With COVID-19 cases on the rise in the Middle East following weeks
of decline, the top UN official in the region has welcomed the
Palestinian Authority’s decision to resume coordination with
Israel.
In a briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday, UN Special
Coordinator Nikolay Mladenov told ambassadors that Gaza remains
the most pressing concern as the territory is ill-equipped to
face a major spike in cases due to poor living conditions and a
fragile healthcare system.
He warned that any major outbreak of the disease would have a
catastrophic impact on the two million Palestinians living there,
who are already affected by severe movement and access
restrictions, cycles of violent escalation, and years of
humanitarian crisis.
Recognition of interdependence
“For these reasons, I welcome the Palestinian Authority’s
decision to restart civilian and security coordination with
Israel. I express my appreciation to Israel for confirming that
existing bilateral agreements continue to govern relations
between both parties, particularly in the context of economic,
security and civilian affairs.” he said.
The envoy thanked all those who helped bring about this
development, noting that it took months of hard work.
“I have previously expressed hope that recognition of the
interdependence of Israelis and Palestinians could, with
political will and leadership, translate into tangible progress
towards a resolution of the conflict. Both sides should
understand the importance of respecting the validity and
continuing force of the framework that they have agreed to govern
their relations,” he continued.
UN support continues
Mr. Mladenov reported that the UN and its partners continue to
provide critical humanitarian development and assistance in Gaza,
as unemployment and hunger have soared during the pandemic.
Roughly 121,000 Palestinians have lost their jobs, while some 40
per cent of all households have seen their incomes drop by more
than half.
Assistance provided by the UN and partners has included the
delivery of nearly 85,000 COVID-19 tests, advanced laboratory
equipment, ventilators, monitors and other items.
Re-examine economic relationship
However, Mr. Mladenov also expressed hope that the restart of
coordination will bring an end to temporary measures brokered by
the UN which have facilitated the transfer of patients out of
Gaza and allowed for humanitarian supplies to be imported into
the territory.
The envoy also addressed the need to re-examine the economic
relationship between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as
highlighted by the UN Secretary-General.
“All sides can take immediate steps to facilitate the movement of
goods in and out of Gaza and to allow trade to increase between
the Gaza Strip, Israel and the occupied West Bank,” he said.
Historic visit, ongoing tensions
Turning to regional developments, Mr. Mladenov noted that
Wednesday saw the first visit of Bahrain’s Foreign Minister to
Israel. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani arrived in Tel Aviv
earlier that day for meetings with Israeli leaders and the
visiting US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.
Meanwhile, although the situation in the Golan is generally
stable, he said developments that day show how it remains
volatile.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces carried out a series of strikes in
Syria after finding explosive devices near the ceasefire line,
reportedly killing two Syrian soldiers.
Mr. Mladenov said the UN force in the region, UNDOF, continues to
engage the parties to exercise utmost restraint and to avoid any
actions that might trigger an escalation.
