UN warns Gaza situation worsening as ceasefire grows fragile

GAZA (MNTV) — A senior United Nations official warned Tuesday that conditions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank are “steadily worsening,” even as international attention shifts to broader regional tensions.

Khaled Khiari told the Security Council that the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is deteriorating “away from the spotlight,” including in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

He said around 1.8 million people—nearly the entire population of Gaza—have been displaced and are living in overcrowded camps, relying heavily on humanitarian aid amid ongoing hostilities, destroyed infrastructure and growing health risks.

While noting slight improvements in aid delivery, Khiari said Israel’s restrictions—including limited crossings and unpredictable access—continue to hinder relief operations.

He warned that the ceasefire remains “increasingly fragile,” with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of violence.

In the West Bank, Khiari highlighted a surge in Israeli settlement expansion, including approval of 34 settlements in a single cabinet decision in March, describing it as unprecedented.

He also reported escalating attacks, saying entire Palestinian communities are facing “lethal violence, vandalism and harassment,” often in the presence of or involving Israeli soldiers.

Khiari further cautioned that the Palestinian Authority is facing a severe financial crisis that threatens its institutional stability, while economic conditions across the West Bank continue to decline.

“There is no military solution to this conflict. Diplomacy is the path toward sustainable peace,” he said.

Separately, Espen Barth Eide echoed concerns about the deteriorating Palestinian economy, warning of risks of systemic collapse and calling for greater support for Palestinian self-determination and recovery efforts.