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Statement by the Secretary-General regarding attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran targeting Israel

I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.

I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.

I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.

[END]

Secretary-General appoints Mr. Muhannad Hadi of Jordan as Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator, Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO)

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Muhannad Hadi of Jordan as his new Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator, Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO). Mr. Hadi will also serve as Humanitarian Coordinator. He succeeds James Eugene McGoldrick of Ireland, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedication and service.

Having served since 2020 as the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Mr. Hadi brings more than 30 years of extensive international experience in humanitarian affairs and development work. Prior to this, Mr. Hadi served as World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe (2015-2020), as WFP’s Regional Emergency Coordinator for the Syria Crisis (2012-2015) and as WFP Representative/Country Director in Syria (2009-2012). Mr. Hadi began his career in 1990 with the International Committee of the Red Cross and has since worked for WFP in Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Indonesia, Lebanon, Italy, Jordan, Egypt and Syria.

Mr. Hadi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics from the University of Alabama, USA, and a Postgraduate Award in Management and Business Studies from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.

He is fluent in English and Arabic.

New York, 12 April 2024

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

MEDIA STAKEOUT MARKING SIX MONTHS SINCE 7 OCTOBER 2023

New York, 5 April 2024

This Sunday marks six months since Hamas launched its abhorrent terror attacks in Israel.

The 7^th of October is a day of pain for Israel and the world.

The United Nations, and I personally, mourn with Israelis for the 1,200 people, including many women and children, who were killed in cold blood.

Nothing can justify the horror unleashed by Hamas on October 7th.

I once again utterly condemn the use of sexual violence, torture, injuring and kidnapping of civilians, the firing of rockets towards civilian targets, and the use of human shields.

And I call for the unconditional release of all the hostages still held by Hamas and other armed groups. Until then, they must be treated humanely with visits and assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

I have met with many of the family members of those being held captive and even former hostages themselves.

I carry their anguish, uncertainty and deep pain with me every day.

Dear members of the media,

Over the last six months, the Israeli military campaign has brought relentless death and destruction to Palestinians in Gaza – with more than 32,000 people reportedly killed and more than 75,000 injured – the vast majority women and children.

Lives are shattered. Respect for international humanitarian law is in tatters.

During my visit to the Rafah crossing 10 days ago, I met veteran humanitarians who told me categorically that the crisis and suffering in Gaza is unlike any they have ever seen.

Meanwhile – as I saw on my way to the Rafah crossing -- long lines of trucks loaded with humanitarian aid continued to face obstacle after obstacle.

When the gates to aid are closed, the doors to starvation are opened.

More than half the population – over a million people – are facing catastrophic hunger.

Children in Gaza today are dying for lack of food and water.

This is incomprehensible, and entirely avoidable.

Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

I am also deeply troubled by reports that the Israeli military’s bombing campaign includes Artificial Intelligence as a tool in the identification of targets, particularly in densely populated residential areas, resulting in a high level of civilian casualties.

No part of life and death decisions which impact entire families should be delegated to the cold calculation of algorithms.

I have warned for many years of the dangers of weaponizing Artificial Intelligence and reducing the essential role of human agency.

AI should be used as a force for good to benefit the world; not to contribute to waging war on an industrial level, blurring accountability.

In its speed, scale and inhumane ferocity, the war in Gaza is the deadliest of conflicts – for civilians, for aid workers, for journalists, for health workers, and for our own colleagues.

Some 196 humanitarian aid workers – including more than 175 members of our own UN staff – have been killed.

The vast majority were serving UNRWA, the backbone of all relief efforts in Gaza.

Others include colleagues from the World Health Organization and the World Food Programme – as well as humanitarians from Doctors without Borders, the Red Crescent, and just a few days ago World Central Kitchen.

An information war has added to the trauma -- obscuring facts and shifting blame.

Denying international journalists entry into Gaza is allowing disinformation and false narratives to flourish.

We honour all humanitarian workers who have been killed in this conflict, and pledge to remember their commitment and sacrifice.

