“This Terrible War Must End,” Declares Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General

Delegates Highlight Dire Humanitarian Crisis and Urge Renewed Efforts for Two-State Solution

In a pressing session today, the United Nations Security Council reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis and the diminishing prospects for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. The meeting highlighted the critical need for a political resolution to end Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and address the ongoing conflict that has resulted in substantial civilian casualties and widespread displacement.

UN Secretary-General’s Stance

Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General, conveyed António Guterres’ remarks, urging for a renewed focus on political solutions. Guterres stressed that the war, which has led to the deaths of over 38,000 Palestinians and the near collapse of Gaza’s humanitarian support system, must end immediately. Efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to negotiate a deal for the release of hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire show some progress, but Guterres urged that a resolution must be reached without delay.

International Reactions and Accusations

Riyad H. Mansour, Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over Palestinian and hostage lives. Mansour highlighted the international consensus on the Palestine question and condemned the actions of Israel’s government, calling it isolated and fanatic.

Israel’s representative defended the country’s stance, insisting that the war in Gaza will not cease until all hostages are released. He also criticized Hamas for using UNRWA schools as hideouts and accused Iran of destabilizing the region, highlighting the threat of a full-scale war in Lebanon due to Hizbullah’s actions supported by Iran.

Support for Ceasefire and Aid

The United States’ representative acknowledged the progress made through the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and other partners. She emphasized the need for the Council to pressure Hamas to accept the ceasefire deal and called for Israel to remove barriers to aid delivery.

Sven Koopmans, European Union Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, questioned the morality of conditioning humanitarian aid on political negotiations. He stressed the necessity of delivering food and medical support unconditionally and called for an end to holding civilians hostage.

Voices from Other Nations

Delegates from various countries echoed the call for an immediate ceasefire and expressed concerns over the ongoing humanitarian disaster. Sierra Leone’s delegate warned that the war in Gaza could breed a traumatized and aggrieved generation. Guyana’s representative questioned the rationale behind allowing continuous violence and the bombing of civilian infrastructure.

The United Kingdom’s representative urged both sides to show flexibility and commitment to implementing the ceasefire deal outlined in resolution 2735 (2024). Algeria’s diplomat emphasized the international community’s impotence in stopping the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, appealing for unity to address the crisis.

Broader Regional Concerns

Libya’s acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eltaher Salem Elbaour, described the situation as genocide and highlighted the systematic violations against Palestinians. Lebanon’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Abdallah Bou Habib, expressed concerns about the potential expansion of the conflict into Lebanon and reiterated calls for Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories.

Iran’s acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Bagheri, condemned Israel’s actions and warned against any adventurous moves by the Israeli regime that could escalate the conflict further. Bahrain’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdullatif Bin Rashid al Zayani, called for an international conference for peace in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution.

UN’s Continued Efforts

The UN continues to push for humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and the release of all hostages. Guterres called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the end of the occupation, stressing the importance of restoring governance in Gaza under a legitimate Palestinian government.

As the conflict in Gaza persists, the Security Council’s session underscores the urgency for international cooperation and decisive action to end the violence, provide humanitarian aid, and work towards a sustainable political solution for peace in the Middle East.