli forces launched intensive air strikes, heavy artillery and gunfire, striking dozens of what the Israel Defense Forces said were Hamas militants and sites. The Israel Defense Forces strikes reportedly hit residential buildings, the tents of internally displaced persons, vehicles and public facilities, including at least one school. During the two days, the Ministry of Health in Gaza reported the killing of at least 104 Palestinians, including 46 children and 20 women.<\/li>\n
      14. On 19 and 22 November, the Israeli military launched two waves of intense attacks in Gaza, including air strikes, artillery shelling and tank fire, killing 53 Palestinians, including at least 12 children and 8 women, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, and injuring dozens of others. In one incident on 19 November, the Israel Defense Forces reportedly struck the tents of internally displaced persons in Mawasi, western Khan Younis, killing at least nine Palestinians, including a woman and three children. In another incident, on 22 November, the Israel Defense Forces struck residential buildings in Nuseirat, killing 11 Palestinians from the same family, including 6 women.<\/li>\n
      15. Meanwhile, violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continued at an alarming rate. Israeli authorities continued to impose widespread movement restrictions and conduct extensive operations, including air strikes, arrests and detentions. Clashes and armed exchanges between Palestinians and Israeli security forces continued during the reporting period. An increased number of attacks by Israelis, including armed settlers, against Palestinians was recorded. Attacks perpetrated by Palestinians against Israelis also occurred during the reporting period.<\/li>\n
      16. In total, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, 38 Palestinians, including 12 children, were killed by Israeli security forces during operations, demonstrations, clashes, air strikes and other incidents during the reporting period. In addition, two Palestinians were killed by Israeli settlers or other civilians, and one Palestinian was killed whose killing could not be attributed. Of the total, 40 Palestinians were killed by live ammunition. A total of 816 Palestinians were injured, including 41 women and 74 children. Of that total, 596 were injured by Israeli security forces, including 152 due to tear gas inhalation and 237 by live ammunition, and 218 by Israeli settlers and other civilians.<\/li>\n
      17. According to Israeli sources, during the reporting period, 2 Israelis were killed by Palestinians in ramming and stabbing attacks in the occupied West Bank, and another 43 Israelis, including 4 women, 5 children and 8 security forces personnel, were injured in the occupied West Bank and Israel by Palestinians in shooting, ramming and stabbing attacks, armed exchanges and clashes, rock and Molotov cocktail throwing, or other incidents.<\/li>\n
      18. Expanded Israeli security force operations continued across cities, towns and villages, including in the northern West Bank, as part of the ongoing large-scale operation that began in January and that has involved extensive demolitions of homes and civilian infrastructure in refugee camps. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, mostly refugees, have been forcibly displaced by ongoing operations by Israeli forces, mainly in the northern areas, since early 2025. They remain displaced and are not allowed to return. On 26 November, Israeli forces launched Five Stones, a large-scale operation covering Tubas, Tammun, Aqqaba, and Tayasir and Wadi al-Far\u2019a, in the Tubas Governorate, targeting what they said was \u201cterror infrastructure\u201d, resulting in injuries to 163 Palestinians and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, displacement and disruption of access to essential services. The high number of incidents precludes detailing them all, but several significant incidents are reported below.<\/li>\n
      19. Violence remained high in and around Jenin in the northern West Bank. On 24\u00a0September, Israeli forces shot and killed an 18-year-old Palestinian student during a raid in the town of Anzah, south of Jenin. On 10 October, Israeli forces shot and killed a 25-year-old Palestinian man whom they said threw an explosive device towards them during an operation in Jenin city centre. On 16 October, during a raid in Qabatiyah, south of Jenin, Israeli forces shot a Palestinian man whom they said threw an explosive device at them. He later died of his wounds. On 28 October, three Palestinians were killed on the outskirts of Kafr Qud, west of Jenin, in an exchange of fire with Israeli security forces; two were killed by sniper fire and the third in an air strike. On 26 November, one Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces during a raid in Qabatiyah, south of Jenin. On 27 November, two Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the Jenin refugee camp. A video showed the two Palestinians exiting a building with their hands in the air, apparently surrendering, when they were shot. The Israel Defense Forces announced that it had opened an investigation. In the rest of the West Bank, on 25 September, Israeli security forces killed two Palestinian men during an exchange of fire in Tammun town, south of Tubas. The Israeli military accused the two men of planning to carry out an imminent attack. On 19 October, Israeli forces surrounded and opened fire at a residential building in Ein Beit al-Ma\u2019 refugee camp in Nablus city, and a Palestinian man was shot inside his home in a different building and died of his wounds after Israeli forces reportedly delayed the arrival of the medical team trying to reach him. On 23 October, Israeli forces shot a Palestinian man, reportedly a bystander, in Askar camp, in the outskirts of Nablus city, who died of his wounds the following day. On 8 November, Israeli forces killed one Palestinian during a raid in Far\u2019a camp, south of Tubas. On 16 November, one Palestinian allegedly throwing stones was killed by Israeli forces during a raid in Askar camp, north-east of Nablus.<\/li>\n
