Europe Asia News

At a briefing to the UN Security Council on January 28, 2026, UN Deputy Secretary-General for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical, with approximately 1.5 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Alakbarov stated that the UN is ready to coordinate the Gaza National Administration Committee to provide critical public services, facilitate humanitarian aid, and support reconstruction efforts. It was also emphasized that heavy rainfall and cold weather are further worsening the situation of displaced persons in Gaza.

The briefing noted that tensions in the West Bank continue due to Israeli military operations, settlement expansion, settler violence, and house demolitions. It was reported that intensive operations were carried out in Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah during December 2025 and January 2026, resulting in the detention of many Palestinians.

Alakbarov said that Israel’s restrictions against UNRWA and pressure on the organization’s buildings are contrary to international law. He also noted that Israel’s withholding of Palestinian tax revenues has led the Palestinian Authority into a financial crisis.

The UN stressed that the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire plan in Gaza is of critical importance for stability and trust in the region, and stated that it will continue to support both the Palestinian and Israeli sides while remaining committed to the goal of a two-state solution.