UN Secretary-General António Guterres on March 5, 2024, emphasized the urgent need to address the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, warning that Israeli settlement expansions and increasing restrictions on humanitarian aid jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution. Speaking during the 2026 Opening Session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Guterres highlighted Israel’s recent decision to publish a tender for 3,401 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank.
Guterres cautioned that if these plans proceed, they would sever the northern and southern parts of the West Bank, significantly undermining territorial contiguity and delivering “a severe blow” to the feasibility of a future Palestinian state. He reiterated that “the occupation must end,” calling for renewed international commitment to peace efforts.
Concerns Over Humanitarian Access
During the session, Committee Chair Coly Seck remarked that the adoption of the New York Declaration and a renewed focus on the two-state solution signifies a historic turning point. He underscored the committee’s work, which reflects decades of injustice and must lead to tangible results for the Palestinian people.
The committee also addressed the detrimental impact of Israel’s recent decision to deregister numerous international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In early January, Israel revoked the licenses of 37 international NGOs, citing non-compliance with new registration requirements. As a result, organizations without renewed registrations have faced significant operational challenges, including restrictions on staff rotations into Gaza, which have disrupted vital relief programs and supply chains.
Dr. Riyad H. Mansour, the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis, citing 70,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, “not counting those still under the rubble,” and the displacement of more than 40,000 individuals in the West Bank. He urged the international community to take decisive action to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians.
Impact on UNRWA Operations
During the session, Michael Contet, Director of the New York Office of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), provided alarming updates about the agency’s operations. He reported the demolition of UNRWA’s compound in occupied East Jerusalem by Israeli authorities, further complicating the agency’s ability to deliver aid. This demolition coincided with remarks from Israeli official Aryeh King, who called for the removal of UNRWA staff.
In January 2024, delegates in the UN Fourth Committee raised concerns about what they described as Israel’s “systematic disinformation campaign” targeting UNRWA. They criticized allegations regarding the employment of terrorists within the agency as “extremist comments” and “baseless fallacies.” As of January, reports indicated that at least 312 UNRWA installations had been affected by the ongoing conflict, with approximately 11,000 personnel still providing essential services in Gaza.
UNRWA is tasked with offering healthcare to nearly 100,000 Palestinians weekly and providing educational services to over 66,000 students across 73 shelters. The ongoing conflict and restrictions threaten to undermine these critical services, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
As international bodies assess the situation, the focus remains on the urgent need for action to restore humanitarian access and revive prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
