Remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
Guterres demands hostage release
UN Secretary-General António Guterres once again demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages being held by Palestinian militants in Gaza.
He said nothing can ever justify the deliberate killing, injuring, or kidnapping of any civilians, “the use of sexual violence against them or the indiscriminate launching of rockets” towards them.
He noted Israel was proposing a two month pause in hostilities in exchange for a “phased release” of the remaining hostages in the Strip.
“I will continue, in my limited capacity, to pursue all efforts to contribute to their release", he said.
‘Appalling humanitarian situation’
Stating that the entire population of Gaza is enduring destruction at a scale and speed without parallel in recent history, Mr. Guterres stressed that nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
With disease and hunger raging and needs skyrocketing, in the midst of winter, UN humanitarians and partners are striving to deliver despite overwhelming challenges, he said.
“Let’s face it. Despite all the efforts I described, no effective humanitarian aid operation can function under the conditions that have been forced on Palestinians in Gaza and those doing everything possible to help them", said the UN chief.
He reiterated the need for safety on the ground alongside telecommunications equipment for convoys, armoured vehicles, spare parts for vital infrastructure, more crossing points, easing verification and the end to denials of aid shipments.
“I renew my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. This will ensure sufficient aid gets to where it is needed, facilitate the release of hostages, and help lower tensions around the Middle East,” he stressed.
Screenshot Credit: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
