Secretary-General António Guterres underscored on Wednesday the
critical role of the UN committee on the rights of Palestinians
in the face of the ongoing and escalating war in Gaza, stressing
that only a two-State solution can ensure a just and lasting
peace and stability in the Middle East region.
Addressing the annual session of the Committee on the Exercise of
the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the UN chief
voiced deep concern over the violence and suffering that has
intensified, particularly since the October 7 attack by Hamas and
other militants based in Gaza and the subsequent military
offensive by Israel.
“The death, destruction, displacement, hunger, loss, and grief in
Gaza over the past 120 days are a scar on our shared humanity and
conscience,” he said.
The relentless bombardment by Israeli forces across Gaza resulted
in civilian deaths and destruction “at a pace and scale unlike
anything we have witnessed in recent years,” he added.
Over 26,750 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have
been reportedly killed in the enclave and over 70 per cent of
civilian infrastructure severely damaged or destroyed. Across the
Strip, over 1.7 million people have been displaced, not knowing
if they will have homes to return to.
UNRWA - ‘backbone’ of aid in Gaza
Expressing alarm over the collapsing humanitarian system in the
Gaza Strip, the Secretary-General called for rapid, safe, and
sustained humanitarian access, particularly in the north where
access has been denied. He appealed for an immediate humanitarian
ceasefire and cooperation with UN actors on the ground.
He highlighted that the Organization has acted promptly on the
very serious allegations that several UNRWA staff were
involved in the 7 October attacks, with its highest investigative
body having started an investigation.
“I was personally horrified by these accusations,” he said,
adding that he also met with the agency’s donors on Tuesday, “to
listen to their concerns and to outline the steps we are taking
to address them.”
He underscored the importance of keeping UNRWA’s vital work going
to meet the dire needs of civilians in Gaza, and to ensure its
continuity of services to Palestine refugees in the occupied West
Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
“UNRWA is the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza,” he
said.
Violence in occupied West Bank
Turning attention to the occupied West Bank, Mr. Guterres
expressed concern over settler violence and Palestinian attacks,
as well as hostilities across the Blue Line which separates
Israeli and Lebanese armed forces, and attacks in Syria, Iraq and
the Red Sea.
“I call for urgent steps to de-escalate the situation and spare
the region from more violence before it is too late,” he urged.
In a final plea, the Secretary-General stressed the need for
tangible progress towards a two-State solution based on 1967
lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States, in line with
UN resolutions and international law.
“The international community must not waver in its commitment.
Let us work together to advance a meaningful peace process that
will put an end to the tragic cycles of fear, hatred and violence
and build a more peaceful and hopeful future for Palestinians and
Israelis.”
The Committee
The Committee on the Exercise of the
Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People is mandated
by the UN General Assembly to promote the rights of the
Palestinian people, raise public awareness and mobilize
assistance to the Palestinian people.
It is composed of 25 UN
Member States, and has 24 observers, including the State of
Palestine.
The current chair of the Committee is Cheikh Niang of Senegal.
