Informal comments to the media by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the situation in the Middle East.
Briefing reporters on the situation in Gaza, Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The way forward is clear. A humanitarian ceasefire. Now. All parties respecting all their obligations under international humanitarian law. Now.”
Speaking today (06 Nov) in New York, Guterres said that the nightmare in Gaza is more than a humanitarian crisis. It is a crisis of humanity, adding that the intensifying conflict is shaking the world, rattling the region and, most tragically, destroying so many innocent lives.
The UN chief reiterated his utter condemnation of the abhorrent acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October – and repeated his call for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of hostages held in Gaza.
“Nothing can justify the deliberate torture, killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians,” Guterres emphasized.
He highlighted, “The protection of civilians must be paramount.”
The UN chief said, “I am deeply concerned about clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing,” reiterating that “no party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law.”
Gaza is becoming a "graveyard for children." Hundreds of girls and boys are reportedly being killed or injured every day. More journalists have reportedly been killed over a four-week period than in any conflict in at least three decades. More United Nations aid workers have been killed than in any comparable period in the history of our organization, Guterres noted.
He saluted all those who continue their life-saving work despite the overwhelming challenges and risks.
The Secretary-General said, “The unfolding catastrophe makes the need for a humanitarian ceasefire more urgent with every passing hour. The parties to the conflict -- and, indeed, the international community -- face an immediate and fundamental responsibility: to stop this inhuman collective suffering and dramatically expand humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
Today, the UN and its partners are launching a $1.2 billion humanitarian appeal to help 2.7 million people – that’s the entire population of the Gaza Strip and half a million Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Some life-saving aid is getting into Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah crossing. But the trickle of assistance does not meet the ocean of need, Guterre said.
He explained, “The Rafah crossing alone does not have the capacity to process aid trucks at the scale required,” adding that “just over 400 trucks have crossed into Gaza over the past two weeks – compared with 500 a day before the conflict.”
The UN chief continued, “And crucially, this does not include fuel. Without fuel, newborn babies in incubators and patients on life support will die. Water cannot be pumped or purified. Raw sewage could soon start gushing onto the streets, further spreading disease. Trucks loaded with critical relief will be stranded.”
The UN chief also remains “gravely” concerned about rising violence and an expansion of the conflict. The occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, “is at a boiling point,” he added.
Guterres continued, “Let us also not forget the importance of addressing the risks of the conflict spilling over to the wider region. We are already witnessing a spiral of escalation from Lebanon and Syria, to Iraq and Yemen.”
He reitareted, "That escalation must stop. Cool heads and diplomatic efforts must prevail. Hateful rhetoric and provocative actions must cease.”
The Secretary-General also highlighted, “I am deeply troubled by the rise in antisemitism and anti-Muslim bigotry.”
He said, “Jewish and Muslim communities in many parts of the world are on high alert, fearing for their personal safety and security. Emotions are at a fever pitch. Tensions are running high. The images of suffering are heart breaking and soul crushing. But we must find a way to hold on to our common humanity.”
The UN chief concluded, “We must act now to find a way out of this brutal, awful, agonizing dead end of destruction. To help end the pain and suffering. To help heal the broken. And to help pave the way to peace, to a two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living in peace and security.”
