The outgoing UN Special Coordinator for Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, has said that 'prioritising Gaza' is crucial to ensuring peace and the viability of a two-state solution. In his final briefing to the UN Security Council, Serry called for a three-to-five year freeze on all military activities to allow for the large-scale reconstruction needed following the destruction of last July's attacks on Gaza, with a focus on infrastructure to tackle shortages of housing, water and energy. Serry also called for further opening of crossings to allow the free movement of people and goods, especially between Gaza and the West Bank.
Last summer's attacks on Gaza, 'Operation Protective Edge', killed over 1,400 Palestinian civilians including 500 children, and left 11,000 injured. Over a hundred medical facilities were also hit during the conflict, with 14 completely destroyed, compounding the already dire condition of Gaza's healthcare sector following years of blockade. The destruction of homes has also left approximately 100,000 people displaced, often living in overcrowded conditions and temporary shelters.
Medical Aid for Palestinians has been sending teams of British surgeons to work alongside their Palestinian counterparts to provide vital surgery and medical equipment to those whose lives have been shattered by the conflict.
The text of Robery Serry's statement on Gaza is below. The full statement can be read here.
"To seek to prevent yet another descent into conflict, I have publicly called for a new strategy prioritizing Gaza. By this, let me be clear, I do not mean “Gaza only.” Neither I nor the United Nations would ever support a strategy that would seek to divide Gaza from the West Bank. Focusing support to Gaza must be inextricably linked to addressing the wider peace process.
“Prioritizing Gaza” means that we recognize that we cannot possibly hope to pick up the pieces of a shattered Israel-Palestinian peace strategy, leaving Gaza as it is. It means that we cannot possibly hope to again board the peace train in the West Bank and arrive in Gaza as a final stop. It means that we must fix Gaza – or at least stabilize it – so that we do not reconstruct it for a third time only to see it destroyed again and so that it does not halt peace efforts which aim to reach the long desired two-state vision: Israel living side-by-side in peace and security with one single, unified State of Palestine.
“Prioritizing Gaza” means for me achieving four main objectives urgently.
First, we need a more stable ceasefire under the umbrella of the Government of National Consensus. I have called for a “reconstruction hudna”: a freeze of all military activities above and below ground over at least a three-to-five-year timeframe. This would allow time and give donors confidence for the large-scale, accelerated reconstruction that Gaza desperately needs: major infrastructure projects, including housing; a gas pipeline to generate inexpensive energy; and a desalination plant to address the chronic water shortages. Once these immediate needs would be met, a next step would be to look into providing an opening to the world via a seaport.
Second, such a “hudna” can only be sustainable if Palestinians move towards a real reconciliation – this has not happened yet. Clearly this will not be an easy task, but what is the alternative? Empowering the Government of National Consensus to take up its leadership role in Gaza is the only way forward. Bringing all the crossings in Gaza under the control of the consensus Government and civil service reform represent essential next steps.
Third, all Gaza crossings need to be opened further to support the free movement of people and goods, including to reconnect the Strip and the West Bank and to enable exports.
And fourth, the international community must be prepared to fully support the Government of National Consensus, both politically and financially. This includes acting on the commitments made at the Cairo Conference to support Gaza reconstruction. A new strategy for Gaza needs the engagement of all stakeholders. I very much hope that conditions will soon allow Egypt to continue playing its important role, including by resuming the stalled ceasefire talks and promoting Palestinian reconciliation.
I can honestly state that Gaza has consistently been a top priority for the UN and for me, personally. During each crisis, the United Nations, including through the personal involvement of the Secretary-General, was in the forefront to stop the fighting. Let me here also thank the UN family on the ground, particularly UNRWA, for their indispensable role in picking up the pieces in the aftermath and doing the important development and humanitarian work. The stark truth is that, despite all the efforts, Gaza is our collective failure and the people of Gaza continue to suffer the consequences."