NEW YORK: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, citing alleged violations of international law, and called for an immediate ceasefire during a high-level session of the UN Security Council.
Addressing the Security Council, Guterres warned against the “collective punishment” of the innocent Palestinian people. He stated, “I am deeply concerned about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza. Let me be clear: No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law.” Although he did not explicitly name Israel, his remarks were directed at the ongoing Israeli brutalities in Gaza.
The UN chief highlighted the plight of Palestinians who have endured decades of occupation. He reported that over 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli bombardments in the Gaza Strip, according to the Gaza health ministry. Guterres highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, where fuel supplies are running critically low.
UN Chief Stresses Humanitarian Aid for Gaza
Guterres welcomed the crossing of three aid convoys through the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza but noted that more substantial aid was necessary to alleviate the suffering of the people. He reiterated his appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery and ensure the safety of hostages.
The UN Security Council session brought together top diplomats, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who announced a new resolution incorporating feedback from previous discussions. Blinken defended Israel’s right to self-defense and questioned the lack of international outrage over the killings of Israelis. The United States had previously vetoed a draft resolution that called for ceasefire.
Riyad Al-Maliki, Palestinian foreign minister, criticized the Security Council’s inaction in the face of ongoing Israeli attacks. He condemned Israel’s actions as deliberate and systematic massacres against the Palestinian civilian population and called for immediate intervention to stop the violence.
