UN Urges Swift Action to Turn Gaza Diplomacy Into Relief

People in Gaza walk past a puddle of water following heavy rain.

The UN is prepared to play “any role” required to advance the breakthrough Security Council resolution endorsing the United States-led Gaza peace plan.

Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists in New York that it is now “essential to translate the diplomatic momentum into concrete and urgently needed steps on the ground.”

Although the UN has no defined role in finalising the Board of Peace — chaired by President Trump and tasked with overseeing Gaza’s transition and reconstruction — or in the planned stabilisation force, Mr Haq said the organisation is “committed to implementing the roles entrusted to it in the resolution.”

Aid provider

The UN is responsible for scaling up humanitarian assistance for civilians across the Gaza Strip, following more than two years of conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces, and for supporting all efforts to move the parties into the next phase of the ceasefire.

The Council adopted the US peace plan and a temporary international force for Gaza by a vote of 13-0 on Monday, with Russia and China abstaining.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the resolution as an important step towards consolidating the ceasefire, stressing the need to move into the second phase of the US plan, which includes a political process aimed at achieving a two-State solution in line with previous UN resolutions.

Delivery continues

On the ground in Gaza on Tuesday, the UN humanitarian coordination office (OCHA) reported that aid workers remain committed to providing life-saving support, including shelter.

Distributions of tents, tarpaulins and other essential items are ongoing for affected families.

The UN is fast-tracking funds to reinforce these efforts, Mr Haq said, including $18 million from the occupied Palestinian territory Humanitarian Fund, as winter approaches and heavy rains worsen already dire living conditions.

This funding has enabled partners to move ahead with more than 30 planned projects covering food, nutrition, water, health, shelter, protection and other critical support.

As of Sunday, the number of operational health service points in Gaza had risen to 219, up from fewer than 200 in October.