Following this week’s appalling killing of seven humanitarian workers from World Central Kitchen, the Israeli government has acknowledged mistakes and announced some disciplinary measures.

But the essential problem is not who made the mistakes, it is the military strategy and procedures in place that allow for those mistakes to multiply time and time again.

Fixing those failures requires independent investigations and meaningful and measurable change on the ground.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the United Nations was informed by the Israeli government of its intention to allow a substantial increase in humanitarian aid distributed in Gaza.

I sincerely hope that these intentions are effectively and quickly materialized because the situation in Gaza is absolutely desperate.

Dramatic humanitarian conditions require a quantum leap in the delivery of life-saving aid -- a true paradigm shift.

I repeat my urgent appeals for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, the protection of civilians, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

Last week, the Security Council called for just that. And in December, the Council demanded accelerating the delivery of life-saving aid under a UN mechanism.

All those demands must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.

Six months on, we are at the brink: of mass starvation; of regional conflagration; of a total loss of faith in global standards and norms.

It’s time to step back from that brink – to silence the guns – to ease the horrible suffering -- and to stop a potential famine before it is too late.

Thank you.

[END]

الأمين العام

لقاء مع الصحفيين بعد مرور ستة أشهر على 7 تشرين الأول/أكتوبر 2023

نيويورك، 5 نيسان/أبريل 2024

صباح الخير،

يصادف يوم الأحد المقبل مرور ستة أشهر على شن حركة حماس هجماتها الإرهابية البغيضة في إسرائيل.

يوم 7 تشرين الأول/أكتوبر هو يوم أليم لإسرائيل وللعالم.

إن الأمم المتحدة، وأنا شخصيا، نحن نرثي مع الإسرائيليين 200 1 شخص، بمن فيهم العديد من النساء والأطفال، قُتلوا بدم بارد.

ما من شيء يبرر الأهوال التي تسببت فيها حركة حماس في 7 تشرين الأول/أكتوبر.

ومرة أخرى أدين بشدة استخدام العنف الجنسي والتعذيب وإصابة المدنيين واختطافهم، وإطلاق الصواريخ على أهداف مدنية، واستخدام الدروع البشرية.

وإنني أدعو إلى الإفراج غير المشروط عن جميع الرهائن الذين لا يزالون محتجزين لدى حماس وغيرها من الجماعات المسلحة. وإلى أن يتم ذلك، يجب أن يحظوا بالمعاملة الإنسانية مع السماح بزيارة اللجنة الدولية للصليب الأحمر وتلقي المساعدة منها.

وقد التقيت بالعديد من أفراد عائلات الأسرى، بل وحتى الرهائن السابقين أنفسهم.

وإنني أشعر بمعاناتهم وحيرتهم وألمهم العميق كل يوم.

أعزائي أعضاء وسائط الإعلام،

على مدى الأشهر الستة الماضية، جلبت الحملة العسكرية الإسرائيلية الموت والدمار بلا هوادة للفلسطينيين في غزة – مع مقتل أكثر من 000 32 شخص حسب التقارير، وإصابة أكثر من 000 75 آخرين – غالبيتهم العظمى من النساء والأطفال.

فقد دُمِّرت حياة الناس. واحترام القانون الدولي الإنساني في حالة يرثى لها.

وخلال زيارتي لمعبر رفح قبل عشرة أيام، التقيت بعاملين مخضرمين في المجال الإنساني أخبروني بشكل قاطع أنهم لم يروا نظيرا للأزمة والمعاناة في غزة من قَبل.

في غضون ذلك – وكما شاهدت في طريقي إلى معبر رفح – لا تزال طوابير طويلة من الشاحنات المحملة بالمساعدات الإنسانية تواجه العقبات تلو الأخرى.

عندما تغلق أبواب المساعدات، تفتح أبواب التجويع.

ويواجه أكثر من نصف السكان - أكثر من مليون شخص - الجوع الكارثي.

ويموت الأطفال اليوم في غزة بسبب نقص الغذاء والماء.

