The Palestinian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, urged a strategic shift in policy toward Israel. He argued that this is not a moment to let tensions escalate further and emphasized the need for measured steps that promote safety for civilians on both sides. According to statements attributed to the Palestinian mission, the path to a durable peace exists but requires concessions and practical, verifiable actions from all parties involved. The blockade of the Gaza Strip, Mansour suggested, does not neutralize armed groups but instead deepens humanitarian suffering among civilians, complicating prospects for a durable settlement. The UN-based diplomat underscored the importance of lifting restrictive measures and opening political horizons as essential elements in reducing violence and fostering dialogue with international mediators. He asserted that the conflict’s root causes must be addressed, noting that Palestinians have pursued their rights through peaceful means, while the use of force has continued to affect their daily lives and security without resolving core issues.
On a related development, a major escalation occurred on 7 October when Hamas forces reportedly launched several thousand rockets toward Israeli targets, and the group announced the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. This sequence of actions intensified the regional crisis and drew rapid responses from international actors seeking a de-escalation framework and a pathway back to negotiations. Observers point to the need for urgent humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and a renewed political process as central elements in any credible peace effort. The events triggered a formal declaration of war by Israeli leadership, intensifying concerns about civilian casualties and the risk to regional stability. Analysts and diplomats alike call for restraint, accountability, and a concerted international push to re-enter negotiations that address security, dignity, and rights for both Israelis and Palestinians.