UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need to end the occupation of Palestinian territories during the opening session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People on October 10, 2023. Guterres expressed concerns that recent Israeli settlement plans and restrictions on humanitarian aid could jeopardize the long-sought two-state solution and deepen the humanitarian crisis in the region.
He specifically referenced the Israeli government’s announcement of a tender for the construction of 3,401 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. Guterres warned that if this project proceeds, it would disrupt the territorial contiguity of the West Bank, effectively severing it into northern and southern sections. He characterized this development as a “severe blow” to the prospects for establishing a viable Palestinian state.
Concerns Over Humanitarian Access
The Committee’s Chair, Coly Seck, underscored the significance of adopting the New York Declaration, which aims to renew efforts towards a two-state solution. Seck stated that the committee’s ongoing work reflects decades of injustice that must culminate in tangible outcomes for the Palestinian people.
The humanitarian situation has been worsened by Israel’s recent decision to revoke the licenses of 37 international NGOs. This move, which Israel attributes to non-compliance with new registration regulations, has led to significant disruptions in aid delivery. Organizations unable to renew their licenses have faced challenges in staff rotations into and out of Gaza, which has severely impacted relief programs and supply chains.
In his address, Dr. Riyad H. Mansour, the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, highlighted the grave consequences of the ongoing conflict. He cited the tragic loss of 70,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, with many more unaccounted for, and noted the displacement of over 40,000 individuals in the West Bank.
Impact on UNRWA Operations
In another alarming development, Michael Contet, the Director of the New York Office of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), reported the demolition of the Agency’s compound in occupied East Jerusalem by Israeli authorities. This incident has drawn scrutiny, especially after an Israeli official, Aryeh King, publicly called for the destruction of UNRWA staff.
The situation has escalated to the point where delegates in the UN Fourth Committee expressed concerns over what they described as Israel’s “systematic disinformation campaign” against UNRWA. These allegations have included accusations of employing individuals linked to terrorism, which the delegates have dismissed as “extremist comments” and “baseless fallacies.”
As of January 2024, the conflict has reportedly affected at least 312 UNRWA installations. Despite these challenges, around 11,000 UNRWA personnel continue to provide essential services in Gaza. They deliver healthcare to nearly 100,000 Palestinians weekly and offer in-person education to more than 66,000 students across 73 UNRWA shelters.
The ongoing situation underscores the critical need for renewed international attention and action to address the challenges facing the Palestinian people and to work towards a sustainable and just resolution to the conflict.
