The below reports are prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) and are presented to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) at its bi-annual meeting.
The reports provide an assessment of the efforts of the Palestinian Government toward state-building and an update on the situation on the ground.
The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) serves as the principal policy-level coordination mechanism for development assistance to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The AHLC is chaired by Norway and co-sponsored by the EU and the US. In addition, the United Nations participates together with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The AHLC seeks to promote dialogue between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel. The full report to the AHLC prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is attached to this release and includes an executive summary of its main conclusions.
- Statements by the UN Special Coordinator
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, Marking One Year Since 7 October 2023
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, Marking One Year Since 7 October 2023
Jerusalem, 7 October 2024
Today marks one year since Hamas launched its abhorrent attacks that targeted Israeli towns and communities. That day left deep scars on individuals, families, and the collective memory of the State of Israel and the world.
Today, we mourn for the over 1,200 people, including many women and children, who were murdered in cold blood. Even a year later, the brutality is impossible to comprehend.
On that day, more than 250 people were abducted and taken to Gaza, including many women and children. Hostages continue to be held, enduring abhorrent and unimaginable conditions. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who were kidnapped. I carry their anguish with me every day.
To the people of Israel, I say your pain and loss are felt across the world, and I stand together with you in grief during these difficult times.
I reiterate my call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups, allowing families to reunite and begin the healing process. In the interim, they must be treated humanely and be allowed visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The war that has raged over the past year continues to shatter lives and inflict profound human suffering for Israelis, Palestinians, and now the people of Lebanon. I call for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the safety and security of all civilians. Violence begets violence, and in these moments of grief, we must reaffirm our commitment to peace.
As we remember the victims of October 7th, and keep the hostages in our minds, we must pursue both their freedom and a more secure, stable, sustainable future for all who live here. Peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians are not only necessary; they are essential for a shared future.
[ENDS]
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Secretary-General's message to mark one year since the attacks of 7 October 2023
07 October 2024
Secretary-General's message to mark one year since the attacks of 7 October 2023
Today marks one year since the horrific events of October 7th when Hamas launched a large-scale terror attack in Israel killing over 1,250 Israelis and foreign nationals, including children and women.
More than 250 people were abducted and taken to Gaza, including many women and children.
The October 7th attack scarred souls – and on this day we remember all those who were brutally killed and suffered unspeakable violence – including sexual violence – as they were simply living their lives.
This is a day for the global community to repeat in the loudest voice our utter condemnation of the abhorrent acts of Hamas, including the taking of hostages.
Over the course of the past year, I have met with the families of hostages…learned more about the lives, hopes and dreams of their loved ones…and shared in their anguish and pain.
I cannot imagine the torture they are forced to endure every day. I request once again the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Until then, Hamas must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit those hostages.
The 7th of October is naturally a day to focus on the events of that awful day. I express my solidarity with all the victims and their loved ones.
Since October 7th, a wave of shocking violence and bloodshed has erupted.
The war that has followed the terrible attacks of one year ago continues to shatter lives and inflict profound human suffering for Palestinians in Gaza, and now the people of Lebanon.
I have spoken out about this often and clearly.
It is time for the release of the hostages. Time to silence the guns. Time to stop the suffering that has engulfed the region. Time for peace, international law and justice.
The United Nations is fully committed to achieving those goals.
In the midst of so much bloodshed and division, we must hold on to hope.
Let us honor the memory of the victims, reunite families and end the suffering and violence in the whole Middle East.
And let us never stop working for a lasting solution to the conflict where Israel, Palestine and all other countries of the region can finally live in peace and dignity and with respect for one another.
- Publications and Reports 01