Speak in Jordan at an international conference prompted by the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Mr. Guterres emphasized that after more than eight months of intense fighting, “the horror must stop”.
“I welcome the peace initiative recently outlined by President Biden and urge all parties to implement it.” Seize this opportunity and come to an agreement”, said the head of the United Nations. “And I call on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. This includes facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid into and within Gaza as they have committed to. All available routes into Gaza must operate – and roads are extremely important.”
On Monday, the US-drafted text called on Hamas to accept a ceasefire proposal announced by President Joe Biden on May 31 and accepted by Israel, according to the White House.
The document calls on both sides to fully implement the terms of the proposal.without delay and without conditions”. It has been accepted by the majority 14 votes were in favor and Russia abstained – choosing not to exercise the veto.
Stand with UNRWA
Emphasizing the important role of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees in this devastated area, UNRWA – which has been attacked and ostracized by Israeli leaders – the Secretary-General emphasized that their presence “will remain crucial not only during the conflict but also afterward”.
The UN chief said the latest reports from Gaza showed that about 60% of all residential buildings and at least 80% of commercial establishments had been damaged by Israeli bombing, including Medical facilities and educational facilities are reduced to rubble.
In addition, more than a million “deeply traumatized children in Gaza” need the psychosocial support as well as the safety and hope that their schools once provided, Mr. Guterres said, before emphasizing that “only UNRWA has it competencies, skills and networks need to support the Palestinian people facing enormous challenges in health, education and more.”
Obstacles to aid access still exist
Given the acute and repeated warnings from humanitarian organizations about the scale of the dire emergency across Gaza related to lack of access to aid, the UN chief noted that “At least half of all humanitarian aid missions are denied access, hindered or canceled for operational or security reasons.”
Meanwhile, in Geneva, the United Nations human rights office, OHCHRexpressed deep shock at the impact of the hostage release operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza over the weekend.
OHCHR spokesman Jeremy Laurence said that hundreds of Palestinians – many of them civilians – were killed and injured and how the raid was carried out “in such a densely populated area”. raises serious questions” whether Israeli forces respect the principles of segregation. proportionality and prevention, as prescribed in the laws of war.
