UN Security Council backs call for aid to Palestinians

The United Nations Security Council on Saturday underscored the “immediate need for humanitarian assistance” to Palestinians in Gaza, following the 11-day battle between Israel and militant group Hamas that ended in a ceasefire late last week.

The council signaled support for the secretary general’s plea with the international community to work with the United Nations to create an “integrated, robust package” of assistance that will aid a “swift, sustainable reconstruction and recovery.”

“The members of the Security Council stressed the immediate need for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly in Gaza, and supported the Secretary General’s call for the international community to work with the United Nations on developing an integrated, robust package of support for a swift, sustainable reconstruction and recovery,” the Security Council wrote in a statement, which was approved by all 15 member countries.

In a Press Statement today, @UN Security Council members reiterated the importance of achieving a comprehensive peace based on the vision of a region where two democratic States, #Israel and #Palestine, live side by side in peace with secure and recognized borders. pic.twitter.com/Ob2LwHSapu

— UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (@UNDPPA) May 22, 2021

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire after hundreds of people were killed in more than a week of missile strikes and rocket fire in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

The Security Council said its members “welcomed” the announcement of the ceasefire and urged “full adherence” to the agreement. It also identified the “important role” Egypt played in forming the ceasefire.

The group also emphasized the importance of a “restoration of calm in full.” 

“The members of the Security Council stressed the urgency of the restoration of calm in full and reiterated the importance of achieving a comprehensive peace based on the vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace with secure and recognized borders,” the Security Council wrote.