The UN Security Council held a session today, Tuesday, to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

The acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Sigrid Kaag, said that the Middle East today is witnessing a rapid transformation, the scope and impact of which remain uncertain, “but which also presents a historic opportunity.”

In her briefing to the Council, Kaag, who also serves as the UN's Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, added, "The people of the region can emerge from this period with peace, security and dignity. However, this may be our last chance to achieve a two-state solution."

She noted that the first phase of the ceasefire agreement on the Gaza Strip "provided much-needed relief, but much more remains to be done to address more than fifteen months of deprivation of basic humanitarian necessities and, above all, the loss of human dignity."

She explained that since the first phase of the ceasefire came into effect on 19 January, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and member states have rushed to increase life-saving humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and improved access and security conditions have allowed the delivery of aid and services.

She stressed that while addressing the immediate needs in Gaza, “we must also build a future that provides protection, recovery and reconstruction,” noting that initial estimates show that $53 billion will be required for recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

“Palestinians must be able to resume their lives, rebuild and build their future in Gaza. There can be no room for forced displacement,” Kaag said.

The UN official stressed that while there is participation in planning for the future of Gaza, a number of things must be ensured, including that "Gaza remains an integral part of the future Palestinian state. And that Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are united politically, economically and administratively."

Kaag also stressed that "it must be ensured that there is no long-term presence of the Israeli army in Gaza."

She presented the Council with four main requests: first, that continued support for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement is of utmost importance. Second, that “it is of utmost importance not to lose sight of the dangerous dynamics in the West Bank, and that urgent calm is essential.”

"Thirdly, the international community must continue to support the Palestinian Authority in its reform efforts and in resuming its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian security forces must also be enabled to carry out their responsibilities in areas under their control," Kaag added.

The UN official also called, in the fourth request she submitted to the Security Council, for providing political and financial support for recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

The UN official expressed concern "about the Israeli military operations and the escalation of violence in the West Bank," adding that reports continue to indicate casualties, destruction and displacement, especially in the governorates of Jenin, Tubas and Tulkarm, where refugee camps and infrastructure are severely affected.

“I am appalled by the killing of a pregnant woman and young children during these operations,” Kaag said. “Such incidents must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held to account.”

The UN official also warned that continued settlement activity, along with ongoing (Israeli) calls for annexation, "pose an existential threat to the prospects of an independent and viable Palestinian state and thus the two-state solution."

She touched on the Israeli legislation that would stop UNRWA's work in the occupied Palestinian territory, stressing that "UNRWA's work is still necessary, and must be allowed to continue without hindrance."