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SIGRID KAAG

UN SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS A.I.
AND SENIOR HUMANITARIAN AND RECONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR FOR GAZA

BRIEFING TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

25 February 2025

Mr. President,

Members of the Security Council,

The Middle East today is undergoing rapid transformation—its scope and impact remain uncertain, but it presents a historic opportunity. The people of the region can emerge from this period with peace, security, and dignity. However, this may be our last chance to achieve the two-State solution.

Mr President,

It cannot be repeated enough; nothing justifies the appalling October 7 terror attacks executed by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. I welcome the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire including the release of 34 hostages. I echo the Secretary-General’s condemnation of the public parading of hostages released by Hamas, including statements made under duress, and the appalling display of the coffins of deceased hostages. I think none of us will forget the harrowing pictures of the coffins of the Bibas children taken hostage with their mother and killed while in captivity. The images of Israeli hostages released show clear signs of ill-treatment reflecting the very dire conditions they were subjected to in Gaza. I reiterate that all hostages must be released unconditionally and while in captivity, they must be allowed to receive visits and assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Mr President,

The trauma is undeniable on both sides.

In Gaza, death, destruction, and multiple displacement has been inflicted upon the Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. While the first phase of the ceasefire has provided a surge of much-needed relief, far more remains to be done to address over 15 months of deprivation of basic human necessities and above all a loss of human dignity. In my last visit to Gaza, soon after the ceasefire came into effect, I was once again moved by a sense of utter devastation, young and old, and despair due to loss, trauma and a sense of abandonment by the international community.

As part of the ceasefire deal, 1,135 Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been released so far. Reports of serious ill-treatment and humiliation during their detention are concerning.

Mr President,

Since the first phase of the ceasefire came into effect on 19 January, the United Nations, NGOs and member states have expedited and scaled up life-saving humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Improved access and security conditions have allowed for the delivery of assistance and services.

Medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing began on 1 February, facilitating the transfer to Egypt of sick and injured patients in accordance with the ceasefire deal.

Mr. President,

The resumption of hostilities must be avoided at all costs. I call on both sides to fully honor their commitments to the ceasefire deal and conclude negotiations for the second phase.

I commend the mediators Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their steadfast work in securing the first phase and pursuing the second phase.

Mr. President,

As we address the immediate needs in Gaza, we must also build a future that offers protection, recovery, and reconstruction.

As you know, the World Bank, EU, and UN have released an updated Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction. Initial estimates indicate that $53 billion will be required for this effort. Arab states are leading the efforts to devise a plan for rebuilding Gaza, with Egypt planning to host a conference dedicated to Gaza’s reconstruction.

The UN is ready to support reconstruction efforts. Palestinians – Palestinian civilians – must be able to resume their lives, to rebuild, and to construct their future in Gaza. There can be no question of forced displacement.

Mr. President,

While international attention is focused on Gaza, I am concerned about military operations, attacks and mounting violence in the West Bank. Casualties, destruction, and displacement continue to be reported, particularly in Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarm governorates, where refugee camps and infrastructure are heavily impacted. Many of these areas are in Area A under the Palestinian Authority’s civil and security responsibility.

Israeli forces have deployed airstrikes and other heavy weaponry, whilst Palestinian militants have used improvised explosive devices and carried out shooting attacks. This takes place alongside continued violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and attacks by Palestinians against Israelis. Following the detonation of three bombs on empty buses near Tel Aviv in a suspected terror attack, the IDF has increased its troop presence in the West Bank.

I am alarmed by the killing of a pregnant woman and young children during these operations. These incidents must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held to account.

Mr President,

Regarding continued illegal settlement activity, approximately 2,000 new housing units have been advanced in recent weeks, mostly in Area C.

State land declarations and settler outposts impede Palestinian land use for farming, while demolitions and evictions have been accelerated. Severe movement restrictions continue to paralyze daily life for many Palestinians, hindering access to essential services and economic activity.

These developments along with continued calls for annexation, present an existential threat to the prospect of a viable and independent Palestinian State and thereby the two-State solution.

Mr President,

Israeli legislation that bans UNRWA from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem took effect on 30 January 2025. The Secretary-General has condemned the breach of inviolability of United Nations premises in occupied East Jerusalem. UNRWA’s work remains essential and must be allowed to continue unimpeded.

Mr President,

The Palestinian Authority, as has been reported, continues to implement agreed-upon reforms, including fiscal and public finance policy, governance and rule of law, for the investment climate, and basic service provision.

In early February, the Palestinian Authority issued a decree cancelling financial payments to families of Palestinians killed during or imprisoned following attacks on Israelis. This represents an important step in the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda and should be fully implemented.

