Palestinians yearn for ‘a return to normal life,’ says top Middle East peace envoy

The UN is coordinating humanitarian efforts in Gaza to restore essential services such as water, sanitation, healthcare, and shelter, while addressing debris removal and infrastructure repairs. Despite progress in delivering food and nutrition, significant challenges remain, particularly in restoring water and sanitation systems to provide sufficient clean water. UN agencies, including UNRWA, continue operations under imposed restrictions, emphasizing the need to resolve long-standing cyclical issues affecting daily life.

UN Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov highlighted that Gazans prioritize a return to normalcy, including adequate housing, education, and livelihood opportunities, rather than continued reliance on temporary solutions. He noted growing fatigue among residents, with many still living in tents and facing harsh conditions ahead of winter. The UN official stressed the urgency of improving living conditions and enabling communities to rebuild homes and restore economic stability.

In the occupied West Bank, tensions are rising due to settler violence, economic pressures, and restrictions affecting Palestinian communities, compounding broader humanitarian and political concerns. The UN continues to provide assistance through grants aimed at helping families reestablish livelihoods, while calling for the protection of civilians and adherence to international law.

Mr. Alakbarov reiterated international support for a two-State solution, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust, strengthen Palestinian institutions, and create conditions for a credible political process. He underscored that humanitarian aid and recovery efforts must align with progress toward a political settlement to address the underlying conflict.