In a tradition that started when he served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to shine a light on Muslim communities in distress, Mr. Guterres arrived in Cairo on Saturday, where he reiterated his urgent calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and the cessation of violence, notably in Gaza and Sudan. His visit underscores the UN’s commitment to addressing pressing humanitarian concerns in conflict zones.

While in Egypt, the Secretary-General will travel to the northern region of Sinai, which has been heavily affected by conflict. During his visit, he conversed with UN aid personnel in Rafah on the Egyptian border to address ways to alleviate the troubles faced by those trapped in the midst of the conflict.

UN Photo/Mark Garten

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres (on the left), visits a Palestinian individual receiving medical treatment at a hospital in El Arish, Egypt.

have happened in the past and continue to

There have been previous instances of meetings with families from Palestine that are ongoing.

On Saturday morning, the United Nations leader visited civilians and their families from Gaza at the General Hospital in El Arish, Egypt. He spoke with women and children who had been hurt in the ongoing conflict.

He encountered a young boy, aged 10, who had suffered the loss of his left hand and one leg. Tragically, his brother had passed away and another sibling was wounded.

The speaker shared about hearing from those who have been harmed, witnessed the death or injury of their loved ones, and endured immense suffering. It is impossible to not feel deeply saddened…and to express the urgent need to “stop the violence”; there must be an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

I am trapped in an endless nightmare.

He spoke to reporters at the Rafah border crossing near Gaza on Saturday afternoon, saying that Ramadan is an opportunity to promote compassion, community, and peace. This comes following China and Russia’s rejection of a US-proposed resolution to the Security Council which would have prioritized a ceasefire and provision of aid to the enclave.

He expressed dismay that the people of Gaza are facing Israeli attacks and obstacles even during the holy month of Ramadan, despite enduring months of suffering.

It pains me to think about how many people in Gaza will not be able to experience a proper iftar during Ramadan while fasting with you.

According to him, the people of Gaza, including children, women and men, are trapped in an unending nightmare. Their communities have been destroyed and their homes demolished, resulting in entire families and future generations being wiped out. The population is now facing hunger and starvation.

The postponement of aid is deemed a “moral atrocity”.

“Here from this crossing, we see the heartbreak and heartlessness of it all,” he said, pointing to a long line of blocked relief trucks on one side of the gates and the “long shadow of starvation on the other”.

He stated that the situation is incredibly tragic and morally unjust, and cautioned against any further attacks as it will only exacerbate the suffering of Palestinian civilians, hostages, and the region’s inhabitants.

We demand the immediate release of hostages and an immediate ceasefire.

According to the speaker, the evidence shows that there is an urgent need for a humanitarian truce and a firm pledge from Israel to allow unrestricted entry of essential items into Gaza. He stressed that, in the spirit of compassion during Ramadan, it is necessary to promptly free all individuals being held captive.

He implored all countries in the United Nations to back the essential work carried out by UNRWA, the organization responsible for providing vital aid to the people of Gaza who are escaping from peril.

“I promise to keep collaborating with Egypt to improve the efficiency of aid delivery,” he conveyed to the Palestinian people in Gaza, assuring them that they have support.

The UN employees distribute aid in the northern region of the Gaza Strip.

“Let us fully inundate Gaza with assistance.”

The statement expressed that people everywhere are incredibly upset by the current horrors in front of us. He also stated that he represents the majority of individuals who have reached their limit and continue to believe that humanity and basic morality should define us as a global society.

He stated that this was our sole source of hope.

The speaker urged for immediate and extensive delivery of essential aid to Gaza in order to prevent a dire situation. The options are straightforward: take swift action or risk mass hunger. Let’s make the compassionate and hopeful choice, and align with the right side of history.

He affirmed, “I refuse to surrender,” and urged us all to continue doing everything in our power for the sake of our shared humanity.

Young ones in Gaza are holding lanterns in honor of the arrival of Ramadan.

to Blessings Haiti

Yearly journey to show support and unity during the holy month of Ramadan in Blessings, Haiti.

As a symbol of unity, Mr. Guterres will participate in a Ramadan meal known as iftar with refugees from Sudan who have left their country due to ongoing conflicts.

He is anticipated to stress the significance of peace and stability, specifically during Ramadan, and encourage all involved parties to observe a ceasefire.

In addition, the Secretary-General will participate in talks with authorities in Egypt, advancing diplomatic initiatives to tackle regional difficulties and promote collaboration in resolving conflicts.

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, discusses his yearly visits of solidarity during the month of Ramadan with UN News. (file)

Trips to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Jordan.

After completing his duties in Egypt, Mr. Guterres will travel to Amman, Jordan to continue his Ramadan solidarity tour. During his time in Jordan, he will visit the facilities of UNRWA, the UN agency that assists Palestinian refugees by providing vital services. This visit serves as a reminder of the UN’s dedication to aiding marginalized communities during times of hardship.

While in Amman, the Secretary-General will join in a Ramadan iftar with Palestine refugees and UN employees, emphasizing the significance of empathy and solidarity in challenging circumstances.

He is also set to have discussions with officials from Jordan, strengthening teamwork in tackling local issues and advancing peace and stability.

As tensions and crises persist around the world, Secretary-General Guterres’ visit during Ramadan is a reminder of the UN’s dedicated effort to promoting humanitarian values and promoting peace in even the most difficult situations.

More to come…

Source: news.un.org