New York (United Nations) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for avoiding the collapse of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, emphasizing that every moment the agreement holds means reaching more people and saving more lives.
According to the UN Media Center, this call will be a top priority among the main priorities that the UN Secretary-General will raise at the extraordinary summit of the League of Arab States, scheduled for Tuesday, to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza.
Guterres stressed that no effort should be spared to prevent the collapse of this agreement and to fully commit to and implement its provisions. He emphasized the continued need for humanitarian assistance, its protection and funding, and ensuring its unimpeded delivery to those in dire need.
In this regard, he highlighted that “every moment the ceasefire holds means reaching more people and saving more lives.” Since the ceasefire, humanitarian workers have been able to intensify and expand operations in Gaza, including areas that were inaccessible during the hostilities. This has included providing food to nearly all of Gaza’s residents, distributing shelter supplies, clothing, and other essential items to tens of thousands of displaced persons, and doubling the availability of clean water for the people of Gaza.
Guterres underscored the importance of maintaining the unique role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), indicating that he will again appeal for urgent and full support for the agency’s work.
The UN Secretary-General also called for an end to the Israeli aggression in the West Bank, where civilians have been killed, homes and civilian infrastructure destroyed, communities displaced, and their return prevented and access to healthcare denied.
He further stressed the need to halt unilateral actions, including settlement expansion and annexation threats, and called for “an end to attacks on civilians and their properties.”
Article written by Nor Eleslam for dzwatch.dz.
