Gaza has “become the bedrock of human suffering that is difficult to conceive,” the secretary-general told reporters in New York, before turning his attention to the massive displacement — a family forced to move six times — the death of women and children, attacks on journalists, hospitals and schools.
“There is something fundamentally wrong with the way this war is being waged,” Guterres said.
Former Portuguese Prime Minister on UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees Special attention was paid to the agency (UNRWA), which is to be declared illegal by the Israeli parliament, passing the first parliamentary procedure.
The United Nations chief said he had personally written to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has not responded to attempts to contact him for a year, to express his deep concern about the future of UNRWA, the humanitarian backbone. Answer in Gaza”.
Guterres warned Israel that banning UNRWA would “absolutely contradict the United Nations Charter and violate Israel’s obligations under international law” because “national laws cannot change those obligations.”
In the letter, the Secretary-General said banning UNRWA’s activities “would be a disaster adding to an already complete disaster” and would also complicate the political situation as it would lead to greater instability and insecurity.
Also, Antonio Guterres warned against expanding the conflict to Lebanon and other neighboring regions, and equated the situation in the Middle East to “a powder keg where many parties are competing.”
Despite bombings in civilian areas in response to Hezbollah airstrikes, displacing thousands of people and Israel’s ground incursions, the UN chief insisted there was still time to stop the escalation in Lebanon.
Guterres wanted to pay tribute to “the men and women of UNIFIL (the UN mission in southern Lebanon) who are serving today in the most difficult environment for blue helmets anywhere in the world.”
All parties must guarantee the security of these 10,000 agents, he said.
Israel asked UNIFIL to vacate part of its positions in the area near the border, but the mission refused to comply with these orders, adding to a new tension between Israel and the UN.
Also, Guterres called for greater international commitment to Lebanon in the financial chapter, as only 12% of the $426 million (€467.4 million) needed to respond to the humanitarian appeal has been raised.
Finally, the UN chief reiterated his call for a cease-fire in both Gaza and Lebanon and the unconditional release of hostages by Hamas and immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza’s residents. Imposed by Israel.
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