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Ramiz Alakbarov briefed the United Nations Security Council on the situation across the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator highlighted persistent humanitarian challenges in Gaza despite a ceasefire announced eight months earlier. He reiterated the Secretary-General’s condemnation of continued Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank. Alakbarov expressed particular concern over recent calls for resumption of widespread hostilities in Gaza which he said would prove disastrous for Palestinians Israelis and the entire region.
Alakbarov reported that Israeli air strikes and military operations have continued in Gaza resulting in additional fatalities. The total number killed since the ceasefire has surpassed 1 000 according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israeli forces have expanded their control and now hold approximately 70 per cent of the territory. The UN coordinator described the overall conditions as marked by profound uncertainty and immense human suffering for the civilian population.
The share of households going to bed hungry in Gaza has fallen from 92 per cent to 36 per cent since the ceasefire took effect according to Alakbarov. Humanitarian agencies have secured additional access to deliver water health and education services during this period. Yet the coordinator stressed that needs remain immense with 70 per cent of residents lacking dignified shelter and sanitation conditions remaining alarming. UN humanitarian assessments have documented how these shortfalls continue to affect daily life for most families.
Turning to the West Bank Alakbarov told the council that the situation continues to deteriorate with ongoing Israeli military activity in Jenin and other areas that has displaced Palestinians. He voiced alarm at the broader escalation of violence across the territory. The coordinator stated that he was appalled at the numerous instances in which officials glorified violence and engaged in dangerous provocations incitement and inflammatory language. Separate UN reports have recorded more than 1 000 incidents of settler violence in the first half of 2026 alone resulting in casualties and widespread property damage.
Alakbarov reiterated the Secretary-General’s deep concern over settlement activity that entrenches the occupation and undermines prospects for a viable Palestinian state. He called for full rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access in line with Security Council resolutions. The briefing emphasised that humanitarian aid must never be used as a bargaining chip in the conflict. OCHA situation reports from the same period have tracked forced displacement of thousands in the West Bank alongside restrictions that have worsened economic conditions.
Humanitarian partners have faced persistent constraints in delivering assistance according to the UN coordinator. Funding shortfalls have forced reductions in some critical programmes even as most Gaza households rely on external aid for basic needs. Alakbarov urged all parties to implement relevant resolutions to address both immediate suffering and longer-term drivers of instability in the region.