      20. Children continued to be impacted by violence. On 16 October, Israeli forces killed a nine-year-old Palestinian boy during an operation in Rihiyah, south of Hebron. On 30 October, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy who allegedly set a suspected explosive device on fire was shot and killed by Israeli forces in Silwad, north-east of Ramallah. On 2 November, Israeli forces shot and killed a 17-year-old boy, who was reportedly throwing stones at them, in Bayt Furik, Nablus. On 17 November, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian boy and injured two others in Far\u2019a camp, south of Tubas. On 21 November, a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old were shot and killed by Israeli forces in Kafr Aqab, north of Jerusalem. Fifty-one Palestinian children have been killed by Israeli forces since the beginning of 2025 across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.<\/li>\n
      21. During the reporting period, Israeli security forces conducted over 1,000 operations, which resulted in the detention of more than 860 Palestinians, including at least 50 children, amid reports of ill-treatment and abuse. Since 7 October 2023, at least 80 Palestinians, including one child, have died in Israeli detention.<\/li>\n
      22. Violence against Israelis by Palestinians also continued in the occupied West Bank. On 28 September, a Palestinian man rammed his vehicle into Israeli forces near Jit junction, in Qalqiliyah Governorate. One Israeli soldier and the assailant were killed. The circumstances around the incident remain unclear. On 30 September, a Palestinian man carried out a ramming attack near Husan junction, west of Bethlehem, injuring two Israeli children. On 18 November, a 71-year-old Israeli was killed, and an Israeli man and child were moderately injured in a ramming and stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion junction, south of Jerusalem, by two Palestinians who were shot and killed by Israeli forces. On 2 December, Israeli forces shot and killed one Palestinian after he reportedly stabbed and injured two Israeli soldiers near Umm Safa, north of Ramallah.<\/li>\n
      23. Settler-related violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, intensified during the reporting period, reaching its highest levels recorded in recent years, with an average of five incidents per day for 2025. A majority of those attacks took place during the annual olive harvest, which is a key source of income and livelihood for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. In October 2025, the highest monthly number of Israeli settler attacks was recorded since the United Nations began documenting such incidents in 2006, with more than 260 attacks resulting in casualties, property damage or both \u2013 an average of eight incidents per day. During the reporting period, at least 515 attacks related to the olive harvest were recorded across the occupied West Bank, resulting in fatalities, injuries and displacement, as well as in property damage and\/or theft of agricultural products across 177 villages. Israeli settlers and other civilians were reportedly frequently accompanied or supported by Israeli security forces who used force, including tear gas and live ammunition, against Palestinians.<\/li>\n
      24. On 3 October, Israeli settlers, alongside Israeli security forces, reportedly attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Bayta, south-east of Nablus. One Palestinian was shot and injured and at least 16 others were injured, in addition to the burning of 16 vehicles, including one ambulance. On 22 October, Israeli settlers reportedly chased a school bus in Masafer Yatta, South Hebron Hills, resulting in the injury of a 6-year-old Palestinian girl. On 12 November, Israeli settlers set on fire the Hajjah Hamidah mosque and defaced its walls with racist graffiti near Dayr Istiya, north of Salfit. On 24 November, Israeli settlers reportedly shot and injured one Palestinian in Bayt Awr al-Tahta, west of Ramallah. On 27 November, Israeli settlers reportedly attacked Palestinian farmers ploughing their land in Arab al-Rashaydah, south-east of Bethlehem, injuring nine, including four children.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        IV. Incitement, provocations and inflammatory rhetoric<\/strong><\/h3>\n
          \n
        1. In its resolution 2334 (2016)<\/a>, the Security Council called upon both parties to act on the basis of international law, including international humanitarian law, and their previous agreements and obligations, to observe calm and restraint and to refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric, with the aim, inter alia, of de-escalating the situation on the ground, rebuilding trust and confidence, demonstrating through policies and actions a genuine commitment to the two-State solution and creating the conditions necessary for promoting peace. Incitement, inflammatory rhetoric and the glorification of the killing of civilians continued.<\/li>\n
        2. Hamas continued to celebrate the 7 October 2023 and recent terror attacks and to call for additional violent attacks against Israelis. Palestinian Authority-affiliated official media and social media continued to glorify perpetrators of past attacks against Israelis.<\/li>\n
        3. Israeli ministers and Members of Knesset continued to call for increased Israeli military control over Gaza and the re-establishment of settlements there. Several ministers and Members of Knesset called for stopping or limiting humanitarian aid into the Strip until all hostages are released. An Israeli minister called for the arrest of the President of the State of Palestine and targeted killing of Palestinian Authority officials in retaliation for the recognition of the State of Palestine by several Member States. Some ministers and Members of Knesset continued to conduct inflammatory visits to Jerusalem holy sites, with some calling for violations of the status quo.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          V. Affirmative steps to reverse negative trends<\/strong><\/h3>\n
