Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 3rd July. UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Sigrid Kaag on Tuesday said that civilians in Gaza are clinging to their dignity under the most in humane conditions with their homes shattered and lives upended by the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant Hamas.
Ms. Kaag briefed the UNSC members told that public services have collapsed and over 1.9 million have now been displaced.
She underscored the critical need for a full, immediate and complete ceasefire, release of all hostages and unhindered aid across Gaza.
“The war has not merely created a humanitarian crisis, it has unleashed a maelstrom of human misery,” she stated.
Ms. Kaag stressed that international humanitarian and human rights laws must be respected by all.
“Protection of civilians remains the paramount priority. UNRWA must be allowed to deliver on its mandated role.”
Ms. Kaag briefed Council members on her engagement with Government stakeholders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and key cabinet ministers.
She said that Prime Minister Netanyahu has made commitments to expedite the delivery of essential supplies for water, sanitation, waste management, and medical and educational needs.
Ms. Kaag added that there has also been an increase in the volume of commercial cargo entering Gaza, “albeit irregularly”.
“We are in discussion to ensure commercial supplies are in line with the immediate needs of the population,” she added.
Ms. Kaag noted that Security Council resolution 2720 (2023), set up the mandate of the Senior Coordinator, established a framework to expedite, streamline and accelerate the delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.
“As expected, this has been fraught with challenges,” she said.
She underscored the importance of political will, alongside the enabling environment and conditions on the ground.
Sr. official updated Council members on progress towards the establishment of a Mechanism for monitoring and verification of humanitarian assistance, noted that UN monitors are preparing to deploy to its newly set up offices in Gaza.
“The Mechanism will also serve as the main platform to facilitate entry into Gaza of all critical humanitarian items, consolidating existing practices, further to the intent of the resolution,” she said.
She urged UN Member States to continue to preposition supplies and to allocate financing to aid agencies.
Ms. Kaag added that options are discussed on the feasibility and longer-term planning of the Cyprus Maritime Corridor with direct access to Gaza,.
She emphasized that while humanitarian assistance will be required “for years to come”, planning and preparing for early recovery and reconstruction is equally important.
Top official urged Council members to consider immediate actions that complement and support the humanitarian response.
“We cannot ask Palestinian civilians to put their future on hold while they cling to their human dignity under inhumane conditions,” she said.
She highlighted that the Palestinian Authority has a critical role in Gaza, integral to the enclave’s recovery and reconstruction.
Ms. Kaag urged the international community to ensure the PA’s financial stability and support its reform, governance, and other capacities necessary to reassume its responsibilities.
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