Briefing by Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, to the Security Council on the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territory on 29 May 2024

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, delivered a powerful speech to the Security Council, highlighting the dire situation in Gaza and the need for immediate action to address the ongoing crisis.

Wennesland began by acknowledging the devastating impact of the terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, as well as the Israeli military campaign that followed. He emphasized the staggering death toll, with over 36,000 Palestinians and 1,500 Israelis and foreign nationals killed, and the urgent need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

The Special Coordinator painted a grim picture of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with over two million Palestinians displaced from their homes and facing acute shortages of food, water, and medicine. He condemned the recent incident where 45 Palestinians were killed and 200 injured as their shelters burned, calling on all parties to protect civilians.

Wennesland also addressed the challenges in the occupied West Bank, highlighting the escalating violence and settler attacks. He expressed concern over Israel’s lifting of a military order banning Israelis from entering evacuated settlements, noting the potential for further unrest in the region.

The Special Coordinator stressed the need for a political solution to the conflict, emphasizing the importance of Gaza’s future as part of a unified Palestinian state. He called for the strengthening of the Palestinian Authority and the support of the international community in addressing the fiscal crisis and governance challenges.

Wennesland outlined the immense reconstruction efforts needed in Gaza, estimating the cost of damages to critical infrastructure at around US$18.5 billion. He emphasized the importance of a political framework to ensure the success of the reconstruction process and the long-term stability of the region.

In conclusion, the Special Coordinator urged all parties to make difficult political choices and work towards a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized the need for a political horizon to provide hope for Palestinians and Israelis and prevent further suffering and misery in the region.

Overall, Wennesland’s speech underscored the urgent need for action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work towards a sustainable peace in the Middle East. His words served as a powerful call to action for the international community to support efforts to end the conflict and provide relief to those affected by the ongoing violence.