هذا أمر صعب الفهم، ويمكن تجنبه تماما.

لا شيء يبرر العقاب الجماعي للشعب الفلسطيني.

ويساورني أيضا قلق بالغ إزاء التقارير التي تفيد بأن حملة القصف التي يشنها الجيش الإسرائيلي تشمل الذكاء الاصطناعي كأداة لتحديد الأهداف، ولا سيما في المناطق السكنية المكتظة بالسكان، مما أدى إلى ارتفاع مستوى الخسائر في صفوف المدنيين.

فلا ينبغي تفويض أي جزء من القرارات المصيرية المتعلقة بالحياة أو الموت والتي تؤثر على عائلات بأكملها إلى حسابات تجريها الخوارزميات بدم بارد.

وقد حذرتُ لسنوات عديدة من مخاطر تحويل الذكاء الاصطناعي إلى سلاح والحد من الدور الأساسي الذي تؤديه الإرادة الإنسانية.

فيجب استخدام الذكاء الاصطناعي كقوة من قوى الخير التي تعود بالنفع على العالم؛ بدلا من المساهمة في شن حرب على نطاق هائل، وطمس معالم المساءلة.

إن الحرب الدائرة في غزة هي أكثر النزاعات دموية، من حيث سرعتها ونطاقها وضراوتها اللاإنسانية – بالنسبة للمدنيين، وعمال الإغاثة، والصحفيين، والعاملين في مجال الصحة، وبالنسبة لزملائنا.

فقد قُتل حوالي 196 من عمال الإغاثة الإنسانية - بمن فيهم أكثر من 175 من موظفي الأمم المتحدة.

وكان معظمهم يعملون في الأونروا، وهي عماد كل جهود الإغاثة في غزة.

وكان من بين القتلى أيضا زملاء من منظمة الصحة العالمية وبرنامج الأغذية العالمي - بالإضافة إلى عاملين في المجال الإنساني من منظمة أطباء بلا حدود والهلال الأحمر، وقد لحق بهم قبل بضعة أيام فقط عاملون في منظمة ”المطبخ المركزي العالمي“.

وزاد من وقع الفاجعة حرب المعلومات، أي: حجب الحقائق، وإلقاء اللوم على الآخرين.

إن منع الصحفيين الدوليين من دخول غزة يسمح بانتشار المعلومات المضللة والروايات الكاذبة.

إننا نكرِّم جميع العاملين في المجال الإنساني الذين قتلوا في هذا النزاع، ونتعهد بتذكر التزامهم وتضحياتهم.

وفي أعقاب القتل المروع لسبعة من العاملين في المجال الإنساني من منظمة ”المطبخ المركزي العالمي“ هذا الأسبوع، اعترفت الحكومة الإسرائيلية بارتكاب أخطاء.

لكن المشكلة الأساسية لا تتمثل في مرتكبي الأخطاء، بل في الإجراءات العسكرية المعمول بها والتي تسمح بتضاعُف تلك الأخطاء مرارا وتكرارا.

وتتطلب معالجة هذه الإخفاقات إجراء تحقيقات مستقلة وإحداث تغيير ذي مغزى على أرض الواقع.

وفي أعقاب هذه المأساة، أبلغت الحكومةُ الإسرائيلية الأممَ المتحدة نيّتها السماح بزيادة كبيرة في المساعدات الإنسانية الموزعة في غزة.

وآمل حقا أن تتحقق هذه النوايا المعلنة بشكل فعال وسريع لأن الوضع في غزة بائس للغاية.

وتتطلب الظروف الإنسانية المأساوية قفزةً نوعية في إيصال المساعدات المنقذة للحياة – تحوّل نموذجي حقيقي.

وإنني أكرر نداءاتي العاجلة من أجل وقف فوري لإطلاق النار لأسباب إنسانية، والإفراج غير المشروط عن جميع الرهائن، وحماية المدنيين، وإيصال المعونة الإنسانية دون عوائق.

