New York, Jan. 28 (Petra) - The UN Security Council on Wednesday discussed the Question of Palestine during its monthly session, hearing a briefing from the Deputy UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov.

Alakbarov said the Gaza Strip is currently going through a "potential turning point" that could open the door to a better future, warning at the same time that the moment is marked by "great opportunities and serious risks." He said he had just returned from Cairo, where he met with the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to discuss how the United Nations can best support the committee’s efforts in providing vital public services, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and laying the foundations for reconstruction in Gaza, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

He affirmed the UN’s full readiness to support the committee and Palestinians in Gaza, stressing the need for the next phase of the comprehensive plan to be implemented in good faith.

Regarding the occupied West Bank, Alakbarov warned of escalating developments, noting the continuation of violence, large-scale Israeli military operations, settlement expansion, settler violence, demolitions, and mass arrests.

He added that Israeli government policies have facilitated a number of destructive trends, including rapid settlement expansion and related infrastructure, the establishment and legalization of outposts, widespread demolition and displacement, the declaration of so-called "state lands," increased restrictions on movement and access, and the expansion of municipal boundaries.

//Petra// AF