UN chief Guterres calls for permanent Gaza ceasefire
United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the ceasefire in Gaza to become permanent, saying the hostilities that followed the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel must end as the third anniversary of the assault approaches.
In a message marking the anniversary, Guterres said the suffering caused by the October 7 attack and the war that followed must not be repeated. He said civilians in Gaza continue to face intolerable conditions, including widespread displacement, destruction and loss of life.
The October 7, 2023, attack saw Hamas-led militants launch an assault from Gaza into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Israel subsequently launched a military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Gaza health authorities have reported that more than 74,200 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
Guterres said the ceasefire reached last year had provided some relief but had not yet ensured security, sufficient humanitarian assistance or a credible route towards recovery and lasting peace.
He urged all parties to fully honour their commitments under the ceasefire and move towards its next phase.
The UN chief also called for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza at scale and for international law to be respected.
Beyond the immediate cessation of hostilities, Guterres said efforts must focus on establishing a political path towards lasting peace across the region. He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to pursuing those objectives.
Guterres said the anniversary should serve not only as another moment of mourning but also as an opportunity to renew efforts towards a different future for Israelis and Palestinians.
He said such a future should enable both peoples to live alongside each other in peace and security, with their rights, dignity and aspirations respected and fulfilled.
With IANS inputs