Shanghai: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged an immediate halt to Israeli military actions in Gaza and called for an end to the violence by occupiers in the West Bank.
According to Anadolu Agency, Guterres emphasized the importance of adhering to the ceasefire in Gaza, which took effect last October. He pointed out that since the ceasefire began, the Israeli military has killed more than 1,320 Palestinians and injured over 4,385 others. Additionally, the offensive has resulted in over 73,000 deaths and injuries to more than 174,000 people since October 2023. Guterres also highlighted the need to dismantle barriers to humanitarian aid in the region.
The UN Secretary-General condemned the ongoing settler attacks and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. The UN reported in August that occupier violence had intensified, with more than 1,430 incidents leading to casualties or property damage documented as of early August 2026. Guterres asserted that lasting peace requires a two-state solution, envisioning Israel and Palestine as independent sovereign states coexisting peacefully.
Guterres further addressed global security and maritime rights, calling for a "peaceful, just, and durable settlement" that maintains international navigational rights and freedoms. He specifically mentioned the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, both currently affected by regional conflicts.
Turning his attention to Eastern Europe, Guterres advocated for a ceasefire in Ukraine, suggesting it would facilitate negotiations for a "just, lasting, and comprehensive peace."
On institutional reform, Guterres called for updates to the global financial architecture and the Bretton Woods system to better reflect contemporary power dynamics. He emphasized the need for justice and equity in financial systems and urged multilateral development banks to enhance their support for developing nations.
Addressing climate issues, Guterres warned of the world overshooting the 1.5C temperature limit, stressing the need for significant emissions reductions and responsible management of critical minerals. He also urged a halt to environmental exploitation.
In discussing technology, Guterres advocated for artificial intelligence to benefit all nations, highlighting the importance of establishing international guidelines. He expressed appreciation for the support in creating a global dialogue on AI governance within the UN framework.