            \n
          1. In its resolution 2334 (2016)<\/a>, the Security Council called for affirmative steps to be taken immediately to reverse the negative trends on the ground that were imperilling the two-State solution. While some positive developments were recorded during the reporting period, negative trends on the ground also continued.<\/li>\n
          2. In the context of the ceasefire, there has been an increase in the entry of humanitarian assistance and other goods to the Gaza Strip, increasing the availability of a variety of commodities, although the availability of a variety of foods remains severely limited and prices remain high. The United Nations and its partners immediately scaled up humanitarian assistance across all sectors to deliver aid safely and equitably. Since the ceasefire, over 24,000 metric tons of aid have been collected from crossings, with 190,000 metric tons of food, medicine, shelter and other essential supplies pre-positioned in the region awaiting approval for entry, and more in the pipeline. The United Nations has closely engaged in all relevant coordination mechanisms, including through the Civil-Military Coordination Center, established in support of the ceasefire. Critical restrictions, including the closure of major routes and crossings, and registration requirements for international non-governmental organizations on the entry of supplies and critical personnel, including much-needed shelter materials, remain unaddressed. On 12 November, Israeli authorities announced the reopening of the Ziqim\/Siafah crossing for humanitarian cargo following a two-month closure, rotating with Kissufim.<\/li>\n
          3. While increased aid delivery has led to improved conditions, the overall humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, marked by widespread destruction, forced displacement and collapsed essential services and critical infrastructure. In areas remaining under full Israeli military control, detonations of residential buildings continue to be reported and access to humanitarian assets, public infrastructure and agricultural land remains restricted. Population movements across the Strip continued as people attempted to return to their homes when possible or moved to areas with relatively better access to essential services. Access to water, sanitation and hygiene services remains critically inadequate, and the sanitation system has been severely degraded. Some 9,300 children were hospitalized for acute malnutrition in October alone, marking one of the highest monthly admissions rates on record. Heavy rainfall and flooding exposed the population to additional displacement and sewage overflow, adding to growing humanitarian needs ahead of winter.<\/li>\n
          4. Nearly 42,000 Palestinians in Gaza are estimated to have permanent life-changing injuries that require urgent and long-term rehabilitation, with children accounting for nearly one quarter of them. Palestinian women continue to face severe conditions, including 55,500 pregnant women at severe risk of malnutrition and 500,000 women lacking reproductive health services.<\/li>\n
          5. On 23 November, the Civil Administration of Israel reportedly approved an order on taking of possession of an area of 0.288 dunams for the purpose of installing a roof above the inner courtyard of the Ibrahimi mosque compound in Hebron for the benefit of Jewish worshippers at the Tomb of the Patriarchs.<\/li>\n
          6. On 21 October, the Council of Ministers of the State of Palestine approved the Executive Plan of the National Cross-Sectoral Strategy to Strengthen Governance and Combat Corruption. The plan includes, inter alia, the adoption of a national monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure the effective prosecution of corruption crimes, prevent impunity and enhance social responsibility in combating and reporting corruption. Since the launch of the National Program for Development and Reform, the Government has reported implementing more than 60 reform measures.<\/li>\n
          7. On 26 October, the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, issued a constitutional declaration naming his deputy as successor in case of vacancy, stipulating that \u201cthe Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), also Vice-President of the State of Palestine\u201d will temporarily assume the function for a maximum period of 90 days, during which free and fair elections would be organized. In case the elections could not be held due to force majeure, the declaration also provides for a possible one-time extension of the interim president\u2019s term for an additional period of the same duration by a decision of the Palestinian Central Council. The Council of Ministers approved on 2 December the holding of local council elections on 25 April 2026.<\/li>\n
          8. Economic activity in the West Bank continues to deteriorate as movement and access restrictions, settler violence and the destruction of productive assets remain widespread. The 2025 olive harvest season has had the lowest yield in many years, owing to drought conditions compounded by land destruction and limited access for farmers. Fiscal and labour market instability and decline continued to deepen, with 96 per cent of West Bank businesses reporting decreased activity, while unemployment is projected to reach 35 per cent.<\/li>\n
          9. 43. The Palestinian Authority\u2019s persistent fiscal crisis has resulted in repeated partial salary payments to civil servants and other severe austerity measures affecting basic services, driven by a multifold financial crisis and the unilateral withholding by Israel of all Palestinian clearance revenues. The Palestinian financial sector also continues to face severe challenges, including the holding of significant debt and arrears, cash issues due to Israeli restrictions on the quantity of shekel bank notes than can be repatriated\u00a0 and insecurity arising from the persistent threat of the non-renewal by Israel of corresponding banking agreements.<\/li>\n
