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During an emergency summit of Arab nations focused on the Middle East and Gaza reconstruction held in Cairo, UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended the efforts of Arab leaders to mobilize support for recovering Gaza. He emphasized that any rebuilding efforts should be anchored in principles that uphold international law and work to break cycles of violence.
“The true foundation of recovery in Gaza will be more than concrete and steel,” he articulated. “It will be dignity, self-determination, and security. This means adhering to the core tenets of international law, rejecting any form of ethnic cleansing, and establishing a political resolution.”
Importance of a political framework
Mr. Guterres underscored the need for reconstruction initiatives to integrate with the overarching political landscape. He stated, “Ending the immediate crisis is not enough. We need a clear political framework that establishes the groundwork for Gaza’s recovery, reconstruction, and long-term stability.” Although he recognized Israel’s security challenges, he asserted that long-term military presence in Gaza should not be considered a viable option.
Extent of devastation
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in an unprecedented level of devastation, with an estimated 51 million tons of rubble where once vibrant communities thrived. A recent UN assessment report indicates that over 60 percent of homes—approximately 292,000—along with 65 percent of roads have been obliterated in the area covering around 360 square kilometers.
In collaboration with Palestinian authorities, UN development and environmental agencies, along with non-governmental organizations, are strategizing on safely clearing the debris to allow families to rebuild. These initiatives draw insights from similar recovery efforts in conflict-affected regions like Mosul, Iraq, and Syria’s Aleppo and Latakia, which also faced significant destruction.
According to estimates from UN agencies and partners including the World Bank, a staggering $53 billion will be required for the recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Urgency of maintaining the ceasefire
In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, Mr. Guterres cautioned that a resurgence of hostilities would severely impact millions and could further destabilize the region. He stated, “We must avoid at all costs the resumption of hostilities,” urging all parties to adhere to their obligations under the ceasefire and hostage agreements and to re-engage in negotiation processes promptly.
He insisted that “all hostages must be released—immediately, unconditionally, and in a dignified manner,” while also emphasizing that the release of Palestinian detainees should align with the terms of the agreement and be executed with dignity. “Parties must ensure humane treatment for all individuals under their control,” he added.
Unhindered humanitarian assistance
Mr. Guterres highlighted the critical need for humanitarian aid to the civilians affected in Gaza, calling for the elimination of all barriers to aid delivery. “Humanitarian aid is not negotiable. It must flow without impediment,” he asserted, also urging donors to provide sufficient funding to support these efforts.
He acknowledged the commitment of UN personnel and other humanitarian workers providing crucial services amidst challenging conditions, appealing for urgent and comprehensive backing for the UN Relief and Works Agency’s (UNRWA) operations, including financial support.
Concerns about escalating violence in the West Bank
Mr. Guterres also expressed deep concern regarding the escalating violence in the West Bank, where Israeli security forces have intensified operations involving airstrikes and tank deployments. He remarked that over 40,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced in the past month, marking the largest displacement in decades. Ongoing demolitions, evictions, and settlement expansions are contributing to rising settler violence, he pointed out.
He called for immediate de-escalation and an end to unilateral actions, including settlement expansion and annexation threats. “Israel, as the occupying power, must fulfill its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law,” Mr. Guterres emphasized, while also urging support for the Palestinian Authority to effectively govern in compliance with its own legal obligations.
A two-State solution as the path forward
The UN Secretary-General reiterated that a two-State solution remains the only feasible route to achieve enduring peace. “The only path to lasting peace is one where Israel and Palestine coexist side-by-side in security and tranquility, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Jerusalem serving as the capital for both states,” he concluded.
Source
news.un.org