وقد دعا مجلس الأمن إلى ذلك بالضبط خلال الأسبوع الماضي. وفي كانون الأول/ديسمبر، طالب المجلس بالتعجيل بإيصال المساعدات المنقذة للحياة بموجب آلية تابعة للأمم المتحدة.

ينبغي تنفيذ كل تلك المطالب. والفشل في هذه المهمة سيكون أمرا لا يغتفر.

وبعد مرور ستة أشهر، أصبحنا على شفا هاوية: التجويع الجماعي الشديد؛ واندلاع حرب إقليمية؛ وفقدان كامل للثقة في المعايير والقواعد العالمية.

لقد حان الوقت للتراجع عن حافة الهاوية هذه - لإسكات دوي المدافع - لتخفيف المعاناة الرهيبة - ولوقف مجاعة محتملة قبل فوات الأوان.

شكراً لكم.

דברי מזכ״ל האו״ם במפגש עם התקשורת

לציון 6 חודשים מה -7 לאוקטובר 2023

ניו יורק, 5 באפריל, 2024

בוקר טוב.

ביום ראשון זה נציין שישה חודשים מאז שפתח חמאס בפיגועי הטרור המתועבים שלו בישראל.

ה-7 באוקטובר הוא יום של כאב לישראל ולעולם.

האו"ם, ואני אישית, מתאבלים עם הישראלים על ה– 1,200 האנשים, בהם הרבה נשים וילדים, שנהרגו בדם קר.

שום דבר לא יכול להצדיק את הזוועות ששחרר החמאס ב-7 באוקטובר.

אני שוב מגנה בכל תוקף שימוש באלימות מינית, עינויים, פציעה באזרחים וחטיפת אזרחים, ירי רקטות לעבר מטרות אזרחיות, ושימוש במגנים אנושיים.

ואני קורא לשחרור ללא תנאי של כל החטופים שעדיין מוחזקים על ידי החמאס וקבוצות חמושות אחרות. עד אז, יש להתייחס אליהם באופן אנושי, עם ביקורים ועם סיוע מהצלב האדום.

נפגשתי עם רבים מבני המשפחה של החטופים ,ונפגשתי עם בני ערובה לשעבר בעצמם.

אני נושא איתי את הייסורים, חוסר הוודאות והכאב העמוק שלהם בכל יום.

אנשי תקשורת יקרים,

במהלך ששת החודשים האחרונים, המערכה הצבאית הישראלית הביאה מוות והרס בלתי פוסקים לפלסטינים בעזה - כאשר על פי הדיווחים יותר מ-32,000 בני אדם נהרגו ויותר מ-75,000 נפצעו - רובם המכריע נשים וילדים.

החיים של אנשים מנופצים. הכבוד למשפט ההומניטארי הבינלאומי מרוסק.

בביקורי במעבר רפיח לפני 10 ימים, פגשתי אנשי סיוע הומניטרי ותיקים שאמרו לי חד-משמעית שהמשבר והסבל בעזה אינם דומים לאף אחד אחר שהם ראו מעולם.

בינתיים – כפי שראיתי בדרכי למעבר רפיח – שורות ארוכות של משאיות עמוסות סיוע הומניטרי ממשיכות להתמודד עם מכשול אחרי מכשול.

כאשר שערי הסיוע נסגרים, הדלתות לרעב נפתחות.

יותר ממחצית האוכלוסייה - למעלה ממיליון אנשים - מתמודדים עם רעב קטסטרופלי.

ילדים בעזה היום מתים מחוסר מזון ומים.

זה בלתי מובן, ולגמרי נמנע.

שום דבר לא יכול להצדיק את הענישה הקולקטיבית של העם הפלסטיני.

אני גם מוטרד מאוד מהדיווחים לפיהם מסע ההפצצות של הצבא הישראלי כולל בינה מלאכותית ככלי לזיהוי מטרות, במיוחד באזורי מגורים צפופים, מה שגורם לכמות גבוהה של אזרחים הרוגים.

