UN Security Council Convenes to Discuss Palestinian Situation, UK Chairs Session
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the United Nations Security Council convened a session on Wednesday evening to deliberate on the “Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.” The meeting was presided over by Yvette Cooper, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, who is leading the Security Council for the current month. Numerous ministers and representatives from member states participated in the deliberations.
During the session, the Deputy Political Secretary-General of the United Nations emphasized the imperative of unity to reinforce and stabilize the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, alongside a serious pursuit of the two-state solution. The official stressed the necessity of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, stating that the global community’s focus should be on solidifying the ceasefire, alleviating resident suffering, and improving humanitarian conditions in the region.
The UN official called for the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, noting that the majority of Gaza’s residents remain displaced and endure extremely difficult living conditions. The official also issued a stark warning regarding the rapid deterioration of the situation in the occupied West Bank, characterizing it as a form of gradual annexation by Israel. Expressing concern over Israel’s decision to implement a series of measures and transfer authorities in the West Bank, the Deputy Secretary-General asserted that all Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem lack any legal legitimacy. The organization, he added, will not tolerate the consequences of ‘half-baked solutions’ in the peace process.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary stated during the meeting that an opportunity exists to end the violence and achieve lasting peace and security in the Middle East. She commended the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their roles in facilitating an agreement concerning Gaza.
Reiterating claims made by Western officials, the British Foreign Secretary asserted that for the second phase of a ceasefire to materialize, Hamas must disarm and have no role in governing the Gaza Strip. Citing the fragile nature of the ceasefire in Gaza, and without referencing violations by the Israeli regime, which London supports, she alleged that violations have been observed from both sides, undermining President Trump’s peace plan. She underscored the necessity of preventing the destabilization of the West Bank and preserving the prospect of a Palestinian state. The Foreign Secretary called for the deployment of international stability forces and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Describing the humanitarian crisis in the region as ‘catastrophic,’ she stated that increased aid to Gaza is impossible without lifting further restrictions imposed by Israel. She also reported on the expansion of Israeli settlements and attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank, emphasizing that security cannot be achieved through permanent occupation, which deprives the Palestinian people of security and sovereignty.