          10. On 22 October, the International Court of Justice delivered its advisory opinion on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence of activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. As part of its conclusions, the Court affirms, inter alia, that Israel, as the occupying Power, is required to fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law and that it has an obligation under international human rights law to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Among such obligations identified by the Court, Israel must agree to and facilitate by all means at its disposal relief schemes on behalf of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory so long as that population is inadequately supplied, as has been the case in the Gaza Strip, including relief provided by the United Nations and its entities, in particular the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), other international organizations and third States, and not to impede such relief. The Court also affirmed that, as a Member State, Israel has an obligation to cooperate in good faith with the United Nations by providing every assistance in any action taken by the Organization, including UNRWA, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and that it must ensure respect for the privileges and immunities of the Organization.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            VI. Efforts by the parties and the international community to advance the peace process and other relevant developments<\/strong><\/h3>\n
              \n
            1. In its resolution 2334 (2016)<\/a>, the Security Council called upon all States to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. The Council also called upon all parties to continue, in the interest of the promotion of peace and security, to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations on all final status issues in the Middle East peace process. The Council also urged the intensification and acceleration of international and regional diplomatic efforts and support aimed at achieving, without delay, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, including the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map, and an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967.<\/li>\n
            2. On 22 September, the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, was resumed on the margins of the high-level week of the General Assembly, resulting in the adoption of the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. In connection with the Conference, 11 Member States announced their formal recognition of the State of Palestine.<\/li>\n
            3. On 30 September, the Government of Spain said that it would begin investigating companies in Spain that advertised products or services originating in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The measure followed the approval of a decree that bans the promotion of such goods and services in Spain.<\/li>\n
            4. On 29 September, the Government of the United States of America published President Donald J. Trump\u2019s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The 20-point plan provided for, inter alia, a ceasefire and the release of all hostages held in Gaza, the scaled-up and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and the release of some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, followed by a framework for the reconstruction of Gaza and a commitment to establish a dialogue on a political horizon. On 9 October, implementation steps for the first phase of the plan were signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, by representatives of Israel, Hamas and the mediators, with a ceasefire entering into effect the following day. On 17 November, the Plan was endorsed in Security Council resolution 2803 (2025)<\/a> and annexed thereto.<\/li>\n
            5. On 13 October, the Presidents of the United States and Egypt co-chaired the Summit for Peace: Agreement to End the War in Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. During the Summit, the leaders of Egypt, Qatar, T\u00fcrkiye and the United States signed the Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.<\/li>\n
            6. On 27 October, Saudi Arabia hosted a high-level coordination meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. The meeting was chaired by Saudi Arabia, Norway and the European Union, and was focused on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the implementation of the New York Declaration and Mr. Trump\u2019s plan for ending the war in Gaza. On 20 November, the European Commission co-chaired with the Palestinian Authority the first meeting, in Brussels, of the Palestine Donor Group.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              VII. Observations<\/strong><\/h3>\n
                \n
              1. I welcome the ceasefire in Gaza that was reached on the basis of President Donald J. Trump\u2019s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and through the tireless mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, T\u00fcrkiye and the United States. The ceasefire and the release of 250 of 251 hostages, living and deceased, who were held in Gaza are vital steps towards alleviating the profound human suffering endured by Israelis, Palestinians and people in the region. The unbearable trauma inflicted on Palestinians and Israelis will last for generations. The ceasefire offers a critical opportunity to halt the bloodshed and improve the humanitarian situation. I urge all parties to fully implement the terms of the ceasefire, exercise maximum restraint and adhere to their obligations under international law, including relevant United Nations resolutions. The ceasefire must be consolidated and pave the way for the recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The United Nations stands ready to support efforts that consolidate the ceasefire, including through scaled-up delivery of humanitarian assistance, and lay the groundwork for recovery and reconstruction.<\/li>\n
