The United Nations (U.N.) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried the spiraling humanitarian nightmare in Gaza in light of the U.S. blocking a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The U.N. Security Council met on Saturday to discuss the situation in Gaza, with Guterres warning that the conflict could lead to further escalation and loss of life.
Guterres’ statement came as he expressed his deep concern for the people of Gaza, who are being told to move about like “human pinballs, ricocheting from one disaster to another”.
The Secretary-General called for an immediate cease-fire and for the international community to take “concrete steps” towards a lasting and durable solution that respects the human rights of all Palestinians. He also stressed the need to end impunity for violations of international humanitarian law and to bring those responsible to justice.
Guterres noted that the current crisis has already exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with over 1.7 million people living in overcrowded, poverty-stricken and isolated conditions. He particularly noted the impact on children, who represent two-thirds of the population, and who risk being exposed to irreparable physical and psychological harm due to the conflict.
The Secretary-General condemned all forms of violence and incitement and called for all parties to protect civilians, including children, in line with international law. At the same time, he expressed his strong support for the work of civil society in Gaza, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and for the efforts of all of those who are trying to reduce the suffering of the people of Gaza.
He also praised the commitment of the international community in trying to resolve the crisis, and said he was working with the Security Council to ensure the “unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid” and ensure freedom of movement within and out of the Gaza Strip.
Guterres also expressed his strong conviction that the only way to achieve a lasting peace in the region is through a two-state solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of both sides and is based on the relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and past agreements.
The U.N. Secretary-General concluded his statement with a plea to all parties to recognize the human cost of the conflict and to seek a peaceful solution. He said he hoped that the voices of reason would prevail over those of hatred and violence and that all stakeholders involved in the conflict will take the vital steps needed to bring an end to this “spiraling humanitarian nightmare”.
