It was held some four months after ambassadors adopted resolution 2803 (2025) endorsing the US-backed Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which welcomed the establishment of the Peace Board as a transitional administration to establish the framework for redevelopment and authorized the mechanism to establish a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF).
The ceasefire is maintained
The first phase of the United States’ 20-point plan – which led to a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last October – is virtually complete, Mladenov said, and the truce is holding despite the challenges.
The National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG) has been formed and has made progress in vetting thousands of civilian police candidates.
“The National Committee exercises its authority only on a provisional basis. The final state is a reformed Palestinian Authority capable of governing Gaza and the West Bankand, ultimately, a path towards self-determination and the creation of a Palestinian state,” he said.
Decommissioning discussions
Besides, Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania have committed troops to the ISF, while his office has developed a comprehensive framework for the dismantling and reintegration of armed groups together with its guarantors the United States, Egypt, Türkiye and Qatar.
The framework has been formally presented to all relevant parties and serious discussions are currently taking place. It is based on five principles, the first of which is reciprocity.
“The dismantling is carried out in parallel with the phased withdrawal. This is essential for the credibility of the entire process,” he said.
Mr. Mladenov called for the Council’s support to reiterate that dismantlement is not only a fundamental requirement, but the only path towards reconstruction and Israeli military withdrawal, “and for the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood to be pursued through meaningful negotiations.”
seize the day
Members were also asked “to use all means at their disposal to urge Hamas and all Palestinian factions to accept the framework without delay.”
The High Representative added that “Full implementation of the Comprehensive Plan is also the only path that provides Israel with lasting security..”
He remained adamant that there can be no credible path to self-determination and the creation of a Palestinian state if Gaza remains under the control of Hamas and other armed groups.
“That is why everyone – every member of this Council, every State in the region, the Palestinian National Authority and every Palestinian faction that cares about peace – has a stake in the implementation of the 20-Point Comprehensive Plan.”
Settlement activity accelerates
Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, delivered the latest quarterly report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), which showed that Israeli settlement activity continued at high levels during the period ending March 13.
Israeli authorities advanced or approved more than 6,000 homes in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, among other measures. Demolition of Palestinian-owned structures also accelerated, while evictions and acts of violence continued, with a high number of fatal incidents.
In total, 32 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank – including seven children – during large-scale operations by Israeli security forces, armed exchanges, settler attacks and other incidents.
Some 833 Palestinians, including 138 children, were injured, 178 by Israeli security forces through tear gas inhalation and 141 by live ammunition, and 322 by Israeli settlers and other civilians.
Palestinian attacks against Israelis continued in both the West Bank and Israel, including the murder of two Israelis, as well as ramming and stabbing attacks.
Important step
Meanwhile, Approximately 1.4 million people in Gaza remain displaced in 1,200 sites.and many live in overcrowded and unsafe conditions.
Alakbarov also shared some of the Secretary-General’s observations in the report, including the launch of Phase Two of the US-led Plan, noting that the UN chief described the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza as an important step.
“It is crucial that all parties fully honor their commitments so that recovery can continue in Gaza. while advancing a credible political horizon towards a two-state solution“, said.
“In coordination with the Palestinian Authority, The UN stands ready to support the Committee’s efforts to provide critical public services, facilitate humanitarian aid and lay the foundation for reconstruction..”