שום חלק מהחלטות חיים ומוות המשפיעות על משפחות שלמות יכולות להיחשב על ידי אלגוריתמים קר.

הזהרתי במשך שנים רבות מפני הסכנה של הפעלת בינה מלאכותית בנשק וצמצום התפקיד החיוני של שיקול דעת אנושית.

יש להשתמש בבינה מלאכותית ככוח לטובת העולם; לא לתרום למלחמה ברמה תעשייתית, וכדי לטשטש אחריות.

המלחמה בעזה היא מהסכסוכים הקטלניים ביותר -בקצב שלה, בקנה מידה שלה ובאכזריות הבלתי אנושית שלה עבור אזרחים, עבור עובדי סיוע, עבור עיתונאים, עבור עובדי בריאות ועבור עמיתינו באו"ם.

כ-196 עובדי סיוע הומניטרי - כולל יותר מ-175 חברי צוות האו״ם.

רובם המכריע שירתו באונר״א, עמוד השדרה של כל מאמצי הסיוע בעזה.

אחרים כוללים עמיתים מארגון הבריאות העולמי ותוכנית המזון העולמית - כמו ––כן הומניטריים מרופאים ללא גבולות, הסהר האדום ורק לפני כמה ימים, מהמטבח העולמי המרכזי (World Central Kitchen).

מלחמת המידע מוסיפה לטראומה: טשטש העובדות, העברת האשמה ומניעת לקיחת אחריות.

מניעת כניסת עיתונאים בינלאומיים לעזה מאפשרת לדיסאינפורמציה ולנרטיבים מזיופים על הסיוע ההומניטרי לפרוח.

אנו מקדשים את כל העובדים ההומניטריים שנהרגו בסכסוך הזה, ומתחייבים לזכור את המחויבות וההקרבה שלהם.

בעקבות ההרג המחריד השבוע של שבעה עובדים הומניטריים מהמטבח העולמי המרכזי, ממשלת ישראל הכירה בטעויות.

אבל הבעיה המהותית היא לא מי שעשה את הטעויות, אלה הנהלים הצבאיים שמאפשרים לטעויות הללו להתרבות פעם אחר פעם.

תיקון הכשלים הללו דורש חקירות עצמאיות ושינוי משמעותי בשטח. בעקבות הטרגדיה הזו, הודיעה ממשלת ישראל לאו״ם על כוונתה לאפשר הגדלה משמעותית של הסיוע ההומניטרי המופץ בעזה. אני מאוד מקווה שהכוונות הללו יתממשו ביעילות ובמהירות, כי המצב בעזה נואש לחלוטין. התנאים ההומניטריים דורשים קפיצה אדירה במתן הסיוע מציל חיים ושינוי פרגידמה אמיתית.

אני חוזר על דרישותיי הדחופות להפסקת אש הומניטארית מיידית, לשחרור ללא תנאי של כל בני הערובה, להגנת אזרחים, ולמשלוח ללא הפרעה של סיוע הומניטרי.

בשבוע שעבר קראה מועצת הביטחון לכך. ובדצמבר דרשה המועצה להאיץ את אספקת הסיוע המציל חיים במסגרת מנגנונים של האו"ם.

כל הדרישות הללו הן חוק בינלאומי. יש ליישם אותם. כישלון הוא בלתי נסלח.

שישה חודשים אחרי, אנחנו על הסף: של רעב המוני; של התלקחות אזורית; של אובדן מוחלט של אמון בסטנדרטים ונורמות גלובליות.

הגיע הזמן לסגת מהסף הזה - להשתיק את הרובים - כדי להקל על הסבל הנורא - ולעצור רעב פוטנציאלי לפני שיהיה מאוחר מדי.

תודה רבה.

[סוף]

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the attack on Diplomatic Premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General condemns the attack on diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus on 1 April, as well as the reported casualties.

The Secretary-General reaffirms that the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law.

He also reminds all parties to respect all their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, as applicable. He also repeats his calls on all concerned to avoid attacks that could harm civilians and damage civilian infrastructure.

