UNITED NATIONS – A tense calm over Gaza dominated a high-level Security Council debate on Thursday, as global diplomats labeled a recent ceasefire a “momentous but precarious” chance for peace that the international community cannot afford to waste.
The 9 October agreement, brokered through a 20-point plan from U.S. President Donald J. Trump, halted the open warfare and secured the release of hostages. Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, told the Council the deal offers a “viable path towards ending the war” and closing a “dark chapter” in the long-running conflict.
“A return to conflict must be avoided at all costs,” Alakbarov warned via video link, underscoring the fragility of the situation. He pressed for the immediate release of the bodies of deceased hostages still held in Gaza and a major expansion of humanitarian access. While aid deliveries have jumped by nearly half in the past week, he stated plainly, “this is not enough.” He called for more open crossings, safe routes for aid workers, and a flood of goods and fuel to meet desperate needs.
The agreement has exposed the deep fissures that any lasting peace must bridge. The Palestinian representative argued the ceasefire was the only way to stop the horror, stating, “Vengeance and hatred lead nowhere.” He insisted that Israeli security cannot be built on the denial of Palestinian rights and demanded an end to annexation and violence.
In stark contrast, Israel’s delegate declared, “There can be no peace while terror still remains.” He accused Hamas of already breaking the truce by failing to return the remains of all fallen hostages and by launching an attack that killed two Israeli soldiers. “Hamas must go, Hamas must disarm,” he asserted, adding that blueprints for reconstruction “will not stop bullets.”
A broad consensus emerged from other nations on the need to solidify the truce. Dozens of speakers voiced support for the agreement and stressed that the next steps are critical. A common thread was the unwavering support for a two-state solution as the only viable endgame. Several European and other nations proposed the rapid deployment of an international stabilization force, authorized by the Security Council, to help maintain order.
The human cost of the conflict and the monumental task ahead hung over the proceedings. The UN is rolling out a 60-day emergency response, and Egypt is set to host a major conference to spearhead Gaza’s recovery. Multiple speakers emphasized that Israel bears a legal duty, per the International Court of Justice, to ensure aid flows freely.
Regional tensions also flared in the chamber. Iran accused Israel of launching unprovoked strikes across the Middle East, while Lebanon condemned recent attacks on its civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, Egypt and Qatar highlighted their roles as mediators, with Cairo preparing to host next month’s reconstruction summit.
As the debate concluded, a clear challenge was laid before the world: rebuilding Gaza’s shattered infrastructure is only the first step. True peace, diplomats argued, requires a political horizon that finally leads to an independent Palestinian state, offering a future where, as one speaker put it, “yesterday’s opponents can become tomorrow’s partners.”
