Gaza risks ‘permanent’ state of limbo if transition plan stalls, Security Council hears
Gaza risks permanent state of limbo – As the fragile ceasefire in Gaza begins to unravel and humanitarian conditions worsen, a top UN representative has cautioned the Security Council that stagnation in implementing the Council-approved transition plan could trap the enclave in a prolonged state of uncertainty. The warning comes amid growing concerns over the enclave’s ability to recover from ongoing conflict and displacement.
Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, highlighted the deteriorating situation during a recent briefing, stating that the lack of progress on resolution 2803—adopted in November last year—threatens to deepen the crisis. The resolution had supported the U.S.-led peace plan, which aimed to end the conflict by establishing a transitional authority and deploying an International Stabilization Force to facilitate Israeli withdrawal.
“The current state of affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is growing increasingly unstable, with heightened hostilities in both Gaza and the West Bank,” Alakbarov remarked. “Without swift action, the initial hope brought by the ceasefire will be lost to further suffering.”
Alakbarov emphasized that the delay in implementing resolution 2803 has stalled progress, exacerbating the daily violence and the persistent humanitarian emergency that has taken root in Gaza. The resolution was intended to provide a framework for resolving the conflict, but its slow execution has left the population in limbo.
Meanwhile, the situation in the West Bank remains equally dire. Alakbarov noted that settlement expansion, particularly in East Jerusalem, continues to escalate tensions. Recent Israeli planning documents reveal plans for over 2,200 new housing units in the occupied territories, while attacks by settlers against Palestinian communities have surged this year.
“More than 220 Palestinian communities have been targeted by settler violence, leading to widespread displacement,” he said. “This pattern of aggression risks creating a permanent divide, deepening the crisis for generations to come.”
Amid these challenges, Nickolay Mladenov, the High Representative for Gaza of the Board of Peace, presented a stark assessment of the enclave’s conditions. Despite the ceasefire reducing immediate violence and improving aid access, he stressed that recovery has not yet taken hold.
“Approximately 80% of Gaza’s buildings are either damaged or destroyed,” Mladenov stated. “Over a million people remain without secure housing, surviving in tents or makeshift shelters amidst the ruins.”
The proposed transition plan hinges on the principle of reciprocity, where each step by one side triggers corresponding actions by the other. Mladenov explained that Hamas and other armed groups must eventually be disarmed under Palestinian authority, with weapons transferred to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) rather than directly to Israel.
“This plan ensures that armed groups can transition their weapons to the NCAG, allowing for a structured process of disarmament and stabilization,” he said. “Failure to advance this would mean the cycle of conflict continues unchecked.”
Humanitarian aid efforts are also hampered by persistent operational hurdles. Checkpoint delays, road damage, and restrictions on essential supplies have limited the ability to provide timely assistance to those in need. The UN-coordinated 2026 Flash Appeal, which seeks over $4 billion to support nearly three million people in Gaza and the West Bank, has only secured about 13% of its funding.
With nearly a million individuals requiring immediate shelter, the lack of resources has intensified the crisis. Mladenov reiterated that the transition plan’s success depends on sustained international support and cooperation between the parties. “Without this, the devastation in Gaza could become irreversible,” he warned.
Rami Hijjo of the Palestine Red Crescent Society echoed these concerns during the briefing, describing the ongoing struggle for survival in Gaza. He outlined the daily challenges faced by civilians, from relentless bombardment to severe shortages of basic necessities.
“I stand before you as a civilian and a humanitarian worker living in Gaza,” Hijjo said. “The ceasefire has not yet delivered lasting safety, and many continue to live in fear of violence.”
Hijjo highlighted repeated displacement, the collapse of health services, and the dangers confronting aid workers. He noted that several Palestinian Red Crescent medics were killed earlier this year, underscoring the risks faced by those providing relief. “The occupational policies and systematic restrictions imposed on Gaza have created a cycle of hardship that is difficult to break,” he added.
Alakbarov also raised concerns about the potential for renewed full-scale conflict if the transition plan fails to gain momentum. He warned that the population cannot endure prolonged war, stressing the urgency of securing a sustainable peace.
“The people of Gaza are on the brink of another cycle of destruction,” Alakbarov said. “We must prevent this scenario from becoming a permanent reality, as it would leave future generations without hope or stability.”
Additionally, the Security Council was informed of recent Israeli actions targeting the UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem. This follows the seizure of the site, prompting the Secretary-General to issue a strong condemnation. The move has drawn international criticism, with concerns about the impact on refugee communities and their access to education and healthcare.
As the Council deliberates on the path forward, the stakes for Gaza’s residents grow higher. The combination of stalled peace efforts, increasing violence, and critical shortages threatens to cement the enclave in a state of perpetual crisis. Without decisive action, the dream of recovery may remain out of reach, leaving millions to endure the consequences of a divided and war-torn territory for years to come.
