In a resolute address on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that only a two-state solution can ensure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Guterres called for urgent action to address the violence and suffering that have intensified in the region (Gaza).
ESCALATING CONFLICT IN GAZA
Addressing the annual session of the Committee, Guterres expressed deep concern over the heightened violence and suffering, particularly since the October 7 attack by Hamas and other militants based in Gaza, followed by Israel’s subsequent military offensive. He emphasized that the past 120 days have left an indelible scar on humanity and conscience, with death, destruction, displacement, hunger, and grief plaguing Gaza.
The relentless bombardment by Israeli forces has resulted in civilian deaths and widespread destruction, reaching a pace and scale unlike anything witnessed in recent years. Over 26,750 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have reportedly been killed, and more than 70% of civilian infrastructure severely damaged or destroyed. With over 1.7 million people displaced, uncertainty looms over their ability to return to homes that may no longer exist.
HUMANITARIAN CRISIS AND UNRWA’S VITAL ROLE
Expressing alarm over the collapsing humanitarian system in Gaza, Guterres called for rapid, safe, and sustained humanitarian access, particularly in the north where access has been denied. He appealed for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and cooperation with UN actors on the ground. Guterres highlighted the prompt action taken on serious allegations that several UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 attacks, with investigations already underway.
“I was personally horrified by these accusations,” he stated, underscoring the importance of maintaining UNRWA’s vital work to meet the dire needs of civilians in Gaza. Despite challenges, Guterres emphasized the necessity of ensuring the continuity of UNRWA services to Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, stating that it is the backbone of all humanitarian responses in Gaza.
REGIONAL CONCERNS AND URGENT CALLS FOR DE-ESCALATION
Shifting focus to the occupied West Bank, Guterres expressed concern over settler violence and Palestinian attacks. He highlighted hostilities across the Blue Line, the separation between Israeli and Lebanese armed forces, as well as attacks in Syria, Iraq, and the Red Sea. Urging urgent steps to de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence, Guterres emphasized the need for tangible progress towards a two-state solution based on 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
UN COMMITTEE’S MANDATE AND GLOBAL COMMITMENT
The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, mandated by the UN General Assembly, plays a crucial role in promoting the rights of the Palestinian people, raising public awareness, and mobilizing assistance. Comprising 25 UN Member States and 24 observers, including the State of Palestine, the committee serves as a focal point for addressing the complex challenges in the region.
A PLEA FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENT
In a final plea, Guterres stressed the need for unwavering international commitment. He called for collaborative efforts to advance a meaningful peace process that breaks the tragic cycles of fear, hatred, and violence, building a more peaceful and hopeful future for both Palestinians and Israelis.
As the international community grapples with the urgent calls for action in the midst of the Gaza crisis, the Secretary-General’s words echo the need for decisive steps towards a lasting resolution, emphasizing the significance of a two-state solution in achieving peace in the turbulent Middle East.
