UN special coordinator urges full implementation of Gaza ceasefire, calls for €53 billion reconstruction plan

The United Nations special coordinator for the Middle East peace process (ad interim) told the Security Council that the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire has provided much‑needed relief but must be fully implemented, all hostages released and a large international reconstruction effort organized.

“The resumption of hostilities must be avoided at all cost,” the special coordinator said, urging both sides to “fully honour their commitments to the ceasefire deal” and to conclude negotiations on a second phase. The speaker welcomed the release of 34 hostages in the first phase and said that 1,135 Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been released so far under the deal.

The coordinator described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as deeply damaging to dignity and survival after “15 months of deprivation of basic human necessities,” and said that medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing began on Feb. 1 under the ceasefire terms. He also called for access by the International Committee of the Red Cross to hostages while in captivity.

Turning to reconst…