By: Annaliese Bowser

While there has been little tension as of yet in the Economic and Social Commission on Western Asia (ESCWA), all eyes are on how the commission will choose to best approach the storied Israel-Palestine conflict. Though the conflict is decades old, the devastation that has occurred throughout the Gaza Strip since 2023 is catastrophic and threatens the viability of public health in Gaza, while diminishing efforts toward sustainable recovery. Entire sections of Gaza have been decimated, including roads, residential units, hospitals and sources of food and water. A majority of members of ESCWA have expressed their concern about this, including the delegations of Egypt and Morocco. This has led to several different humanitarian crises. A 17 November report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), estimated that over 1 million people are currently living in temporary, improvised living sites throughout the Gaza Strip. The OCHA also reports that residential areas are still being bombed by Israeli forces, further displacing Palestinian citizens. This is something that has been addressed in ESCWA, as Member States debate about the best way to go about sustainably redeveloping much of the Gaza Strip. 

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza is at the forefront of the minds of ESCWA. Representative Zoe Martin of the Republic of Iraq, expressed the country’s support for a two-state solution. Representative Martin said, “An emphasis on humanitarian aid and holding those responsible for violating international law accountable.” Food and water shortages have caused widespread famine and limited access to proper healthcare, furthering the situation. In the past, the United Nations has searched for ways to ensure that the Palestinian people are afforded their rights. Specifically, rights such as security, water and environmental protection. The need for further intervention into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was also expressed by the United Arab Emirates, as Representative Easton Cortez said, “The UAE recognizes a two-state solution, and we think the most important part right now is to get humanitarian aid into Gaza.” The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has not been permitted to directly take any humanitarian aid, including food, into Gaza since March 2025. 

As this crisis becomes more prevalent than ever, ESCWA plans to address the issue of sustainable development within Gaza throughout the conference. Representative Brianna Ruveny Smalley of Yemen spoke of the importance of creating stability within Palestine. Representative Smalley said, “I hope that we find good solutions to help Palestine and assist them in growing and helping their economy.” While delegations are split between the idea of a one-state or two-state solution, they are largely a united front when it comes to the issue of finding solutions to the humanitarian crisis occurring in Palestine. How the commission chooses to set aside their differences to best serve those being impacted by the humanitarian issue is yet to be determined.