Board of Peace envoy warns of 'permanent' Gaza divide under current status quo
A UN Board of Peace envoy has warned that Gaza risks becoming 'permanently divided' if the current status quo persists. The statement comes as Palestinian Authority-Israeli negotiations remain at an impasse.
UN Board of Peace envoy Mona Juul told a press conference in Geneva that Gaza risks becoming 'permanently divided' if current governance and humanitarian conditions remain unchanged. Juul said the gap between destroyed northern areas and southern humanitarian corridors is approaching a point of no return.
The board's report noted that the Palestinian Authority's limited mandate does not extend into Gaza, and that the governance vacuum is being filled by tribes and local committees. Food, water and health-service distribution is being handled by international agencies and a handful of civil-society actors. The education system has largely shifted onto online platforms.
Israel's general-staff officials said any phased military withdrawal would be contingent on security guarantees. Palestinian Authority spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh told reporters that talks require 'a comprehensive political framework' to produce a lasting outcome. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas proposed a €4.8 billion reconstruction fund package to member states.
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