The start of the war in Gaza following the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October was “like an avalanche” that caught the international community by surprise, including the UN, the senior official leading peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians recalled this week.

Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, sat down for an exclusive interview with UN News’s Reem Abaza as he prepares to leave the post after four years and following decades of service with Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Mr. Wennesland discusses the aftermath of the escalation in Gaza, prospects for a two-State solution despite attempts at undermining it, and why the international community must take the lead in helping the sides to reach a resolution.