Public services have collapsed and more than 1.9 million people are now displaced, she told ambassadors at the Security Councilunderlining the urgent need for a complete, immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unhindered aid throughout the enclave.
“The war has not only created a humanitarian crisis, but also unleashed a maelstrom of human suffering“, she said.
International humanitarian and human rights law must be respected by everyone, Ms Kaag stressed.
“Protection of civilians remains the highest priority … UNRWA must be given the opportunity to fulfil the role assigned to it.”
Significant political involvement
Ms Kaag informed Council members about her continued engagement with government stakeholders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and key ministers.
She said Prime Minister Netanyahu has made commitments to accelerate the delivery of essential goods for water, sanitation, waste management, and medical and educational needs.
She added that there has also been an increase in the volume of commercial cargo entering Gaza, “albeit irregularly”.
“We are in discussions to ensure that commercial stocks are in line with the immediate needs of the population,” she added.
Framework for assistance
Mrs Kaag further noted that the Security Council resolution 2720 (2023)that the mandate of the Senior Coordinatorestablished a framework to accelerate, streamline and speed up the delivery of humanitarian assistance across Gaza.
“As expected, this has been fraught with challenges“, she said, stressing the importance of political will, in addition to the enabling environment and conditions on the ground.
She briefed the ambassadors on progress in establishing a mechanism for monitoring and verifying humanitarian aid, noting that UN observers are preparing to be deployed to newly established offices in Gaza.
“The mechanism will also serve as the main platform to facilitate access to Gaza of all critical humanitarian goods, by consolidating existing practices, further in line with the intent of the resolution,” she said, urging UN member states to continue to pre-position stockpiles and allocate funding to aid agencies.
UN Photo/Manuel Elías
Senior Coordinator Sigrid Kaag briefs the Security Council.
Options are also being discussed on the feasibility and long-term planning of the Cyprus Maritime Corridor with direct access to Gaza, she added.
Plans for reconstruction
Ms Kaag stressed that while humanitarian assistance will be needed “for years to come”, planning and preparing for a swift recovery and reconstruction is equally important. She urged Council members to consider immediate actions that complement and support the humanitarian response.
“We cannot ask Palestinian citizens to put their future on hold while they cling to their human dignity under inhumane conditions,” she said.
The Senior Coordinator also stressed that the Palestinian Authority (PA) plays a crucial role in Gaza, which is essential for the recovery and reconstruction of the enclave. He urged the international community to ensure the financial stability of the PA and support its reforms, governance and other capacities needed to resume its responsibilities.