AHLC and other reports

Statement by UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Muhannad Hadi, on a Deal to Secure a Ceasefire and Hostage Release in Gaza

Jerusalem, 15 January 2025

“I welcome the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, an essential step toward easing the immense suffering caused by this conflict. I commend Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their tireless efforts in brokering this agreement and urge all parties to honor their commitments fully.

The United Nations stands ready to support this agreement and maximize the scale up of humanitarian relief as best it can to Palestinians who have, for too long, been enduring unbearable, life-threatening conditions. It is imperative that this deal allows a significant increase in aid delivery across Gaza so that we and our partners can provide aid to the best of our ability. I call on all parties to ensure unhindered access for humanitarian efforts and adherence to international humanitarian law.

This agreement is a critical first step, but lasting peace requires advancing broader goals, including Palestinian unity and a negotiated two-state solution where Israel and Palestine coexist in peace and security. The UN remains steadfast in supporting all efforts to bring hope, stability, and a brighter future to the region.”

Secretary-General’s statement - on a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza

I welcome the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.

I commend the mediators — Egypt, Qatar, and the United States of America — for their dedicated efforts in brokering this deal. Their unwavering commitment to finding a diplomatic solution has been critical in achieving this breakthrough. I call on all relevant parties to uphold their commitments and ensure that this deal is fully implemented.

From the outset of the violence, I have called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Our priority must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict. The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of this deal and scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer. It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security and political obstacles to delivering aid across Gaza so that we can support a major increase in urgent lifesaving humanitarian support. The humanitarian situation is at catastrophic levels.

I call on all parties to facilitate the rapid, unhindered, and safe humanitarian relief for all civilians in need. From our side, we will do whatever is humanly possible, aware of the serious challenges and constraints that we will be facing. We expect our efforts to be matched by other humanitarian actors, the private sector and bilateral initiatives.

This deal is a critical first step, but we must mobilize all efforts to also advance broader goals, including the preservation of the unity, contiguity, and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Palestinian unity is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability, and I emphasize that unified Palestinian governance must remain a top priority.

I urge the parties and all relevant partners to seize this opportunity to establish a credible political path to a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and the broader region. Ending the occupation and achieving a negotiated 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 remain an urgent priority. Only through a viable two-state solution can the aspirations of both peoples be fulfilled.

I pay tribute to the civilians who have lost their lives, including UN personnel and humanitarian workers.

The United Nations is steadfast in its commitment to supporting all efforts that promote peace, stability, and a more hopeful future for the people of Palestine and Israel, and across the region.

[END]

Statement by Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Muhannad Hadi on the Situation in the Gaza Strip

Jerusalem, 13 December 2024

“I am very concerned about the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Gaza. Civilians are paying the price of the continuing exchange of fire between the parties.

In recent days, multiple strikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in scores of reported fatalities, and numerous injuries. Women and children continue to be among the casualties. Such incidents are further reminders of the unbearable human cost of the conflict.

I am equally concerned by the unacceptably insecure environment in Gaza that continues to negatively impact United Nations aid convoys. On 11 December, a 70-truck convoy from Kerem Shalom crossing was violently attacked by looters, leading to the loss of nearly all food and aid supplies. Around the same time, a WFP convoy leaving the Kissufim crossing came under fire, faced extensive delays, and had four out of five trucks violently looted. Attacks undermining humanitarian operations are unacceptable. They threaten the survival of those in desperate need of assistance.

Attacks on humanitarian operations can be avoided: earlier this week, through an Israeli agreement for us to use the Philadelphi corridor, a joint UN convoy delivered urgently needed food, reaching nearly 200,000 people in southern and central Gaza.

We remain committed to supporting the people of Gaza, working around the clock to get critical aid to families who lack everything after 14 months of war.

The principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attacks must be respected at all times. I call on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and the safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid.

The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting efforts for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.

Urgent action is needed to end atrocities, address the conflict’s root causes, and safeguard the lives and dignity of all people in the region.”

[ENDS]

29 November 2024, New York

Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Every year on this day, the international community stands in solidarity for the dignity, rights, justice and self-determination of the Palestinian people. This year’s commemoration is especially painful as those fundamental goals are as distant as they have ever been.

Nothing justifies the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages. And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

Yet, more than a year later, Gaza is in ruins, more than 43,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children – have been reportedly killed, and the humanitarian crisis is getting worse by the day. This is appalling and inexcusable.

Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations, settlement expansion, evictions, demolitions, settler violence and threats of annexation are inflicting further pain and injustice.

It is past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages; an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory – as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly; and irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions – with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

As a matter of urgency, I appeal for full support of lifesaving humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people – in particular through the work of UNRWA, which represents an irreplaceable lifeline for millions of Palestinians.

The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity.

Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People | United Nations Secretary-General