In his speech at the yearly meeting of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the leader of the United Nations expressed strong worry about the escalation of violence and distress, especially after the October 7 assault by Hamas and other extremist groups located in Gaza and Israel’s subsequent military operation.

He stated that the events of the past 120 days in Gaza, including death, destruction, displacement, hunger, loss, and grief, are a shame on our collective humanity and moral values.

The non-stop attack from Israeli forces in Gaza led to the loss of civilian lives and widespread destruction, which was described as being unprecedented in recent times.

According to reports, more than 26,750 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have lost their lives in the area. Additionally, over 70% of civilian buildings and facilities have been greatly damaged or completely destroyed. As a result, over 1.7 million individuals in the region have been forced to leave their homes and are uncertain if they will have a place to go back to.

UNRWA – ‘backbone’ of aid in Gaza

The Secretary-General expressed concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and urged for swift, secure, and continuous access for aid efforts. He called for an urgent ceasefire to allow for humanitarian efforts and requested cooperation with United Nations personnel on-site.

He emphasized that the Organization has quickly responded to the very serious allegations that some UNRWA employees were implicated in the October 7th attacks. The highest investigative body has already launched an investigation.

“I was deeply disturbed by these allegations,” he stated, further mentioning that he also held a meeting with the organization’s benefactors on Tuesday “to hear their apprehensions and discuss the measures we are implementing to resolve them.”

He emphasized the significance of maintaining UNRWA’s crucial efforts in order to address the urgent requirements of civilians in Gaza, and to guarantee its ongoing provision of services to Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

He stated that UNRWA is the main support system for all humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza.

Unrest in the West Bank under Israeli occupation.

Focusing on the West Bank, Mr. Guterres conveyed his worries about aggression from Israeli settlers and Palestinian retaliation, as well as conflicts along the Blue Line dividing Israeli and Lebanese military, and assaults in Syria, Iraq, and the Red Sea region.

He pleaded for immediate actions to reduce tensions and prevent further violence in the region before it becomes too late.

The Secretary-General made a last appeal, emphasizing the importance of making actual advancements towards a two-State resolution founded on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem serving as the capital for both countries. This aligns with resolutions from the UN and international laws.

We must stand firm in our dedication to the international community. Together, let’s strive for progress in a peace process that will break the never-ending patterns of fear, animosity, and aggression, and create a brighter and more peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis.

The Committee

The UN General Assembly has tasked the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People with advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people, increasing public knowledge, and gathering support for their cause.

There are 25 countries that make up this group of UN members, and there are also 24 observers, one of which is the State of Palestine.

The current leader of the Committee is Cheikh Niang from Senegal.

Source: news.un.org