UN envoy warns of ‘last chance’ to prevent all-out war between Hamas and Israel

Nikolay Mladenov, Middle East diplomat at the United Nations, spoke of the 'risk of war' remaining 'imminent' following cross-border conflict in previous weeks

An Israeli soldier stands at a gathering point in Israel Gaza Border, Monday, May 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

The UN envoy to the Middle East has warned of the “last chance” to prevent an all-out conflict between Israel and Gaza militants.

Nikolay Mladenov said the “risk of war remains imminent”, a week after a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers ended the worst fighting since a war in 2014.

The spate of violence killed 25 Palestinians, including 10 militants, and four Israeli civilians.

Mr Mladenov, launching a solar power plant for a Gaza hospital, said parties must “consolidate the understandings” of the ceasefire.

Nickolay Mladenov (Wikipedia/ Ottokars)

The deal, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the UN, promises to let in fuel and humanitarian aid and ease the movement of people from the blockaded territory.

A Qatari cash infusion, meant for thousands of needy families as part of the ceasefire understandings, arrived on Monday.

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