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, on the period of paused fighting in Gaza and Israel
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process,
Tor Wennesland, on the period of paused fighting in Gaza and Israel
Jerusalem, 28 November 2023
“During the four-day humanitarian pause which started on 24 November, we have seen the release of 51 Israeli and 18 foreign hostages, including women and children, who have been held in Gaza since their abduction by Hamas and others on October 7th. At the same time, 150 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including women and children, have been released from Israeli prisons.
This period of paused fighting has allowed the United Nations and partners to scale up their delivery of humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip, including to northern parts of the Strip.
I welcome what has been an important humanitarian breakthrough, especially for civilians who have been living in agony or under the gun or bombardment. I call for the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, and I am encouraged by tonight’s announcement of an extension of the agreement.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic and requires the urgent entry of additional aid and supplies in a smooth, predictable, and continuous manner to alleviate the unbearable suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
I reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for a full humanitarian ceasefire, for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel, and the wider region.”
[ENDs]
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East
27 November 2023, New York
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Seven weeks of hostilities in Gaza and Israel have taken an appalling toll that has shocked the world. For the past four days, the guns have fallen silent. We have seen the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas and others since 7 October, and the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
The Secretary General commends the Governments of Qatar, Egypt and the United States for facilitating this arrangement and he recognizes the critical role of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The United Nations will continue to support these efforts in every possible way.
During these four days, the United Nations has scaled up the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and sent aid to some northern areas that have been largely cut off for weeks. But this aid barely registers against the huge needs of 1.7 million displaced people. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is getting worse by the day.
The dialogue that led to the agreement must continue, resulting in a full humanitarian ceasefire, for the benefit of the people of Gaza, Israel and the wider region. The Secretary General once again calls for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and unconditionally.
He urges all States to use their influence to end this tragic conflict and support irreversible steps towards the only sustainable future for the region: a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side, in peace and security.