Guterres: Aid is not negotiable, and the resumption of hostilities in Gaza should be avoided at any cost

This came in his speech in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, in front of the Extraordinary Summit of the League of Arab States on the situation in Gaza, where Guterres called for the release of all hostages “Immediately and without conditions and in a generous way” And to the release of Palestinian detainees “According to the conditions of the deal and in a generous way,”.

He stressed the need to remove all obstacles that prevent the delivery of life -saving aid effectively, and added: “Humanitarian aid is not negotiable. It must be flowing without obstacle. The response must be funded sufficiently, and civilians – including humanitarian workers must be protected. The United Nations and its partners – including the Egyptian Red Crescent – have proven that the response that is coordinated from it can provide the assistance that people need, if it is allowed to reach.”

In his call to the parties to adhere to their obligations and implement them completely, he urged member states to use all their influence to support this, especially with the coming of the blessed month of Ramadan.

Ending the current crisis is not enough

The Secretary -General stressed that ending the current crisis is not sufficient. Rather, there is a need for a “clear political framework that establishes the basis for the recovery of Gaza, its reconstruction and permanent stability”, and is based on the principles and respect of international law.

He said that Israel’s legitimate security concerns must be addressed without a long -term military presence in Gaza, and that Gaza remain an integral part of an independent, democratic and sovereign Palestinian state – “Without any reduction in its lands or forced deportation of its residents.”.

The Secretary -General of the United Nations added: “Gaza and the West Bank – including East Jerusalem – must be political, economically and administratively unified by the Palestinian Authority, which enjoys the acceptance and support of the Palestinian people. Any transitional arrangements must be designed to achieve a unified Palestinian rule within a limited and agreed time frame.”

Guterres welcomed the efforts of the Arabs to mobilize support for the reconstruction of Gaza, stressing the United Nations’s readiness for full cooperation in this endeavor.

Weakening power in the West Bank

The Secretary -General described the situation in the West Bank as “anxious”, which has been witnessing the largest displacement in decades amid the use of air strikes and tanks by Israeli forces for the first time in more than two decades, while the settlers violence are increasing.

He said: “All this increases the weakening of the Palestinian Authority at a time when its role has become more important than ever. I call for an acceleration by lowering the escalation. Unilateral actions must stop, including settlement expansion and threats to include lands.”

He stressed the need for Israel to adhere to the occupying power – strictly with all its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. He called for the support of the Palestinian Authority to actively start the tasks of government, and to do this in accordance with its obligations under international law.

“Greater concrete and steel”

The Secretary -General confirmed that the real basis for recovery in Gaza “Greater concrete and steel, it is dignity, self -determination and security.” He said that this means adhering to the basis of international law, “rejecting any form of ethnic cleansing”, and developing a political solution.

He added: “There will be a sustainable future for Gaza except as part of a viable Palestinian state. There will be no recovery unless the occupation ends. There will be no justice unless it is accountable for violations of international law. There will be no sustainable reconstruction except with a clear political horizon with principles.”

Mr. Guterres emphasized that the Palestinian people have the right to rule themselves, and to draw their future and live on his land in freedom and safety. He said that you should now take steps “There is no return to achieving a two -state solution – before it is too late,” As the only way for permanent peace.