United Nations/Prensa Latina
The Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres, considered this Thursday the crisis in Gaza as his greatest frustration when insisting on his demand for a ceasefire and greater entry of aid.
At a press conference from the United Nations headquarters in New York, the high representative regretted the extension of the conflict despite his multiple calls to stop it and respect international law.
The UN chief described the war in the enclave as one of the main threats to world peace as the situation for civilians worsens and humanitarian operations face denials of access, delays, impediments and multiple dangers, including live fire.
In addition to the death and destruction caused by the military offensive, hunger and disease are ravaging Palestinians in Gaza, he said, confirming that only 10 of the 61 aid convoys planned for the north reached their destination in January.
Food and water are needed for desperate civilians, medicine and fuel are needed for hospitals and other vital supplies for a population in a dire situation, he added.
The UN chief warned in particular about reports that the Israeli army intends to next focus on Rafah, where half of the Strip’s population remains.
“All of this underlines the need to fully respect international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and ensuring that their essential needs are met,” he recalled.
We are clear in condemning the horrific attacks by Hamas but we are also clear in condemning the violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, he added.
The Secretary General also highlighted his drive for a peace agenda, a desire that he considered the common thread for the world’s challenges.
“The way to restore trust is by making a real and positive difference in people’s lives, solving people’s problems,” he considered.
Among other obstacles, the Portuguese diplomat mentioned the climate emergency, the dangers posed by unbridled artificial intelligence, the multiplication of conflicts and geopolitical divisions.
In his opinion, addressing these priorities will require a serious conversation between developed and developing countries; between rich and emerging economies; between north and south, east and west.
“This is a year to focus on the future, and we will hold our Future Summit in September. This is a year to focus on people’s challenges today too,” she concluded.
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