Although the international community is providing urgent
assistance to Gaza in the wake of the most recent round of
hostilities, a political solution is still needed to end the
conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, a senior UN official
in the region said on Wednesday.
Lynn Hastings, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East
Peace Process, briefed the Security Council on
developments in the aftermath of 11 days of brutal fighting in
May.
“Urgent efforts to improve the situation in Gaza must move
forward swiftly, but let us not lose sight of the broader goal:
resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ending the occupation
and realizing a two-State solution on the basis of UN
resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements”, she
said, speaking from
Jerusalem.
Humanitarian response underway
Ms. Hastings told ambassadors that the damage from the escalation
is estimated at between $290 million to $380 million, according
to an assessment by the World Bank and the European Union.
Economic losses are projected at nearly $200 million.
Gaza’s social sector was hit hard, weakening the safety net for
the most vulnerable residents, while the immediate and short-term
recovery and reconstruction could cost up to $485 million.
“International efforts – coordinated by the United
Nations – to implement the humanitarian response and stabilize
the situation on the ground in Gaza are well underway”,
said Ms. Hastings, who is also the UN Resident Coordinator and
Humanitarian Coordinator in the Middle East.
“Thus far, some $45 million of a requested $95 million
has been raised for the consolidated humanitarian flash appeal
published by the UN in May.”
Additional measures needed
Ms. Hasting underscored the readiness of the UN and partners to
implement recovery and reconstruction initiatives, in
coordination with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, Egypt,
Qatar and other regional and international entities.
She reported that fuel deliveries for the Gaza Power Plant
resumed on 28 June through the Kerem Shalom crossing, and
additional restrictions on the import and export of certain items
have been lifted.
Israel also expanded the Gaza fishing zone up to 12 nautical
miles, but reduced it by half this week following the launch of
incendiary balloons into its territory.
“In this context, further steps are needed,” the UN official
said. “It is essential that Israel implement additional
measures to allow unhindered entry of all humanitarian
assistance, including materials to implement the 2021
Humanitarian Response Plan and the Flash Appeal”.
Ease movement restrictions
Without regular and predictable entry of goods into Gaza,
response would be at risk, she said, and livelihoods, as well as
the wider economy, would be affected. Improved movement and
access is also critical for any durable stability.
Ms. Hastings advised that while considering its legitimate
security concerns, Israel should ease restrictions on the
movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza, with the goal of
ultimately lifting them.
Meanwhile, Hamas and other groups should cease launching
incendiary devices, mortars and rockets, and end the militant
build-up.
“Looking ahead, and with additional donor support, existing UN
humanitarian cash assistance or other programmes could quickly be
scaled up to reach tens or hundreds of thousands of Palestinians
in Gaza”, she said.
“While urgent humanitarian interventions can provide crucial
relief in the short-term, any sustainable future in Gaza requires
political solutions. I again reiterate the need for the return of
a legitimate Palestinian Government to the Strip.”
UNRWA cash crunch
Turning to related matters, Ms. Hastings highlighted the
financial situation at the UN agency that assists the Palestinian
people, UNRWA, which is facing a $100 million shortfall.
The cash flow crisis could affect the re-opening of school for
half a million children in Gaza, and undermine humanitarian and
early recovery programmes there.
“I appeal once again to all donors, including those from the Arab
region, to sustain the funding levels of past years and advance
disbursements of funds as much as possible to avoid a disruption
of essential services and humanitarian aid”, she said.