              2. I welcome the release of all living hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza and am relieved that families are being reunited after long periods of anguish. I call for the immediate return of the remains of the last deceased hostage. The role of the International Committee of the Red Cross has been indispensable in ensuring that all releases and returns take place safely and humanely. I reiterate my condemnation of, and remain appalled by, the reported ill-treatment of the hostages, including sexual violence against them, and that the remains of one hostage continue to be withheld. There is no justification for the deliberate killing, maiming, torture and abduction of civilians and the use of sexual violence against them.<\/li>\n
              3. I am deeply concerned by the fragile security situation and continued violence in the Gaza Strip, which threaten the ceasefire. I unequivocally condemn the killing and injury of civilians in Gaza, including children and women. While the ceasefire has largely held, periodic Israeli military strikes have continued to cause significant civilian casualties, including women, children and health workers, and extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure. Gunfire and shelling near the line of withdrawal, as well as attacks on civilians attempting to return home or access land, have resulted in further loss of life. Such incidents, especially those in which civilians are killed while approaching unmarked or poorly defined zones, must immediately cease. Reports of the extrajudicial killings of Palestinians are extremely alarming. Armed Palestinian attacks against Israeli soldiers have also continued.<\/li>\n
              4. I am concerned about what may amount to violations of international humanitarian law in the conduct of hostilities, particularly in relation to the choices by Israel of means and methods of warfare. I urge all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. International humanitarian law always applies to all parties to a conflict, and its application does not depend on reciprocity. There must be full accountability for any atrocity crimes and other violations of international law that have been committed by any side.<\/li>\n
              5. All parties must respect and protect humanitarian relief personnel. I mourn the United Nations personnel killed in Gaza and strongly condemn the killing of all health and humanitarian personnel and journalists. These incidents must stop and must be thoroughly and impartially investigated. The perpetrators of these acts must be held accountable.<\/li>\n
              6. I am deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where infrastructure damage has reached catastrophic levels. Over 80 per cent of residential and public buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged. While the overall hunger situation has improved due to the increased entry of food, key protein sources remain out of reach for most who continue to face acute shortages of food, with hunger continuing alongside shortages of clean water, medical care and shelter. I also remain gravely concerned by the collapse of the health system in Gaza \u2013 only one third of health facilities are functional \u2013 and the alarming rise in mental health disorders and communicable diseases. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, with aid convoys facing logistical and security obstacles: $46.9 million in essential supplies are still awaiting approval to enter Gaza, while limitations and restrictions on UNRWA operations and continued fuel shortages risk the collapse of basic services. I call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and urge the full and unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance, including critical supplies for water, sanitation and shelter. Additional medical supplies, food and spare parts to rehabilitate infrastructure such as water, sanitation and electricity, as well as rubble removal equipment, are needed at scale.<\/li>\n
              7. I condemn the relentless Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which continues to fuel tensions, impede access by Palestinians to their land and threaten the viability of a fully independent, democratic, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State. The rapidly expanding settlement footprint, including the expansion of settlement outposts, is taking place in conjunction with a rise in settler-related attacks. These developments are further entrenching the unlawful Israeli occupation, violating international law and undermining the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. I reiterate that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and all related infrastructure, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. This must cease immediately.<\/li>\n
              8. In 2025, settlement advancement indicators reached their highest levels since the United Nations began systematically tracking advancements in 2017. Overall, plans for nearly 47,390 housing units were advanced, approved or tendered, compared with some 26,170 in 2024. These figures represent a sharp increase compared with previous years, which saw between 10,830 and 15,560 units advanced annually between 2017 and 2022, with an average of around 12,815. This significant increase was concentrated almost entirely in Area C, where over 29,870 housing units were advanced or approved, double the number recorded in 2024 (over 14,150). The number of housing units tendered increased eightfold from 745 in 2024 to over 5,770 in 2025. The total number of housing units advanced and approved or tendered in East Jerusalem saw a slight increase from over 11,270 in 2024 to over 11,740 in 2025.<\/li>\n
