Security Council Briefing — 18 February 2026
UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process briefed the Security Council on the latest developments in Gaza, the West Bank, and the broader regional situation.
Key Focus Areas
Middle East Peace Process
UNSCO supports a negotiated two-state solution — Israel and Palestine — living side by side in peace and security. The office works to advance a just and lasting peace in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
Humanitarian Coordination
UNSCO coordinates United Nations humanitarian and development activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, ensuring a unified UN response to the needs of the Palestinian people.
Security & Stability
UNSCO engages with all parties to promote security and stability across the region, working closely with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities and regional partners to de-escalate tensions.
Institution Building
UNSCO supports Palestinian institution-building efforts and the development of governance structures capable of sustaining an independent, viable, and democratic Palestinian state.
Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process
UNSCO was established in 1994 following the Oslo Accords. The office is headed by the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, who is the Secretary-General's personal representative to the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority.
The Special Coordinator facilitates the political process and coordinates humanitarian and development activities of United Nations entities in the occupied Palestinian territory, and supports the Palestinian Authority's institution-building efforts toward a future Palestinian state.
Leadership
Sigrid Kaag
UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process
Appointed January 2025
Ms. Sigrid Kaag of the Netherlands serves as the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim and Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza. She previously served as Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and as an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Ramiz Alakbarov
UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process
Appointed June 2025
Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov of Azerbaijan serves as UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory. He previously served as UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia.
Reports & Documents
Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
This report covers developments in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza and the West Bank, and outlines the humanitarian situation and political dynamics.
Report on UNSCR 2334: Israeli Settlement Activity in the occupied Palestinian territory
Report on implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016), covering Israeli settlement expansion, demolitions and displacement.
Ad Hoc Liaison Committee — Report on the Palestinian Socioeconomic Situation
Comprehensive assessment of the socioeconomic situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, prepared for the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting.
Fragile Fiscal Foundations: Financial Risks to the Palestinian Authority
Analysis of the Palestinian Authority's fiscal situation and the risks posed to Palestinian institution-building efforts.
@UNSCO_MEPP on X (Twitter)
UNSCO Special Coordinator briefed the Security Council today on the situation in #Gaza and the #WestBank. The humanitarian crisis demands immediate action. #MEPP #Palestine
Deputy SC Alakbarov: "We continue to call for the protection of all civilians, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a sustainable political path toward a two-state solution." #MiddleEast
UNSCO urges all parties to recommit to international law and the principles underpinning the two-state solution. A negotiated solution remains the only path to lasting peace. #MEPP
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