UN Official Describes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement as 'Fragile' and Warns of Increasing Risk of Death Due to Cold

Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, described the ceasefire agreement in Gaza as 'fragile,' warning of an increasing risk of death due to cold with a shortage of humanitarian aid.

Alakbarov, in his speech before the UN Security Council during a meeting held at the UN headquarters in New York City today, Tuesday, to discuss the situation in the Middle East, pointed out that humanitarian access is limited and faces Israeli security obstacles, hindering the regular entry of aid, condemning the Israeli bombing that targets civilians and destroys infrastructure in Gaza.

The UN official also welcomed the release by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) of Israeli prisoners and the return of bodies, and the efforts of mediators to prevent escalation, calling for support of the ceasefire with immediate measures for reconstruction.

The residents of Gaza are facing a continuing humanitarian catastrophe, with massive destruction of infrastructure and a severe shortage of aid, despite the fragile ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, the blockade and restrictions have exacerbated the humanitarian situation, with UN warnings of a complete economic collapse and the risk of famine and diseases.

Regarding the West Bank, Alakbarov expressed strong condemnation of the escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, especially during the olive harvest season, emphasizing that settlements are illegal and violate international law, and demanding an immediate halt to settlement expansion.

The UN official also confirmed that Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank have led to casualties, forced displacement, and widespread destruction, amid escalating attacks documented by international reports as reaching their highest levels in years.

The West Bank is witnessing an unprecedented escalation in settler attacks, under the protection of the Israeli army, resulting in the martyrdom of Palestinians, injuries, and property destruction, especially in areas like Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem.

UN and Palestinian reports have documented hundreds of attacks in recent months, including burning olive trees and assaults on farmers, while the current olive season is considered the most violent in years.