              9. I once again urge the Government of Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, and recall the findings by the International Court of Justice in its advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, which states, inter alia, that the State of Israel is under an obligation to cease immediately all new settlement activities, to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory and to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible. The Court also recalled that, from a legal standpoint, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which encompasses the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, constitutes a single territorial unit, the unity, contiguity and integrity of which are to be preserved and respected.<\/li>\n
              10. The demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned structures, including internationally funded humanitarian projects, as well as structures related to income generation and the provision of essential services, entail numerous violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law and raise concerns about the risk of forcible transfer. I recall the findings of the International Court of Justice in its advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 in this regard. I call for an immediate moratorium on these illegal demolitions and evictions, including in East Jerusalem and Area C, and call upon the Government of Israel to prevent the possible displacement and forced eviction of Palestinians, in accordance with its international obligations, and to approve plans to allow Palestinians to build legally and address their development needs.<\/li>\n
              11. The continued escalation of violence and tensions in the occupied West Bank is deeply alarming. The operations by Israeli security forces in the northern occupied West Bank have resulted in high levels of fatalities, including women and children, significant population displacement, with residents continuing to be denied the right to return home, and large-scale destruction of homes and infrastructure, particularly in Palestine refugee camps. I remain deeply concerned by any presence of Israeli security forces in the camps, which would be contrary to the obligation of Israel to end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice. I am deeply troubled by the continued escalation of violence and use of lethal force by Israeli security forces across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as the movement and access restrictions. These actions have resulted in numerous Palestinian deaths and injuries, including of children.<\/li>\n
              12. All Israeli security forces in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when it is strictly unavoidable to protect life. I call upon Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, including with regard to the proportional use of force and prohibition against extrajudicial killing, and ensure thorough, impartial and prompt investigations into all instances of possible unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, holding those responsible to account.<\/li>\n
              13. I condemn settler violence, which is rising at an alarming rate across the occupied West Bank and has intensified significantly during the recent olive harvest season. Settler attacks have become more frequent and more violent, and many take place in the presence or with the support of Israeli security forces. Palestinian farmers have faced physical assaults, harassment and obstruction from accessing their lands, with olive trees uprooted or burned and entire harvests destroyed. Such attacks not only deprive Palestinian families of a vital source of livelihood, but also contribute to an environment that may lead to forcible displacement. I call on Israeli authorities to take immediate and effective measures to prevent such attacks and hold perpetrators accountable, as well as to ensure safe and unhindered access of farmers to their land. The protection of civilians and their property must be a priority. I condemn the continued armed attacks by Palestinians against Israelis. All acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, must be condemned and must cease immediately. All perpetrators must be held accountable.<\/li>\n
              14. I reiterate my concern about the large number of Palestinians, including children, detained by Israeli security forces and the high number of Palestinians held in administrative detention, without charge or trial, by Israel since 7 October 2023. Reports of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence, during arrest and detention are also deeply concerning, as are the deaths of Palestinians in Israeli custody. I reiterate my call for Israel to use detention as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period, to prevent ill-treatment and to end the administrative detention of children, who are entitled to special protection.<\/li>\n
              15. I remain concerned by the continued Israeli practice of holding the bodies of killed Palestinians. I call upon Israel to return the withheld bodies to their families, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law.<\/li>\n
              16. I am appalled at the numerous instances during the reporting period in which officials glorified violence and engaged in dangerous provocations, incitement and inflammatory language, including about violent attacks against civilians, the displacement of Palestinians and settlement expansion. These officials must prevent all acts of violence, including acts of terror, against civilians. Incitement to violence must stop immediately.<\/li>\n