Mr President

Turning briefly to the region. In Lebanon, the election of the President and formation of the new Government provide an opportunity to fully empower state institutions in laying the foundation for greater stability, to extend state authority and address the country’s multifaceted challenges.

I call upon Lebanon and Israel to uphold their commitments under the cessation of hostilities and undertake meaningful steps towards the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 to restore stability and allow the people on both sides of the Blue Line to return home.

In southwest Syria, the UN is concerned by violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, and I urge the parties to uphold their obligations under the Agreement.

Mr. President,

Since assuming the role of Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim, my team and I have actively engaged with all relevant parties. I have initiated consultations in the region and will continue to engage with key stakeholders.

These consultations have reaffirmed that there is no sustainable resolution to the current war or wider conflict that is not fundamentally political. As we engage in planning for Gaza’s future, we need to ensure that:

1. Gaza remains an integral part of a future Palestinian State.

2. Gaza and the West Bank including East Jerusalem are unified politically, economically, and administratively.

3. There will be no long-term IDF presence in Gaza and Israel’s legitimate security concerns are addressed.

We need to commit to ending the occupation and a final resolution of the conflict based on UN resolutions, international law and previous agreements.

I would like to make four key requests:

First, continued support for the full realization of the ceasefire deal, including the release of all hostages. This is critical.

Second, it is crucial not to lose sight of the dangerous dynamics in the West Bank and urgent de-escalation which is needed.

Third, the international community must continue to support the Palestinian Authority in its reform efforts and its resumption of responsibilities in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian security forces should also be empowered to carry out their responsibilities in areas under their control.

Fourth, politically and financially support Gaza's recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Mr President,

Peace in the Middle East is possible. We can achieve a future where a safe and secure Israel exists alongside a viable and independent Palestinian State. This requires continued, concerted effort, dedication, and political courage by all parties. The United Nations will continue to play its role in the pursuit of lasting peace.

Thank you.

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL QUARTERLY OPEN DEBATE ON THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION

New York, 20 January 2025

[as delivered]

Mr. President, Excellencies,

I thank the presidency of Algeria for convening this briefing.

The Middle East is in a period of profound transformation – rife with uncertainty, but also possibility.

It is clear the region is being re-shaped. But it is far from clear what will emerge.

We have a responsibility to help make sure the people of the Middle East come out of this turbulent period with peace, dignity and a horizon of hope grounded in action.

Mr. President,

I am just back from Lebanon, where I met with the Lebanese leadership along with the UN family, including our peacekeeping troops.

A new dawn is rising in Lebanon -- with a government hopefully soon in place where all Lebanese will feel represented, and a State that will be able to guarantee security to all its citizens.

The United Nations -- including the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and UN Interim Force In Lebanon – is fully committed to supporting the Lebanese people on this path.

Despite enormous pressure, and with considerable risk, our peacekeeping forces stood their ground for peace to help deliver a cessation of hostilities.

Here from this Council, I want to reiterate my profound gratitude and admiration to the women and men of UNIFIL.

I also extend my deep thanks to the troop-contributing countries.

During my visit to southern Lebanon, I saw firsthand the dramatic human impact and destruction caused by the conflict.

Israelis were also victims, suffering loss and displacement.

I fervently hope all from both sides will soon be able to return to the areas where they lived and resume their daily lives.

We will do all we can to relieve the suffering and support recovery.

Mr. President,

I can report that the cessation of hostilities is fragile. But it is holding.

UNIFIL troops are undertaking vital efforts to nurture this process. They are working closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

It is vital that the Israeli presence in the south ends as defined in the agreement, and that the Lebanese Armed Forces are present in the totality of Lebanon.

In this regard, since 27 November, UNIFIL has carried out over 730 missions in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, facilitating their redeployment in more than 50 positions.

UNIFIL has also facilitated 39 humanitarian missions -- in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the Lebanese Red Cross, various UN entities, and NGOs.

Our peacekeepers need strengthened capacities – including for clearing mines and disposing of unexploded ordnance – together with adaptation of the conduct of operations within their mandate.

Resolution 1701 is clear: The area between the Blue Line and the Litani River must be free of all armed personnel, assets and weapons -- other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL.

The parties must fully implement resolution 1701, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and end the violence once and for all.

The UN will continue to support all efforts to transform the cessation of hostilities into true peace.

Mr. President,

In Gaza, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal offer a ray of hope.

I commend Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their steadfast efforts to secure that deal.

Yesterday, the first three female hostages were released as part of the first phase. Ninety Palestinian prisoners were also released by Israel.

