UN Secretary-General calls for ceasefire and unhindered aid deliveries in Gaza
In a bold move, UN Secretary-General António Guterres made his way to the Rafah border crossing into Gaza to demand a ceasefire and an “ironclad commitment by Israel” to allow essential aid deliveries into the besieged enclave. This marks the beginning of his annual Ramadan solidarity trip, with planned visits to Egypt and Jordan to address pressing humanitarian concerns in conflict zones.
Shining a light on Muslim communities in distress
During his time in Egypt, Guterres will venture to northern Sinai, a region deeply impacted by conflict. He met with Palestinians in El Arish, demonstrating solidarity with those affected by violence, and with UN humanitarian workers in Rafah to strategize ways to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the midst of conflict.
Witnessing the heartbreak in Gaza
At the Rafah border crossing, Guterres expressed his deep concern for the Palestinians in Gaza who are enduring Israeli bombs, bullets, and artillery while facing obstacles in receiving humanitarian assistance. He emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire and full access for aid delivery in Gaza to prevent further suffering.
Choosing the side of help and hope
Guterres urged all UN Member States to support UNRWA, the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees, in their lifesaving work in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of flooding Gaza with aid to prevent starvation and called for the immediate release of all hostages. He remains determined to do all he can to ensure human dignity and decency prevail in the global community.
Emphasizing peace and stability during Ramadan
As part of his solidarity trip, Guterres will partake in a Ramadan iftar with refugees from Sudan and emphasize the importance of peace and stability during the sacred month. He will engage in discussions with Egyptian and Jordanian officials to address regional challenges and promote cooperation in conflict resolution.
UN’s commitment to upholding humanitarian principles
As conflicts and humanitarian emergencies continue to plague the world, Secretary-General Guterres’ Ramadan solidarity trip serves as a reminder of the UN’s unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and fostering peace in the most challenging circumstances. His efforts highlight the need for global unity and compassion in times of adversity.
