Gaza: first phase of the ceasefire “must be fully implemented” - UNSCO briefing | United Nations

Security Council briefing by Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, on the Middle East. UN senior official for the Middle East Ramiz Alakbarov reiterated that the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza “must be fully implemented,” urging “the parties to urgently reach an agreement on the modalities to implement the next phases.” The Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator at the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) spoke to the Council via video link. He noted that since coming into effect last month, the ceasefire has largely held in Gaza. However, recent Israeli airstrikes on populated areas have caused numerous casualties and significant destruction. Palestinian militants in Gaza have also continued sporadic attacks on Israeli soldiers causing fatalities. The Resident Coordinator said that families in Israel have been reunited with their loved ones, who were held hostage by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups under intolerable conditions in Gaza, “but the bodies of three hostages have yet to be returned, with families waiting in agony for that day to come.” “The bodies of the deceased hostages must be returned immediately,” he reiterated. Alakbarov also underscored that all efforts must be made to identify missing Palestinians. These families also deserve closure. The Resident Coordinator highlighted that with the ceasefire largely holding, the United Nations has redoubled efforts to mobilize and scale up humanitarian assistance – “seizing the moment to reach the population wherever they are.” He said, “We must not risk a reversal. The coordinated international effort needs to be expanded, both in the immediate term to consolidate the ceasefire, and over the longer term to realize a more secure and just future for all.” Alakbarov also highlighted that the decisions made now will determine whether the ceasefire endures or unravels, adding that UN resolutions, including Security Council resolution 2803 (2025), and President Trump’s 20-point plan provide that pathway forward. He said, “The United Nations remains committed to seizing this critical opportunity to move from crisis management to conflict resolution,” adding that “all our efforts must be guided by the imperative of establishing a genuine political process that will resolve the Israeli - Palestinian conflict once and for all.” The Resident Coordinator continued, “The New York declaration and initiatives such as the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution can play a vital role. They mobilize political will, investment, and solidarity around a shared political vision.” Turning to developments in Lebanon, Alakbarov reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for the parties to “uphold their obligations to maintain the cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.” He also echoed the Secretary-General's call for “an immediate cessation of all violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.”


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