UN Chief Calls for Palestinian Rights and Peace
On the opening day of the 2025 session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a poignant address in New York. His remarks highlighted the urgent need to address the rights of Palestinians, emphasizing their fundamental right to live peacefully in their own land. Guterres acknowledged the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for immediate action from the international community. His speech underscored the importance of a permanent ceasefire and the necessity of reaffirming the two-State solution as a pathway to lasting peace in the region.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Guterres painted a stark picture of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He reported that nearly 50,000 people, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict. The destruction of essential infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water facilities, has left the population in dire straits. The UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the widespread displacement, hunger, and disease affecting the majority of Gaza’s residents. Children have been particularly hard hit, with many out of school for over a year, leading to a generation that is homeless and traumatized.
In light of this crisis, Guterres welcomed the recent ceasefire and hostage release deal, thanking mediators such as Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their efforts. However, he stressed the need for a clear path forward. The UN is committed to providing humanitarian aid, but this requires rapid and sustained access to those in need. Guterres called on member states and donors to fully fund humanitarian operations and support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The urgency of the situation demands immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Reaffirming the Two-State Solution
A central theme of Guterres’ address was the necessity of reaffirming the two-State solution. He argued that any lasting peace in the region must involve tangible progress towards this goal. The Secretary-General emphasized that the occupation must end, and an independent Palestinian State must be established, with Gaza as an integral part. He asserted that a viable and sovereign Palestinian State living peacefully alongside Israel is essential for stability in the Middle East.
Guterres also highlighted the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He expressed grave concern over rising violence from Israeli settlers and other violations of international law. The Secretary-General called for an immediate cessation of violence, reiterating that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory must come to an end. He urged the international community to respect international law and ensure accountability for violations.
The Role of the International Community
In his remarks, Guterres underscored the critical role of the international community in supporting Palestinian rights and governance. He stressed the importance of preserving the unity and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. A strong and unified Palestinian governance is essential for recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The international community must lend its support to the Palestinian Authority to achieve this goal.
The UN Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to peace, stability, and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. He commended the Committee for its dedication to these objectives and called on the international community to fully support their efforts. Guterres’ address serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address the humanitarian crisis and work towards a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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