UNSC calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

During a meeting on the situation in the Middle East, UNSC members received a briefing from Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, regarding Zionist regime’s settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Alakbarov referenced Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016), highlighting the continued acceleration of Israeli settlement construction and the dangers of the “E1” plan, which undermines the two-state solution by severing the northern and southern West Bank.

He reiterated that the settlements are illegal and constitute a grave violation of international law. These policies, he said, reduce the space for a viable Palestinian state and entrench the illegal occupation.

Alakbarov also relayed a warning from the UN Secretary-General against proceeding with the E1 plan, describing it as a disastrous development that increases the risk of forced displacement and fuels tensions.

The Secretary-General also expressed concern about statements from Israeli officials regarding the annexation of parts of Palestinian land, cautioning that such policies would further destabilize the region.

Member states voiced their positions during the meeting:

Russia condemned ongoing violations of Resolution 2334 and pointed to Israel’s revival of the controversial “E1” settlement project.

Sierra Leone emphasized the need to implement the resolution and protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.

China called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and warned against Israel’s weaponization of humanitarian aid.

The UK urged Israel to halt settlement expansion, abandon the E1 plan, and open crossings to allow aid delivery.

Somalia highlighted the involvement of over 150 international companies in supporting Israeli settlements.

Denmark stressed the importance of releasing frozen Palestinian Authority revenues and ensuring access for humanitarian organizations.

Guyana warned that Zionist regime’s ongoing violations of international resolutions threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state.

France condemned the E1 project for dividing the West Bank in two and called for an end to settler violence and protection of civilians.

Slovenia reaffirmed support for the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, and called for a ceasefire and efforts to restore life in Gaza, emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved through war, and that ending the occupation and complying with international law are essential to a lasting solution.

The meeting marked the conclusion of the UN General Assembly’s high-level general debate, during which world leaders outlined their national priorities and shared visions to confront global challenges.

The E1 plan, which surfaced in 1997, is considered one of the most dangerous settlement projects in the occupied West Bank. It aims to encircle eastern Jerusalem towns (Anata, At-Tur, Hizma), prevent their eastward expansion, and sabotage any prospect of East Jerusalem becoming the capital of a future Palestinian state, by imposing a northeastern settlement belt that severs the West Bank and erases its geographic continuity.