While many challenges lie ahead, we should appreciate the long-overdue relief this moment provides for Palestinians in Gaza and the hostages reunited with their loved ones.

We are doing our part to ensure the rapid scaling up of humanitarian deliveries.

More than 630 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza yesterday, at least 300 of them to the north.

Mr. President,

I want to repeat: Nothing justifies the appalling October 7 terror attacks by Hamas.

And nothing justifies the dramatic levels of death and destruction inflicted on the Palestinian people in Gaza.

We have been relentless in calling for an immediate ceasefire. The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. And immediate action to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of life-saving aid to all those in need.

Now the parties must make good on their commitments and fully implement the deal.

I urge the parties to ensure that this deal leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

For our part, the United Nations will do all we can to advance these efforts -- in particular, to scale up humanitarian aid across Gaza, fully aware of the significant obstacles, challenges and constraints that we still face.

Specifically, the ceasefire must translate into at least four simultaneous actions on the ground:

First, United Nations entities – including the backbone of our humanitarian response, UNRWA – must be able to perform their functions without hindrance.

The UN must have rapid, safe and unimpeded access through all available channels and crossings to deliver food, water, medicine, fuel, shelter, and materials to repair infrastructure across Gaza, including the north.

Other humanitarian organizations -- including local and international NGOs -- and the private sector must also have unimpeded safe passage.

Visas, permits, and other enabling conditions must be in place quickly to allow a surge of desperately needed relief.

Second, scaling up the delivery of aid and essential services demands safe conditions and a conducive operating environment.

We require the necessary technical, protective and communications equipment.

To do our work, the parties must coordinate with the UN system in a timely and effective manner.

This also includes the restoration of public order and safety to prevent the looting of humanitarian supplies.

Third, people must be able to access life-saving aid.

This includes medical evacuations for those who need it – and I urge Member States to take in those patients.

Sufficient commercial supplies must also be allowed to enter Gaza to meet the overwhelming needs of the population.

Fourth, and fundamentally, civilians must be protected, and those seeking to return to their communities must have safe passage.

Explosive ordnance must be removed. The recovery of human remains must be conducted with dignity and respect.

I urge the Security Council and all Member States to support all efforts to implement this ceasefire, bring about a permanent cessation of hostilities, ensure accountability, and create the conditions for recovery and reconstruction.

The international media must also be allowed into Gaza to report on this crucial story on the ground.

Mr. President,

We must seize the opportunity presented by the ceasefire deal to intensify efforts toward addressing governance and security frameworks in Gaza.

The Palestinian Authority has said it stands ready to assume its role and responsibilities in Gaza.

I urge collective support for the creation of security and governance arrangements that will enable Gaza to be re-unified politically, economically, socially, and administratively with the West Bank.

Regrettably, the situation in the West Bank continues to worsen – with clashes, airstrikes, and unabated illegal settlement expansion and demolitions.

I am deeply concerned about an existential threat to the integrity and contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory of Gaza and the West Bank.

Israeli administrative changes over the past two years have streamlined and accelerated the settlement approval process.

As a result, control over many aspects of planning and daily life in Area C of the West Bank has been transferred to Israeli civilian authorities.

Senior Israeli officials openly speak of formally annexing all or part of the West Bank in the coming months.

Any such annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law.

It is clear that greater stability in the Middle East requires irreversible action toward a two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and previous agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

The United Nations will continue to support every effort to advance peace, stability and a more hopeful future for Palestinians and Israelis – and the broader region.

Excellencies,

Finally, with respect to that broader region, allow me to say a few words about Syria.

For centuries, Syria has been a crossroads of civilizations. Now it stands at a crossroads of history.

Following the fall of the brutal previous regime and years of bloodshed, there is a possibility of promise for the people of Syria.

We cannot let the flame of hope turn into an inferno of chaos.

The United Nations is committed to working with Syrians and the international community to support a Syrian-led process that ensures a credible and inclusive political transition, in line with the key principles of Security Council Resolution 2254.

I welcome the steps taken by Member States showing solidarity with Syrians.

But much more significant work in addressing sanctions and designations will inevitably be necessary, particularly in light of the country’s urgent economic needs.

Advancing an inclusive political transition is the most effective means to ensure that Syria receives more support.

As Syria travels a new path and seeks to rebuild its institutions and political systems, we will support an inclusive process in which the rights of all are fully respected, and that paves the way towards a united and sovereign Syria with its territorial integrity fully reestablished.

Mr. President,

In Lebanon, Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, and beyond, let us keep working for peace and security.

As the region is undergoing a profound transformation, we must spare no effort to help shape it in the form of more justice, dignity, human rights, and peace for all the people of the Middle East.

