On Wednesday 26 September, the envoys of the Middle East Quartet gave their support to the efforts deployed by the United Nations to prevent a new escalation in violence in the Middle East.
In a joint statement, the European Union, United Nations, USA and Russia stated they are deeply concerned at the continuing escalation of the situation in Gaza. They supported the work of the UN to give the legitimate Palestinian authorities in Gaza means for action and to respond to all the humanitarian needs, especially through the Special Committee.
The UN has strengthened its presence on the ground in Gaza to facilitate the implementation of projects, in coordination with the Palestinian Authority and international actors. Work is also ongoing between the UN, Israeli and Palestinian authorities to examine and improve transparency and responsibility for the Gaza reconstruction mechanism, according to a UN report published the previous day.
In this report, the UN also wants urgent measures to prevent the violent clashes in Gaza, to support the return of the legitimate Palestinian government and to provide humanitarian assistance.
When thy met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the representatives of the Quartet examined the prospects for peace negotiations and the situation on the ground, particularly in Gaza. They also welcomed Susanna Terstal, the new EU special representative for the Middle East peace process.
Furthermore, US President Donald Trump – who moved the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and froze the funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) – spoke for the first time in favour of a two-state solution, promising to present his much awaited peace plan for the region "in two, three or four months". (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)