New York:The situation across the occupied West Bank has deteriorated beyond control as escalating attacks seek to drive Palestinian communities from their land, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Thursday.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Guterres highlighted that Palestinians in the occupied West Bank continue to face daily attacks by Israeli settlers, with the clear intention of displacing communities from their land. He also mentioned that the occupiers are targeting journalists and diplomats, exacerbating the issue.
In relation to Gaza, Guterres pointed out that essential humanitarian aid remains "severely restricted" as winter approaches, complicating efforts to follow the Security Council-backed roadmap for resolving the conflict. He underscored the urgent need for $450 million by the World Food Program to provide food assistance to populations in Gaza and the West Bank over the next six months, urging international donors to contribute and calling for an end to the occupation for a viable two-state solution.
Guterres also drew parallels between modern conflicts and the climate phenomenon El Nino, warning that these hostilities are affecting international energy markets, shipping corridors, and financial systems. He linked street protests over inflation, food, and fuel to the broader impact of global wars, emphasizing that while street violence is not acceptable, authorities should not ignore the legitimate grievances of peaceful protesters.
Addressing regional diplomacy, Guterres condemned continued Houthi attacks on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia and called for restraint amid increasing displacement in Yemen. He announced his planned visit to Egypt to promote regional de-escalation, highlighting Egypt's role as a mediator in the conflict between the US and Iran, as well as its involvement in the situations in Sudan and Libya. He also urged nations to stop supplying weapons to factions in Sudan, which contribute to civilian casualties.
Guterres's spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, mentioned the Secretary-General's upcoming meetings in Egypt with senior officials, including President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy, to discuss the situations in Sudan and Gaza.
Guterres dismissed concerns regarding potential damage to the UN from international law violations, stating that the real crisis is the impact on ordinary civilians who are suffering due to war-induced inflation and violence. "The problem is not for the United Nations. The problem is for the people that is suffering dramatically everywhere," he said.