UN: Gaza’s Catastrophic Situation Requires Urgent Humanitarian ResponseNew York, 26 Feb (ONA) — UN Special Coordinator for the Middle
East Peace Process Ad Interim Sigrid Kaag affirmed that the
humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has reached catastrophic
levels, with residents suffering from a severe shortage of basic
needs, due to the consequences of the Israeli aggression on the
Strip.

In her briefing to the UN Security Council (UNSC), Kaag stressed
the need to enable Palestinians to rebuild their lives and future,
and to reject any form of forced displacement, affirming that Gaza
must remain an integral part of the future Palestinian state, and
remain politically, economically and administratively united with the
West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

She explained that the first phase of the ceasefire, which came
into effect on 19 January 2025, provided some relief to the people of the
Strip, but stressed the need to further enhance humanitarian efforts
to meet urgent needs and prevent the humanitarian crisis from
worsening.

She stressed the need to avoid resuming fighting at all costs,
calling on the parties to fully commit to the ceasefire and move
forward with negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire,
noting that the UN, non-governmental organizations and member states
have intensified their efforts since the start of the truce to
deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza, taking advantage of
improved access and security conditions.

The UN official warned that humanitarian aid alone is not enough,
highlighting the importance of building a sustainable future for
Palestinians in Gaza, through comprehensive recovery and
reconstruction plans, as initial estimates indicate that $53 billion
will be needed for recovery and reconstruction.

Regarding the situation in the West Bank, Kaag expressed her deep
concern about the continued escalation of Israeli occupation
violations against Palestinians there, stressing that reports
indicate widespread casualties, destruction and displacement,
especially in Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarm, where refugee camps and
infrastructure are severely affected.

“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,”
Kaag warned.

She also expressed concern about attempts to stop the work of the
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East (UNRWA) in the occupied Palestinian territories, affirming
that UNRWA’s services remain essential and must be allowed to
continue without hindrance.

Kaag outlined four main demands to the UNSC that include
sustaining the ceasefire agreement while securing the release of all
hostages, preventing escalation in the West Bank where violence
continues to rise, the need to reform the Palestinian Authority, and
the mobilization of financial and political backing to rebuild the
shattered enclave, she concluded.— Ends/Khalid