UN Chief Urges Global Support for Palestinians Amid Ongoing Crisis
New York, November 29: UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday called for renewed international support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, warning that Palestinian suffering has reached “unprecedented levels” over the past two years.
Speaking on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Guterres highlighted the devastating humanitarian impact of the recent conflict in Gaza, including widespread hunger, disease, psychological trauma, and the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals. He noted that nearly one-third of the casualties in the conflict were children, stressing the urgent need for international intervention and humanitarian aid.
The Secretary-General also condemned ongoing Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, citing military operations, settler violence, settlement expansion, evictions, demolitions, and threats of annexation. He expressed deep concern over the deteriorating living conditions of Palestinians, urging both sides to adhere to international law and humanitarian principles.
Guterres paid tribute to the hundreds of Palestinian humanitarian workers killed during the conflict, most of them UN staff, describing it as “the greatest loss of personnel in the history of the Organization.” He emphasized that protecting humanitarian workers is critical to ensuring that aid reaches vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
Reiterating the UN’s commitment to a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, Guterres called on the global community to stand firmly with Palestinians in their pursuit of freedom, dignity, and statehood. He stressed that international support, diplomacy, and aid are essential to preventing further suffering and achieving a sustainable peace in the region.
