The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres stressed, “we gather here and our hearts break over what is happening to the Palestinians in Gaza. The war in Gaza is an open wound that may cause infection throughout the entire region.”
During his speech, Guterres added, “this conflict, with its rate and scale, is the most deadly of all the conflicts I have witnessed as Secretary-General, for civilians, aid workers, journalists and colleagues at the United Nations.”
He strongly condemned the collective punishment waged against the Palestinian people, stressing it cannot be justified.
“Entire families have been wiped out, children have been psychologically traumatized and harmed that will remain with them for life,” adding “People are deprived of the most basic necessities for survival.”
Guterres further denounced the Israeli offensive on the city of Rafah, considering it unacceptable.
“Famine is looming, and any attack on Rafah is unacceptable, as it would cause another wave of pain and misery, while we need a wave of life-saving aid.”
He highlighted the need for declaring an immediate ceasefire and to provide unhindered access to humanitarian aid to all parts of Gaza.
He expressed his deep concern over the tensions occurring in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is witnessing spikes in the establishment of illegal Israeli colonies, colonists violence, excessive use of force, and demolitions and evictions.
Guterres stressed that there is no permanent way to end the series of violence and unrest except the solution based on the existence of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
“The demographic and historical character of Jerusalem must be preserved, and the status quo in the holy places must be maintained.”
Source: WAFA
