VIENNA, Austria: On the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning, condemning Israel’s collective punishment of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Guterres asserted that the recent operations by Hamas on October 7, “cannot justify” the severe measures imposed on the Palestinian population.
Expressing horror at the death and destruction engulfing the region, Guterres called for international unity in demanding an end to the occupation and blockade of Gaza. He described the current situation as “one of the darkest chapters” in Palestinian history, emphasizing the need for a long-term ceasefire and the release of captives held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Guterres drew attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where almost 1.7 million people have been displaced from their homes, facing an alarming lack of safety. The Secretary-General expressed condolences to families mourning loved ones, including UN personnel killed in Gaza, marking the largest loss in the organization’s history.
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was highlighted as an indispensable lifeline, delivering crucial support to millions of Palestinian refugees. Guterres emphasized the international community’s responsibility to stand with UNRWA as a vital source of aid for the Palestinian people.
While acknowledging the temporary truce brokered by Qatar, Guterres described it as “a glimpse of hope and humanity.” However, he cautioned that it provided insufficient time to meet Gaza’s urgent aid needs. The UN has been delivering humanitarian assistance via the Rafah border crossing from Egypt and seeks unrestricted access to deliver aid through the Kerem Shalom border crossing controlled by Israel.
Guterres called for unrestricted access to lifesaving aid, the release of hostages, protection of civilians, and an end to violations of international humanitarian law. The situation remains highly volatile, with global attention focused on diplomatic efforts to bring lasting peace to the troubled region.
