A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas recently brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt, the first phase of which is the release of hostages and prisoners and an end to the current violence in Gaza. Algeria holds the presidency of the 15-member Security Council for the month of January, with Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf formally opening the talks.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his address to the Security Council, said the cease-fire in Gaza and the subsequent release of hostages was a beacon of hope for the Middle East region.
“As a first step, the first three female hostages were released yesterday. Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners,” bringing relief to families on both sides.
Secretary-General Guterres assured that the United Nations is committed to increasing the level of humanitarian assistance. More than 630 trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Sunday, with at least 300 headed for northern Gaza. The UN chief warned that the Middle East is going through a period of profound change and that it is a time full of uncertainty and opportunity.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the peoples of the Middle East emerge from these turbulent times with horizons of hope built on a foundation of peace, dignity and action.”
The UN chief called for immediate assistance, noting that humanitarian relief agencies, including the United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency (UNRWA), must deliver aid quickly, safely and without hindrance. Also, it is important to provide better security to ordinary citizens.
He said stability in the Middle East region requires a move towards a two-state solution, which cannot be reversed and that Israel and Palestine can coexist with Jerusalem as the capital of both.
A period of transition in the Middle East
Referring to his visit to Lebanon, the UN chief said he witnessed the devastation and tragic humanitarian impact in the south. Israeli civilians are also affected by the conflict and suffer damage and displacement.
He expressed hope that people from both sides would soon be able to return to their homes and said the United Nations was committed to reducing civilian suffering.
According to the Secretary-General, there is a need to strengthen the capacity of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon as well as to adapt their operational operations within their mandate to the current situation.
The UN Secretary-General said Syria has been a crossroads of civilizations for centuries and now stands at a turning point in history.
“After the fall of the previous, barbaric regime and an end to years of bloodshed, there is a possibility of promise for the Syrian people. “We cannot allow this flame of hope to turn into a flame of anarchy.”
The UN chief assured that his organization is committed to working closely with the Syrian people and the international community to ensure a credible and inclusive Syrian-led political transition process.
Palestine: The ceasefire is expected to continue
Palestinian Foreign Minister Warsen Agabekian addressed the Security Council meeting on the Middle East crisis.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Warsen Agabekian welcomed the end of the conflict and praised Egypt and Jordan, among others, whose support prevented Palestinians from being displaced outside the occupied territories during the war.
He also praised South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice to “stop the genocide against our people”.
The Palestinian leader categorically rejects attempts to displace Palestinians, which violate the principles of international law.
They welcomed efforts to help Gaza recover from the ongoing humanitarian crisis, including training and support for Palestinian security forces.
He reiterated that the occupying power had no right to limit the UNRWA agency’s assistance efforts in this regard. It also appealed to the international community to reach a comprehensive, lasting solution for peace in the Middle East.
Israel: The Torment of Hostages
Israel’s Political Coordinator and Minister Counselor Reit Shapir Ben-Naftali addressed the Security Council.
Israeli representative Riot Shapir Ben-Naftali said the hostages were released on Sunday and now other families are waiting for their relatives who are still being held.
According to him, Hamas started this war by attacking Israel in October 2023. Since then, Israel has defended itself against attacks by Houthi terrorists and others.
He said Israel is committed to the current ceasefire in Lebanon but reserves the right to counter any threat to its defense.
The Israeli representative said there is no desire for war with Syria, but Israeli interests will be taken care of. According to him, the Iran-backed network has been weakened and its leaders eliminated.
He expressed gratitude for the support of his allies, including America, and said that this partnership is based on mutual respect and is important in the fight against terrorism. He said that this moment is just the beginning and this war will not end until all the hostages return home.