Sigrid Kag provided ambassadors to the Security Council with an update on action on resolution 2720, which was passed in December (2023). By this resolution, orders were issued for the work of Sigrid Kag.
The proposal includes a campaign to clear the way for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza, which has been at war since October (2023).
The resolution also tasked Sigrid Kag with creating a United Nations mechanism to increase the number of humanitarian aid convoys to the Gaza Strip, managed and managed by the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS).
Determine supply routes
Sigrid Kaag told the Security Council that the “Team of 2720” has been proactive in proposing solutions to ensure access to aid, addressing obstacles and ensuring aid delivery by all aid partners.
This includes the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees – UNRWA, which he described as the “backbone” of humanitarian aid operations in Gaza.
He recalled that 11 months ago, the Gaza Strip was cut off from almost all supply points, with only one entrance open.
Their mission, despite the critical situation, sought to strengthen supply routes and systems, as well as negotiate to open additional routes to facilitate, scale up and sustain humanitarian aid delivery.
Sigrid Kaag said these routes bring goods from Egypt, Jordan, Cyprus, the West Bank and Israel.
The goal of humanitarian aid is incomplete
Sigrid Kag, addressing the Security Council, however, also said that the processes currently in use cannot replace the political will needed to reach out to the people of Gaza and meet their needs.
“For effective humanitarian aid operations, Gaza needs a lot of good quality and quantity to meet the daily needs of ordinary people,” he said.
In addition, ongoing fighting, the breakdown of law and order across the Gaza Strip and the smuggling of goods hamper the efforts of UN staff to deliver humanitarian assistance there.