              17. I reiterate my call to the parties to uphold and respect the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem, taking into account the special and historic role of Jordan as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem. I also urge Israeli authorities to avoid any unilateral steps that would jeopardize the status quo in relation to the Ibrahimi mosque\/Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron.<\/li>\n
              18. I am deeply concerned by the prolonged and worsening fiscal crisis of the Palestinian Authority, which is compounding an already deteriorating economy in dire condition. The destabilization of the Palestinian economy by unilateral measures undermines trust, exacerbates insecurity and erodes social stability. I urge Israeli authorities to cease and reverse unilateral punitive economic measures that threaten peace and stability.<\/li>\n
              19. I encourage continued reforms by the Palestinian Authority and urge international partners to provide the necessary support to these efforts. I welcome the European Commission\u2019s first meeting of the Palestine Donor Group, in Brussels. I urge the international community to provide immediate support to the Government of the State of Palestine to strengthen its governance capacity, address its fiscal challenges and prepare it to reassume its responsibilities in Gaza. I welcome the planned holding of local council elections in April 2026 and urge the Palestinian Authority to advance its stated goal of holding elections, which are key to the reform process. More than half of the Palestinian population has never had the chance to vote. Palestinians have the right to have their voices heard and to be meaningfully included in the process of shaping their future. Palestinian unity is an essential building block to a just and lasting peace.<\/li>\n
              20. I welcome the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on 22\u00a0October, which reaffirmed several fundamental obligations of Israel under international law, such as the obligation to cooperate with the United Nations, including UNRWA, in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the obligation to agree to and facilitate appropriate impartial relief schemes in Gaza, including those provided by the United Nations. National legislation concerning UNRWA cannot alter the obligations of Israel under international law. I note with concern actions that would prevent UNRWA premises from accessing basic utility services. I recall that Israel has an obligation to respect the inviolability of all United Nations premises, property and assets. I welcome the renewal of the UNRWA mandate and urge Member States to support UNRWA in addressing its significant funding shortfall.<\/li>\n
              21. I remain deeply committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis in ending the unlawful occupation and resolving the conflict in line with international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and bilateral agreements in pursuit of the vision of two States \u2013 Israel and a fully independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State, of which Gaza is an integral part \u2013 living side by side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders, on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.<\/li>\n
              22. I pay tribute to all United Nations personnel who have lost their lives in this conflict \u2013 the highest number in any conflict \u2013 and to all the United Nations personnel and heroic humanitarian aid workers who remain committed to their work despite the enormous danger to their health, well-being, families and lives. I express my deep appreciation to my Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and thank him and his team for their outstanding service in what remains a deeply challenging context.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  11 December 2025 I. Introduction The present report is the thirty-sixth quarterly report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016), covering the period from 20 September to 2 December 2025. II. Settlements In its resolution 2334 (2016), the Security Council reaffirmed that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":299,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[1323,4587],"document-source":[5352,1877],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1769,2265,2005,1741,1797,2117,6245,6251],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6544,6543,6542,6541,6539,6538],"class_list":["post-315695","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-report","document-category-secretary-general-report","document-source-secretary-general","document-source-united-nations-special-coordinator-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-unsco","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-ceasefire","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","document-subject-peace-process","document-subject-terrorism","document-subject-violence","document-subject-west-bank","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-arabic","document-language-chinese","document-language-english","document-language-french","document-language-russian","document-language-spanish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/315695","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/299"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/315695\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":315920,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/315695\/revisions\/315920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=315695"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=315695"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=315695"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=315695"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=315695"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=315695"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=315695"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=315695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}