Gaza Crisis Fuels Middle East Tensions | Security Council Briefing | United Nations

Briefing UN Security Council members on the situation in Gaza, today (22 Aug) Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process said, “a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza is imperative now for regional peace and security.”

The United Nations Security Council meeting on Thursday heard urgent calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, as well as reports about the worsening humanitarian crisis, including a polio outbreak.

Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, commended the mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the UN but warned that time is running out. Wennesland also underscored the need for political and security frameworks to address the broader crisis in the region.

Louisa Baxter, Operations Lead for Save the Children’s Emergency Health Unit in Gaza, spoke about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting repeated obstructions to aid delivery and the severe impact on children. “There is now a confirmed polio outbreak in Gaza,” she said, stressing that without immediate preventive measures, the outbreak could set back global eradication efforts.

The United States, represented by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, reiterated its support for Israel while also advocating for a comprehensive ceasefire. Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy spoke about Israel’s military presence in Gaza and the U.S.'s role in the negotiations.

Palestinian Ambassador Riyad H. Mansour voiced his concerns about the reemergence of polio in Gaza, urging swift action to prevent further loss of life. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon defended Israel's actions, asserting that his country is not intentionally targeting civilians and is facilitating humanitarian aid, including vaccination campaigns in Gaza.