UN Security Council reviews escalating crisis between Israel and Hamas in Gaza

The UN Security Council convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as outlined in the Secretary-General's quarterly report on the implementation of resolution 2334. The meeting highlighted the escalating violence and suffering in the region, with a focus on the recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Since the cutoff date of June 17, hostilities have intensified, resulting in a staggering death toll. The Gaza Ministry of Health reported over 56,500 Palestinian fatalities since October 7, 2023, with 1,068 deaths occurring since mid-June, averaging 82 fatalities per day. Notable incidents included airstrikes on residential areas, which killed entire families, including children and women.

The report detailed the dire situation for civilians, with attacks on those seeking humanitarian aid. At least 580 Palestinians were killed while attempting to access food distribution points, and incidents of violence against aid convoys were reported. The Secretary-General condemned these actions, emphasizing the need for an immediate and independent investigation into the loss of lives during aid efforts.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have rendered large areas uninhabitable. The Secretary-General condemned the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas.

In the occupied West Bank, violence has surged, with Israeli security forces conducting operations that resulted in numerous fatalities, including children. The report noted the alarming increase in settler-related violence and the expansion of Israeli settlements, which further complicates the situation and undermines the rights of the Palestinian people.

The Secretary-General urged the international community to support the Palestinian Authority in addressing its fiscal challenges and strengthening governance. He reiterated the importance of establishing a political framework to facilitate recovery and reconstruction efforts, ultimately aiming for a viable two-state solution.

The meeting concluded with a call for renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief for the suffering population in Gaza. The Secretary-General's remarks underscored the unbearable level of suffering and brutality faced by civilians, calling for immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.