New York: International concern over the Middle East peace process has intensified as the United Nations Security Council reviewed the stalled implementation of the Gaza peace plan alongside rising violence and settlement activity in the West Bank.

The Security Council meeting on September 28 focused on two interconnected developments: difficulties in implementing the remaining stages of the Gaza peace framework and worsening conditions in the occupied West Bank.

Gaza Plan Yet to Reach Full Implementation

According to the latest UN briefing, important elements of the Gaza peace framework remain incomplete. These include Hamas’ disarmament and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The UN has also emphasized the need to move forward with humanitarian assistance, recovery and reconstruction while establishing arrangements for the administration of Gaza.

A US-backed reconstruction initiative announced during the UN General Assembly week has proposed an initial six-month programme worth about $2.45 billion, covering infrastructure, healthcare, education, shelter and food security projects.

West Bank Violence Remains a Major Concern

The Security Council also examined developments in the West Bank, where the UN reported continuing settler attacks, displacement and settlement expansion.

The UN briefing stated that more than 1,600 settler attacks had been recorded during 2026 up to the latest reporting period, while thousands of Palestinians had been displaced. The UN also raised concerns about the potential consequences of settlement expansion for the territorial continuity of the West Bank.

E1 Settlement Project Draws International Attention

One particular focus is the proposed development in the E1 area near East Jerusalem.

UN officials have warned that development there could affect the geographical connection between northern and southern parts of the West Bank and complicate prospects for a future two-state arrangement.

The United Kingdom also told the Security Council that it remains concerned about developments threatening the two-state framework.

United States States Position on Annexation

During the Security Council discussion, the United States said it opposes Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank and warned that such moves could undermine efforts surrounding the Gaza peace initiative.

The issue illustrates the wider diplomatic disagreements surrounding the future political status of the West Bank and the broader Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Humanitarian Situation Remains Critical

The UN has also reported severe humanitarian needs in Gaza, including shortages affecting clean water, healthcare, shelter, education and other essential services.

At the same time, international organizations are preparing recovery and reconstruction programmes intended to address damage caused by the conflict.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue

The latest Security Council discussions demonstrate that the Gaza peace framework remains a major issue in international diplomacy.

Implementation will depend on progress over security arrangements, disarmament, Israeli military withdrawal, humanitarian access, governance and reconstruction. Meanwhile, developments in the West Bank continue to influence the wider political environment.

The coming weeks are therefore expected to remain important for determining whether the peace framework can move from planning and diplomatic commitments toward fuller implementation on the ground.