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Mariyam Adheela
United Nations secretary general designate Antonio Guterres -- Image: U.S. Mission Photo
New York: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to what he described as the “creeping annexation” of the occupied West Bank, urging renewed efforts toward a two state solution.
Guterres made the remarks on Wednesday ahead of the United Nations General Assembly’s high level week, where world leaders are due to gather in New York.
He said the peace plan for Gaza must be fully implemented, with humanitarian aid allowed to reach civilians without restrictions. He also stressed that the ceasefire must be consolidated to allow recovery and reconstruction.
Guterres said continued violence and humanitarian suffering in Gaza remained a major concern, while calling for de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue across the region.
Turning to the occupied West Bank, Guterres said Israel’s moves toward annexation must stop, warning that continued settlement expansion and violence could further undermine prospects for a Palestinian state.
He also raised concern over settlement construction and violence in the West Bank, saying the territory, including East Jerusalem, must remain part of a unified Palestinian state under a future two state solution.
Guterres reiterated that a lasting solution requires two independent and sovereign states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