Thank you.

[END]

Today, Syria seeks to chart a new course following the fall of the former regime just one month ago. Decisions taken now will determine the future for a long time to come. There are great opportunities and real dangers. Syrians and the international community need to get the next phase right, and the UN stands ready to do everything we can to facilitate, to help and to support.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL KHALED KHIARI

BRIEFING TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, REPORTING ON UNSCR 2334 (2016)

18 December 2024

Madam President,

Members of the Security Council,

Since the submission of the Secretary-General's written report on Security Council resolution 2334 (2016), hostilities and violence have continued throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In the Gaza Strip, hostilities between Israel Defense Forces and Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, including heavy Israeli bombardment throughout the Strip, have resulted in heavy casualties. In the occupied West Bank, high levels of violence persist amid ongoing Israeli operations, exchanges with armed Palestinians, settler violence and Palestinian attacks against Israelis.

Among other deadly strikes in Gaza, from 14 to 15 December, at least 69 Palestinians, including women and children, were reportedly killed in four Israeli strikes on schools sheltering IDPs in Gaza City, Beit Hanoun and Khan Younis, including 20 killed in an airstrike hitting an UNRWA school in Al-Mawasi, Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces said they were targeting Hamas militants. More than 250 Palestinians have been killed in such strikes in Gaza over the past week, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

The death toll of this war continues to mount. Since October 7^th 2023, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza according to the Ministry of Health and over 1,700 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed in attacks in or originating from Gaza according to Israeli sources.

In the occupied West Bank, on 12 December, an Israeli boy was killed in a shooting attack on a bus near the Al Khader junction in the occupied West Bank, south of Jerusalem. Israeli authorities said that the Palestinian perpetrator later turned himself in. The same day, Israeli forces reportedly killed a Palestinian man in an exchange of fire in Balata refugee camp near Nablus.

Serious clashes have also taken place between Palestinian armed groups in the occupied West Bank and Palestinian security forces since the written report, particularly in Jenin camp following a Palestinian arrest operation and the seizure of Palestinian Authority vehicles by militants. Over several days, PSF have killed an unarmed 19-year-old and detained numerous Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants, while the clashes have caused significant damage to the camp.

Madam President,

I will now highlight some of the Secretary-General’s observations regarding the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016).

I once again strongly condemn the horrific attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Israel on 7 October 2023 and the continued holding of more than 100 hostages in Gaza. Nothing can justify these acts of terror. All remaining hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. I remain appalled that there are reasonable grounds to believe that hostages may be subject to ongoing sexual violence and abuse. While in captivity, hostages must be treated humanely and allowed to receive visits and assistance from the Red Cross. I reiterate that there is no justification for the deliberate killing, maiming, torture, and abduction of civilians and other protected persons -nor using sexual violence against them. The use of human shields and the firing of indiscriminate rockets towards Israeli population centres are violations of international humanitarian law and must cease.

Turning to the situation in Gaza, a ceasefire is long overdue. The continued collective punishment of the Palestinian people is unjustifiable. The relentless bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces, the large number of civilian casualties, the blanket destruction of Palestinian neighbourhoods, and the worsening humanitarian situation are horrific. The widespread devastation and deprivation resulting from Israel’s military operations in North Gaza – especially around Jabalya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun – are making the conditions of life untenable for the Palestinian population there. I condemn Israel’s use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in densely populated areas that has caused massive casualties and damage to residential buildings, schools, hospitals, mosques and UN premises. United Nations premises are inviolable at all times.

I reiterate my unequivocal condemnation of the widespread killing and injury of civilians in Gaza, including women and children, and the deprivation of essentials to survive. I am concerned over what may amount to violations of international humanitarian law in the conduct of hostilities, including noncompliance with the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attacks and against the effects of attacks. International humanitarian law always applies to all parties to a conflict, and its application does not depend on reciprocity. The protection of civilians is paramount. There must be full accountability for any atrocity crimes that have been committed.

I mourn the United Nations personnel killed in Gaza and strongly condemn the killing of all health and humanitarian personnel and journalists. I also condemn the looting of aid in the context of a breakdown of law and order. These are unacceptable and must stop immediately. I reiterate my call for the full investigation of all such incidents and accountability for any violations of international law.

Due to continued restrictions imposed by Israel, looting by armed Palestinians, and overall insecurity, supplies have entered Gaza at levels that are inadequate to meet the overwhelming needs of the population, including large numbers of IDPs living in extremely overcrowded conditions. To address the needs, the United Nations and its partners urgently require the predictable entry and unimpeded movement of food, shelter materials, medicine and fuel and the capacity to repair essential, life-saving infrastructure, including the health-care system. Noting its opening of additional entry points for humanitarian aid, I call upon Israel to fulfil its obligations as Occupying Power under international law, including allowing and facilitating rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need into and throughout Gaza and to create the conditions that will permit the return of Palestinians to their homes.

