UN’s pivotal role: Navigating the Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction amidst violations
Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, told the Palestinian Rights Committee on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, that the international community must continue to push for a permanent ceasefire and work toward Gaza’s reconstruction. It also emphasizes the crucial role that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) plays in this process.
Due to Israel’s and Hamas violations, Gaza is presenting a horrible sight. Nearly 50,000 people have reportedly been killed; 70% of them were women and children, and the majority of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and water systems, has been devastated. An entire generation was traumatized and left homeless as a result of famine, disease, and displacement after displacement.
The role of the UN in the case of Gaza
Without understanding the basic reasons for the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the war cannot be long-lasting. It involves the maintenance of Jerusalem’s status, the siege of Gaza, and the basic rights of Palestinian people. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, at least 24,620 Gazans were killed and 61,830 Palestinians were injured in Gaza between the start of Israel’s bombardment until January 18, 2024. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, women and children have accounted for almost 70% of the deaths; during the first month of the battle, the World Health Organization found that 160 Gazan children were murdered daily on average.
The requirement that all parties must distinguish between combatants and civilians and abstain from inflicting undue injury on the latter is a fundamental tenet of international humanitarian law. Furthermore, occupied people have the right to employ armed resistance against their oppressors to gain sovereignty and self-determination over their area, according to humanitarian law. However, the same regulations that govern governments’ military forces also apply to people who use force to oppose occupation.
Reconstruction efforts are hampered, and communities are seriously threatened by the existence of landmines and explosive munitions.
What is the situation of humanitarians in Gaza?
Since then, Gaza has seen over 47,000 fatalities and numerous injuries. Numerous survivors are traumatized, and hostages are still being held. People who have been going through unspeakable sorrow and suffering have found relief thanks to the ceasefire deal that was achieved in January 2025. The ceasefire agreement has given some hope, but Gaza’s humanitarian needs are still dire.
Nearly 1,600 Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) employees and volunteers have been putting in endless hours to deliver life-saving aid in Gaza for the past 12 months. Over 100,000 people have received emergency medical care from PRCS, which has distributed 1.6 million emergency relief items despite the tremendous hurdles, losses, and threats to their lives. In the past year, 22 PRCS colleagues have tragically lost their lives in Gaza and the West Bank.
Delivering relief throughout Gaza requires the removal of significant political and security barriers. Streamlining border crossings, protecting aid workers, and stopping aid convoy looting are all part of this.
For months, the families of more than 200 hostages suffered greatly. The situation of the hostages who were taken from Israel is still a top priority over a year later, and we demand their unconditional and prompt release. The Gaza population suffered from severe food insecurity and the threat of starvation as a result of the ceasefire agreement’s lack of help.
96% of individuals did not have enough food, which led to a rise in malnutrition and catastrophic food insecurity. There had been warnings that unless humanitarian access and the flow of relief and commercial items were significantly enhanced, widespread hunger in Gaza was certain to occur.
International response to the Gaza ceasefire
The ceasefire deal has been mediated in large part by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. To build permanent peace and close the gaps between Israel and Hamas, more diplomatic efforts are required.
Donor nations are required to contribute money for humanitarian aid and reconstruction projects. To guarantee efficacy and openness, this assistance ought to be arranged via the UN and other global institutions. Both Israel and Hamas need to be politically pressured by the international community to keep their promises and participate in fruitful talks. Holding both parties responsible for transgressions of international law is part of this.
