Doha: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Tuesday for the immediate resumption of serious negotiations to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need to avoid a war that would once again plunge millions into suffering and further destabilize the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, in his speech during the opening session of the extraordinary Arab summit hosted by Egypt at the request of Palestine, dedicated to discussing developments in the Palestinian issue and ways to support the Palestinian people, Guterres stressed the importance of removing all obstacles to the effective delivery of life-saving aid. He added that humanitarian aid is non-negotiable and must flow without obstruction. The response must be adequately funded, and civilians including humanitarian workers must be protected.
UN Secretary-General urged the parties to adhere to their commitments and implement them fully, calling on member states to use all their influence to support this effort. He stated that ending the current crisis is not enough and that a clear political framework is needed to lay the foundation for Gaza’s recovery, reconstruction, and lasting stability, based on the principles of international law and respect for it.
He described the situation unfolding in the West Bank as “alarming,” especially as it witnesses the largest displacement operation in decades, with the use of airstrikes and tanks by Israeli forces for the first time in more than twenty years, while settler violence continues to increase. He stressed that Israel must fully comply with all its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.
Antonio Guterres also highlighted the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, to shape their future, and to live on their land in freedom and security, stating that irreversible steps must be taken now towards achieving a two-state solution before it’s too late, as it is the only path to lasting peace.