Guterres calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories

New York,(ST)- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and allowing aid to enter it. He indicted the necessity of lifting the Israeli siege on the Strip and ending the occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Guterres said in a message on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian Peoe, which falls on the 29th of November: This year’s Solidarity Day comes while the Palestinian people are living one of the darkest chapters in their history, and I am horrified by the death and destruction that has swept the region, making it groan from pain.

Moreover, the Palestinians in Gaza are suffering from a humanitarian catastrophe, as approximately 1.7 million of them were forced to leave their homes, but there is no safe place for them to take refuge. At the same time, there is a danger that the situation in the West Bank, including East Al-Quds ( Jerusalem), will escalate and be out of control.

He added: This day is a day to reaffirm international solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to live in peace and dignity, and this should begin with a long-term humanitarian ceasefire, allowing life-saving aid to arrive without restrictions, protecting civilians, and stopping violations of international humanitarian law.

Guterres said: We should be united in demanding an end to the occupation and an end to the siege imposed on Gaza Strip.

He stressed the necessity of finding a settlement for the Palestinian issue on the basis of United Nations resolutions and international law.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations offered his sincere condolences to the thousands of families bereaved by the loss of their loved ones, including the United Nations family, a number of whose employees were killed in Gaza in the largest loss of lives of members of the international organization throughout its history.

He called on the international community to increase support for UNRWA, which represents a lifeline.

“UNRWA is indispensable to Palestinians, providing vital support to millions of refugees”, Guterres added

Guterres stressed that the United Nations will not waver in its commitment to the Palestinian people. He said: Let us stand today, and every day, in solidarity with the aspirations of the Palestinian people, to realize their inalienable rights and build a future in which everyone enjoys peace, justice, security and dignity.

Nada Haj Khidr