By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN chief Antonio Guterres on Saturday renewed his call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and upheld the need for a two-State solution between Israelis and Palestinians in a speech on at the League of Arab States Summit in Baghdad.
Guterres told leaders in Baghdad that “the region and the world face trials and tests on all fronts,” starting with the situation in Gaza.
He reiterated that neither the atrocious 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas nor the collective punishment of the Palestinian people can be justified.
“We need a permanent ceasefire, now. The unconditional release of all hostages now. And the free flow of humanitarian aid ending the blockade, now,” he said.
He expressed alarm over reports that Israel plans to expand ground operations in Gaza and stressed that the UN “will not participate in any so-called aid operation that does not adhere to international law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.”
He called for full support for UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA, including funding.
Guterres rejected the repeated displacement of the Gaza population, as well as any suggestion of forced displacement outside Gaza, and urged leaders to remain focused on the terrible situation in the occupied West Bank.
He said “Let’s be clear,”. “Annexation is illegal. Settlements are illegal. Only a two-State solution can deliver sustainable peace.”
Guterres said the high-level conference in June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity.
“The world, the region and, most of all, the people of Palestine and Israel cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear before our eyes,” he said.
He addressed the situation in Lebanon.
SG emphasized that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and the Government must have full control over the entire territory.
He was encouraged by continued progress on reforms as well as efforts to deploy the Lebanese Armed Forces to the south, with support from the UN Mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL.
Mr. Guterres discussed Syria, stated sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity are critical.
He urged strong support for an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that safeguards the rights and participation of all the country’s people and ensures their protection.
On Yemen, he noted that attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have caused significant damage to regional and local economies.
He hailed the cessation of hostilities between the Houthis and the United States, announced by Oman on 6 May.
Guterres called for the release of UN staff and other personnel in Yemen who have been arbitrarily arrested.
He noted that in Sudan, renewed and coordinated multilateral engagement is crucial to help stem appalling violence, famine, and mass displacement, he said, and thanked the Arab League and African Union for the excellent coordination meeting convened the previous day.
He also commended the Arab League’s efforts to strengthen multilateral coordination.
Guterres said that Somalia unity and inclusive dialogue are imperative. The assistance from Somalia’s partners will be essential in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants and to strengthen peace and security.
He said he has put forward a recommendation to the UN Security Council to enable predictable and sustainable financing for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in the country.
UN is actively engaged in efforts to end the confrontation between armed groups in Libya to preserve the independence of key oversight institutions, to address obstacles preventing national elections, and set the course for long-term stability and prosperity in line with the people’s needs and aspirations.
Mt. Guterres concluded his remarks by commended the progress Iraq has made over since the restoration of sovereignty in 2004, such as strengthening institutions, resolving outstanding disputes through dialogue, and promoting sustainable development as well as human rights.
He said the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq has accompanied the country on this path and is working to ensure the successful delivery of its residual mandate and an orderly drawdown by the end of the year.
“Despite the enormous challenges, let us draw lessons and hope from here in Baghdad. Working in unity and solidarity, we can help resolve conflicts and build a future of peace and prosperity,” he added.
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