At the Arab League Summit, Guterres called for a ceasefire in Gaza and regional unity
“The war in Gaza is an open wound that threatens to infect the entire region,” he said. speak.
“In terms of speed and scale, this is the deadliest conflict of my time as Secretary-General – for civilians, aid workers, journalists and our UN colleagues.”
He emphasized that nothing could justify the heinous October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, or the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
Rafah attack ‘unacceptable’
The Secretary-General warned against an attack on Rafah, which would be “unacceptable” as “it would cause another wave of pain and suffering when we need increased aid to save network”.
He also expressed concern about tensions in the occupied West Bank, highlighting the spike in illegal Israeli settlements, settler violence and the use of force by the Israel Defense Forces excesses, as well as demolitions and evictions.
United Nations Office of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHAreported on Thursday that the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, still alarming. Nearly 1,400 people – mainly from pastoral families – have been displaced since October, amid ongoing settler violence and access restrictions.
OCHA said earlier this week that the last two remaining families in the Ein Samiya herding community in Ramallah were forced to leave following attacks by Israeli settlers still in the area, thus preventing prevent them from returning.
The secretary-general told Arab leaders that the only lasting way to end the cycle of violence and instability between Israelis and Palestinians is through a two-state solution.
“The demographic and historical character of Jerusalem must be preserved and the status quo in the Holy Lands must be maintained, in accordance with the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,” he added.
Peace for Sudan
Turning to Sudan, the UN chief called on the international community to step up efforts towards peace and called on the warring parties to agree on a lasting ceasefire.
More than a year of fighting between Sudan’s army and a rival paramilitary force known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has sparked a humanitarian crisis. Thousands of civilians were killed and 18 million people faced impending famine.
He also called for protecting “fragile political processes in Libya and Yemen,” and encouraged the Syrian people to come together in a spirit of reconciliation, honor their diversity, and respect human rights for everyone.
Reform the multilateral system
Mr. Guterres also focused on other serious global crises, including the climate emergency; Inequality and poverty are increasing; crush debt; and the potential and dangers of new technology such as artificial intelligence (AI).
“We need profound reform of the global multilateral system – from Security Council with international financial structures – so they are truly universal and representative of today’s reality,” he added.
He pointed Future Summit at United Nations Headquarters this September as “an important opportunity to build momentum for a more inclusive and connected multilateralism”.
Call for solidarity
The Secretary-General pointed to the huge potential in the Arab region.
Emphasizing that unity is the only condition for success in today’s world, he said division allows outsiders to intervene – fueling conflict, fueling sectarian tensions and unintentionally promoting fundamentalism. terrorist meaning.
“These are obstacles to the peaceful development and happiness of your people,” he told the leaders.
“Overcoming those obstacles requires breaking the cycle of foreign division and manipulation – and moving forward together to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the people of the Arab world. Arabic and more.”
