Amman: The UN Security Council convened on Tuesday to discuss the Question of Palestine, receiving a briefing from Acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Sigrid Kaag. “The Middle East today is undergoing rapid transformation its scope and impact remain uncertain, but it presents a historic opportunity. The people of the region can emerge from this period with peace, security, and dignity. However, this may be our last chance to achieve the two-State solution,” Kaag said in her briefing.
According to Jordan News Agency, Kaag emphasized the importance of avoiding the resumption of hostilities and urged both sides to fully honor their commitments to the ceasefire deal and conclude negotiations for the second phase. On the topic of Gaza’s reconstruction, she mentioned that approximately $53 billion is required for recovery and rebuilding efforts. Kaag stressed that Palestinians must have the opportunity to resume their lives and rebuild their future in Gaza without any forced displacement.
Kaag called on the international community to maintain support for the Palestinian Authority’s reform efforts, enable its security forces to function effectively, and provide both political and financial backing for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction. In her briefing, she expressed concern over military operations, increasing violence, and displacement in the West Bank, particularly in areas like Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarm, where refugee camps and essential infrastructure have been severely affected.
She further warned that settlement expansion and ongoing annexation efforts pose a threat to the viability of a future Palestinian state and the two-state solution. Additionally, Kaag criticized proposed Israeli legislation aimed at restricting UNRWA’s operations in the occupied Palestinian territories, asserting that the agency’s work remains essential and must continue without obstruction.