UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate “humanitarian ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip. During a briefing prior to a UN Security Council session focusing on the Middle East and the Palestinian matter, Guterres emphasized the blatant violations of international humanitarian law occurring in the region.
He stressed the importance of facilitating the distribution of aid in a secure and reliable manner to alleviate the immense suffering. Guterres expressed his deep concern over the continued breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza, underscoring that all parties involved in any armed conflict must adhere to these legal standards.
Guterres made it clear that there is no justification for the widespread loss of life happening in Gaza. He reiterated that the only realistic foundation for lasting peace and stability in the region is the two-state solution.
Furthermore, Guterres called for the increased entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, citing the recent arrival of three convoys via the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. He emphasized that the aid delivered thus far is only a fraction of the region’s urgent requirements. He also revealed the imminent depletion of United Nations fuel stocks in Gaza, warning of the impending crisis that this situation will cause.
