UN Calls for Unified Efforts in Palestinian Recovery and Stability
Palestinian Recovery Requires Collective Action
The rebuilding of Gaza will require coordinated international efforts to overcome massive reconstruction challenges. Muhannad Hadi, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, emphasized the importance of restoring stability, dignity, and economic opportunities for the two million residents of Gaza.
According to recent assessments, $29.9 billion is needed to rebuild physical infrastructure, while another $19.1 billion must be allocated to address economic and social damages.
The housing sector remains the hardest hit, constituting the largest share of recovery costs, with $15.2 billion—or 30% of the total—required to reconstruct homes.
In the immediate term, $20 billion will be needed over the next three years to stabilize essential services and lay the groundwork for sustained recovery.
UN Pledges Support for Gaza's Future
Reaffirming its commitment, Mr. Hadi stated, “The UN stands ready to support the Palestinian people both in humanitarian efforts and the long-term reconstruction process.”
He highlighted that once conditions permit, temporary shelters will be set up, basic services restored, and economic activity revived, all while efforts toward permanent recovery and rebuilding continue.
A critical aspect of long-term stability will be reinstating the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) administrative control over Gaza.
“The international community must work together to support a just and lasting peace,” Mr. Hadi added, stressing that Gaza remains a crucial element in this effort, alongside UN resolutions advocating for a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both nations.
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UN Condemns Raid on UNRWA Schools
Forcible Entry into Educational Institutions
In East Jerusalem, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reported that Israeli forces, accompanied by local authorities, forcefully entered the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre, ordering an immediate evacuation.
During the raid, teargas and sound bombs were reportedly used, affecting at least 350 students and 30 staff members.
Earlier the same day, Israeli police and municipal officials visited multiple UNRWA schools, demanding their closure. These actions disrupted education for 250 additional students.
UN Strongly Condemns Violations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a strong condemnation of the breach of UN premises, including the attempted forced entry into three UNRWA schools.
“The use of tear gas and sound bombs in school environments is both unnecessary and unacceptable,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Emphasizing Israel’s international legal obligations, Mr. Dujarric stated that domestic legal provisions do not override international law. He reaffirmed that violations against UN personnel and institutions directly contravene international agreements.
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Lebanon: De-escalation Along the Blue Line
Military Redeployment and Restoration of Order
In northern Lebanon, the deadline for the withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) south of the Blue Line was reached, facilitating the concurrent deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in the southern areas. This transition follows the ceasefire agreement brokered between Israel and Hezbollah on November 26, 2024.
UN peacekeepers have confirmed that Lebanese troops continue their deployment, with active support from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), while displaced families are gradually returning home.
Additionally, Lebanese forces are dismantling weapons and military equipment left behind in conflict zones within UNIFIL’s operational area.
Calls for Stability
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, UNIFIL Force Commander, urged both Israeli and Lebanese authorities to uphold their ceasefire commitments to restore security for civilians in the region.
The United Nations remains dedicated to assisting all parties in maintaining peace and ensuring long-term stability, reaffirmed UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
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