UN Security Council Holds Open Debate on Palestine; 60+ States Urge Ceasefire Consolidation Amid Settler Violence Alarm

The UN Security Council convened an open debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (UNSC meeting SC/16284), on May 5, 2026. UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov briefed the Council, calling for consolidation of the October 2025 ceasefire and raising alarm about escalating settler violence in the West Bank. Alakbarov reported that humanitarian conditions in Gaza remained critical, with aid flows well below what was needed for reconstruction to begin, and noted that the ongoing ceasefire violations documented by the Gaza Government Media Office — over 2,400 since October 2025 — were threatening the framework's survival. More than 60 member states delivered statements; the vast majority reaffirmed support for a two-state solution along 1967 lines. The European Union's statement noted that Israel's settlement expansion since October 2025 had undermined confidence in the peace process. Several developing nations called for Security Council action to enforce ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. The open debate followed High Representative Mladenov's travel to Israel the same day to meet with Netanyahu — an indication that the diplomatic pressure on the BoP's disarmament framework was at a peak.