Secretary-General addresses UN Security Council meeting on Middle East. UN Secretary-General warns of ‘existential threat’ to Palestinian territory Peace and Security
Speaking at a Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, the UN Secretary-General called on the international community to seize the opportunity provided by the Gaza ceasefire to step up efforts to address governance and security issues in the strip.
“Yesterday, as part of the first phase, the first three female hostages were released. Ninety Palestinian prisoners were also released. This exchange brings relief to families on both sides,” Antonio Guterres said.
The Integrity of Palestine
Antonio Guterres said the Palestinian Authority was ready to assume the role of a stabilizing force in Gaza. “I urge collective support for the establishment of security and governance mechanisms that will allow Gaza to reunite with the West Bank politically, economically, socially and administratively,” he said.
At the same time, the UN chief noted with regret that the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate, with clashes, expansion of illegal settlements and demolition of Palestinian homes continuing there.
“I am deeply concerned about the existential threat to the integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory of Gaza and the West Bank,” said Antonio Guterres. “Senior Israeli officials are openly talking about the need to annex all or part of the West Bank in the coming months. Any such annexation would be a serious violation of international law. It is clear that action to achieve a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, is needed to strengthen stability in the Middle East.”
Aid to Gaza
The Secretary-General stressed that the UN continues to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, with more than 630 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies arriving in the Strip yesterday alone.
Antonio Guterres stressed the need for “rapid, safe and unimpeded” access to the enclave for humanitarian organizations, including the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
“A period of profound transformation”
In his speech, Antonio Guterres called the Middle East a region experiencing “a period of profound transformation,” full of both uncertainty and great opportunities.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the people of the Middle East emerge from this turbulent period with peace, dignity and hope for a better future,” the Secretary-General stressed.
Political Progress in Lebanon
Speaking about his recent visit to Lebanon, Guterres expressed optimism about political progress in the country, noting efforts to form a government that will represent the interests of all Lebanese people and ensure their security. He also praised the work of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Since 27 November last year, UNIFIL has carried out more than 730 missions in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, as well as 39 humanitarian missions.
The Secretary-General called on all parties to implement Security Council resolution 1701. It is imperative that the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon end, he added.