International Concern over Gaza and the Palestinian Issue

The UN Security Council will hold an open discussion on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue. Assistant Secretary-General Mohammed Khaled Khiari is expected to express concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where access to food is limited and malnutrition is increasing.

According to Stéphane Dujarric, supplies for shelters have not been allowed in for over four months, and fuel shortages continue. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that 88% of the Gaza Strip is under evacuation orders or within Israeli military control zones, confining 2.1 million citizens to a fragmented 12% of Gaza.

WHO announced that its operations have been undermined after attacks on a warehouse and facility in Deir al-Balah. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell reported that between May 27 and July 7, 798 Palestinian civilians died seeking food near distribution points.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa expressed concern about the 'unbearable' images in Gaza, stressing the need to protect civilians and respect international law. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff seeks to finalize a humanitarian aid 'corridor'.

Mr. Khiari and member states of the Security Council are expected to reiterate their calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Resolution of the Palestinian Issue is scheduled to take place between July 28 and 30 in New York.