On the international day of solidarity with the Palestinian people, UN chief António Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to “upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and to building a future of peace, justice, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
Speaking at an event in New York today (28 Nov), Guterres stressed that containing the situation was “not sufficient.” He said, “Demolitions, illegal continued settlement expansion and construction, forced evictions and collective punitive measures will not bring peace; the same goes for violence and incitement, and similarly, unilateral steps will not resolve final status issues or the conflict.” The UN chief said only constructive negotiations, in good faith, and “adhering to the long-established and agreed parameters for a two-State solution, will bring the desired, long-lasting solution.”
Guterres said two million Palestinians in Gaza remain blocked in increasing poverty and unemployment, with limited access to adequate health, education, water and electricity. He urged Israel to lift restrictions on the movement of people and goods, “which also hamper the efforts of the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies, without jeopardizing legitimate security concerns.” He also called on Hamas and other militants to “halt their military build-up in Gaza including the indiscriminate launching of rockets and incendiary devices directed at Israel.”
Delivering a message on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour said the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council and other UN organs, including the International Court of Justice, have adopted strong resolutions in favor of the Palestinian cause, but Israel refused to implement them.
Delivering a message on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour said the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council and other UN organs, including the International Court of Justice, have adopted strong resolutions in favor of the Palestinian cause, but Israel refused to implement them. UNIFEED
