Public services have collapsed and more than 1.9 million people have now been displaced, she told ambassadors in Security Councilstressed the urgent need for a comprehensive, immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the unhindered delivery of aid throughout the land.
“The war not only created a humanitarian crisis but also caused a whirlwind of human suffering.,” she declared.
Ms. Kaag stressed that international humanitarian law and human rights must be respected by all.
“Protecting civilians remains a top priority … UNRWA must be allowed to carry out the role assigned to them.”
Political participation matters
Ms. Kaag briefed Council members on her ongoing collaboration with stakeholders in the Government, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and key cabinet ministers.
She said Prime Minister Netanyahu has pledged to accelerate the delivery of essential supplies for water, sanitation, waste management, health and education.
She added that the volume of commercial goods entering Gaza had also increased, “although not regularly”.
“We are in discussions to ensure commercial supply matches the urgent needs of the people,” she added.
Aid Delivery Framework
Ms. Kaag further noted that the Security Council Resolution 2720 (2023)establish Senior Coordinator Dutiesestablish a framework to accelerate, streamline and accelerate the delivery of humanitarian aid across Gaza.
“As expected, This has faced many challenges.”, she said, stressing the importance of political will, along with a favorable environment and conditions on the ground.
She updated the ambassadors on the progress of the establishment of the Humanitarian Aid Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, noting that UN monitors are preparing to deploy to the newly established offices in Gaza.
“This mechanism will also serve as the main platform to facilitate all vital humanitarian items into Gaza, reinforcing existing operations, to better implement the resolution’s purpose,” she said, calling on UN member states to continue preparing supplies and allocating funds to aid agencies.
Senior Coordinator Sigrid Kaag briefs the Security Council.
She added that options were also discussed on the feasibility and long-term planning of a Cyprus Maritime Corridor with direct access to Gaza.
Reconstruction plan
Ms. Kaag stressed that while humanitarian aid will be needed “for years to come,” planning and preparation for early recovery and reconstruction are equally important, and called on Council members to consider immediate actions to complement and support the humanitarian response.
“We cannot ask the Palestinian people to put their future on hold while they cling to their human dignity in inhumane conditions,” she speaks.
The Senior Coordinator also stressed that the Palestinian Authority (PA) has an important role in Gaza, indispensable for the recovery and reconstruction of the enclave, and called on the international community to ensure the PA’s financial stability and support the reforms, governance and other capacities needed to reassume its responsibilities.