I note the relative success of the polio vaccination campaign. While falling short of our targets in the north of Gaza, the use of tactical pauses and examples of functioning coordination with Israel demonstrated what is possible and achievable.

I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza. The UN is continuously engaged with all stakeholders towards these objectives and stands ready to support the implementation of an agreement. I welcome the continued efforts, including by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to overcome the significant obstacles and reach a deal.

I remain deeply alarmed by the relentless Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, that is fueling tensions, impeding access by Palestinians to their land and threatening the viability of a future independent, democratic, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State. I reiterate that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law and United Nations resolutions. I am deeply concerned that, over the past year, the Government of Israel has continued to systematically promote policies that have strengthened the involvement of civilian officials in control over the occupied West Bank, including transferring some security functions to civilian control, while some Government officials called for the annexation of areas in the occupied West Bank. I urge the Government of Israel to cease all settlement activity immediately.

I note in this regard the recent findings by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024, which declared, inter alia, that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and must end as rapidly as possible.

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 law and raise concerns about the risk of forcible transfer. I once again call upon the Government of Israel to end this practice and prevent the displacement of Palestinians, in accordance with its international obligations under international law, and to approve plans to allow Palestinians to build legally and address their development needs.

The escalating violence and tensions in the occupied West Bank are highly concerning and could trigger a broader explosion. Intensified operations by Israeli forces, increased settler violence and attacks against Israelis have also exacerbated tensions and led to exceedingly high levels of casualties, detentions and destruction. I am alarmed by the lethal attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including sometimes in the proximity and with the support of Israeli security forces, and by Palestinians against Israelis. All perpetrators of attacks must be held accountable.

I reiterate that 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 on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, and ensure thorough, independent and prompt investigations into all instances of possible excessive use of force, holding those responsible to account.

I am particularly appalled that children continue to be victims of violence on all sides. I am also concerned that Palestinian children continue to be arrested in large numbers and held for prolonged periods of time, including in administrative detention. I reiterate my call for Israel to use detention as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period, to prevent all forms of ill-treatment in detention and to end the administrative detention of children, who are entitled to special protection.

I am disturbed at the numerous instances during the reporting period in which officials glorified violence and engaged in dangerous provocations, incitement, and inflammatory language, which will only lead to greater polarization and risks further bloodshed. Leaders have an obligation to clearly and explicitly condemn acts of terror and violence directed against civilians. The incitement to violence must stop immediately.

I reiterate my call to the parties for the status quo at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem to be respected and upheld, taking into account the special and historic role of the Kingdom of Jordan as custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem.

I am deeply concerned by the adoption by the Knesset of Israel of two laws concerning UNRWA. These laws, if implemented, could prevent UNRWA from continuing its essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which would have devastating consequences for Palestine refugees, considering that there is no viable alternative to UNRWA which could adequately meet the needs. I again urge Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and its other obligations under international law, including under international humanitarian law and those concerning privileges and immunities of the United Nations. National legislation cannot alter those obligations.

Madam President,

It is vital that the international community provide immediate support to the Palestinian Government to address its fiscal challenges, strengthen its governance capacity and prepare it to reassume its responsibilities in Gaza. We must establish political and security frameworks that can address the humanitarian catastrophe, start early recovery, rebuild Gaza, and lay the groundwork for a political process to end the occupation and establish a viable two-State solution as soon as possible. It is vital that these frameworks facilitate a legitimate Palestinian government that can re-unify Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, politically, economically and administratively while reversing the steadily deteriorating dynamics throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Any attempt to establish settlements in Gaza must be firmly rejected. There must be no attempt to reduce or annex the territory of Gaza in whole or in part.

The devastation and misery of the past year have reinforced once again a simple truth: Palestinians and Israelis can no longer wait to establish a viable political horizon. Now is the time to lay the foundations for a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the broader region. Israelis, Palestinians, the States of the region and the broader international community must urgently take steps that will enable the parties to re-engage on the long-delayed political path to achieving a two-State solution.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis in ending the 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 – Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian State of which Gaza is an integral part, – 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.

Let me start by reiterating my sincere condolences for the hundreds of thousands of Syrians who have lost loved ones over these nearly 14 years of conflict, and my solidarity with the millions who faced displacement, exile, destruction, detention, abuse, suffering and loss through the conflict, and also for decades under the former regime. I express my heartfelt solidarity with families still searching for information about their missing loved ones.