On January 17, 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed former Dutch Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag as the new UN envoy for the Middle East. Kaag will also serve as the UN Senior Coordinator for Humanitarian Assistance and Reconstruction in Gaza, according to a UN spokesperson.
This appointment comes just before a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is anticipated to begin, with the Israeli government expected to approve the truce soon, aimed to take effect on Sunday.
Kaag emphasized the need for involved leaders to ensure meaningful changes in Gaza and Israel, stating, 'This is important for the hostages and their families, as well as for all citizens who have suffered endlessly.' She mentioned detailed plans are in place to assist the population of Gaza, but implementation remains challenging due to the dire conditions.
The UN aims for the Palestinian Authority to take control in Gaza, rather than Hamas, which has governed the area since its attack on Israel in October 2023. Kaag stressed the necessity of a reliable future plan to encourage governments and investors to contribute to the reconstruction.
Kaag has previously worked with the UN and is fluent in Arabic. She served in various ministerial roles in the Netherlands, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, before leaving national politics in 2024.