United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the repeated and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian aid access. His remarks were delivered at the Arab League Summit in Baghdad, where he reaffirmed the UN’s stance against any forced relocation of Gaza’s population.
Guterres’ Statement at the Summit
Guterres expressed deep concern over reports of Israel’s expanded ground operations in Gaza, warning that such actions violate international humanitarian law.
“We reject the repeated displacement of Gaza’s population—or any notion of forcibly displacing them outside Gaza,” Guterres stated, urging the international community to uphold humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality.
He also called for:
- An immediate and lasting ceasefire to end hostilities.
- The unconditional release of all hostages held in Gaza.
- The free flow of humanitarian aid to alleviate the crisis.
UN’s Position on the West Bank and Regional Stability
Guterres also addressed the West Bank, stating that annexation and settlements are illegal under international law. He reiterated that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace in the region.
Additionally, he urged the international community to focus on Lebanon’s sovereignty, Syria’s territorial integrity, and Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need for multilateral cooperation to resolve ongoing conflicts.
Global Reactions and Next Steps
Guterres’ remarks have drawn attention from world leaders, with calls for diplomatic intervention to prevent further escalation. The upcoming high-level conference on the two-state solution, scheduled for June, is expected to be a crucial platform for discussions on Palestinian statehood and regional stability.
As tensions continue, the UN remains committed to protecting civilian lives and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
