UN Security Council Discusses Palestinian Issue in Open Session

The United Nations Security Council convened an open session on Monday to address the ongoing Palestinian issue. 

The meeting featured a briefing by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and was chaired by Algeria’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, as Algeria holds the Council presidency this month. Around 70 ministers and ambassadors from member states participated in the session.

Guterres Highlights Humanitarian Efforts and Ceasefire in Gaza

Secretary-General Guterres described the recently established ceasefire in Gaza as a "ray of hope" amidst ongoing challenges. He emphasized the UN’s commitment to accelerating humanitarian operations, noting that over 630 trucks loaded with aid entered Gaza yesterday, including at least 300 directed toward the northern regions.

He called for the ceasefire to translate into concrete actions on the ground, enabling UN agencies, including the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), to perform their functions without hindrance. This would involve expanding the delivery of essential aid and services in safe conditions, ensuring civilian access to life-saving assistance, and facilitating the entry of sufficient commercial supplies into Gaza.

Escalation in the West Bank

Turning to the West Bank, Guterres expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation, citing ongoing clashes, airstrikes, illegal settlement expansion, and home demolitions.

"I am deeply alarmed by the existential threat to the integrity and continuity of the occupied Palestinian territory in Gaza and the West Bank," Guterres said. He noted that settlement approvals have accelerated, with senior Israeli officials openly discussing the formal annexation of all or parts of the West Bank in the coming months. Guterres warned that any such annexation would constitute a serious violation of international law.

Two-State Solution as a Path to Stability

The Secretary-General stressed that achieving greater stability in the Middle East requires irreversible steps toward a two-state solution. He reiterated the importance of protecting civilians, ensuring access to humanitarian aid, and upholding international law.