Guterres: International humanitarian law is threatened in light of the continued Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip
Geneva (ST) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that the international humanitarian law is threatened in the light of the continued Israeli occupation aggression against the Gaza Strip, reiterating his demand for a ceasefire.
In a speech during the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC55) held today in Geneva, Guterres said that nothing justifies collective punishment of the Palestinian people, and the comprehensive Israeli attack on the city of Rafah will put the final nail in the coffin of aid programs.
Guterres warned that the Israeli invasion of the city of Rafah in the south of Gaza would not only be horrific for more than a million Palestinians who have taken refuge there, but would also serve as the final nail in the coffin of the aid program in Gaza, where humanitarian aid remains completely insufficient.
He noted that the presence of the UNRWA is essential in the Strip in order to distribute urgent humanitarian relief aid.
Guterres stressed that Security Council’s lack of unity regarding Gaza and other issues undermined its authority, explaining that the world needs to renew its commitment to human rights laws and hold violators accountable, and that the Security Council needs serious reform of its composition and work platform.
Najla Khoury