The Secretary-General further calls on all concerned to exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation. He cautions that any miscalculation could lead to broader conflict in an already volatile region, with devastating consequences for civilians who are already seeing unprecedented suffering in Syria, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the broader Middle East.

[END]

Full transcript of Secretary-General's remarks at press encounter with

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry of Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

24 March 2024

Assalam alaikum,

My dear friend, Minister [Sameh] Shoukry, thank you very much for your warm welcome.

Egypt is a global pillar of peace – and today I had the opportunity to discuss a number of vital issues with both President Sisi and the Foreign Minister Shoukry.

This includes the dire conditions in Gaza, but also the volatile situation in the occupied West Bank, and issues affecting the broader Middle East, Sudan and beyond.

My visit is part of a Ramadan solidarity mission that I undertake every year to Muslim communities in distress.

And I want to tell you that yesterday, I had a moment of deep sadness.

During this Ramadan solidarity visit I fast, out of respect for the beliefs of the communities I am visiting. And we had an Iftar with Sudanese refugees here in Cairo to express my solidarity also with the Sudanese people.

And immense sadness came when we were having our Iftar close to the Nile, to know that many - probably the majority of the people in Gaza - were not able to have a proper Iftar.

Yesterday I travelled to the Rafah crossing to put a global spotlight on the plight of Palestinian children, women and men struggling to survive the nightmare in Gaza.

The whole world recognizes that it’s past time to silence the guns and to ensure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

I also had an unforgettable visit with injured Palestinians from Gaza at the Al Arish hospital who are recovering from wounds from the brutal war – and I thank Egypt’s generosity here as well.

Let me be clear. Nothing justifies the abhorrent October 7 Hamas attacks and hostage-taking in Israel.

But nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

And I want to recognize the vital political and humanitarian role of Egypt.

Al Arish airport and the Rafah crossing are essential arteries for life-saving aid into Gaza.

But those arteries are clogged.

On one side of the border there are blocked humanitarian trucks as far as the eye can see.

On the other, we have a real-time humanitarian catastrophe stretching even further.

Looking at Gaza, it almost appears that the four horsemen of war, famine, conquest and death are galloping across it.

That is why the time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire is now.

And in the Ramadan spirit of compassion, I also urge the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The suffering must end.

Palestinians in Gaza desperately need what has been promised -- a flood of aid.

Not trickles. Not drops.

Some progress has been made, but much more needs to be done.

Making that happen takes very practical steps.

It requires Israel removing the remaining obstacles and chokepoints to relief.

It requires more crossings and access points. All alternative routes are – of course - welcome. But the only efficient and effective way to move heavy goods is by road.

It requires an exponential increase in commercial goods.

And, I repeat, it requires an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

The current horrors in Gaza serve no one – and are having an impact around the globe.

The daily assault on the human dignity of Palestinians is creating a crisis of credibility for the international community.

It is challenging the values we proclaim as universal.

It is challenging international law.

It is challenging core humanitarian principles.

It is challenging our basic humanity.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

We face trials and tests on many fronts.

Yesterday evening, as I mentioned, I had the honour of breaking the fast at an Iftar with refugees who fled from the conflict in Sudan.

I was deeply moved by their heartbreaking stories of unspeakable suffering and perilous journeys – and was also profoundly inspired by their enormous resilience.

It is outrageous to see the war raging during the holy month of Ramadan, despite global appeals for a ceasefire.

Since the war erupted in Sudan a year ago, Egypt has generously welcomed more than 500,000 Sudanese refugees, and I know that you have already five million other ones.

I thank Egypt for hosting these and so many other vulnerable migrants and refugees and urge the international community to step up its support for Egypt’s efforts.

I also want to take this opportunity to urge all countries to ensure the integrity of the international refugee protection regime and the rights of all persons on the move.

Once again, dear Foreign Minister, I pay tribute to your country’s leadership in these difficult times – and, through you, allow me to salute the people of Egypt for their generosity and commitment to the values of compassion, peace, and solidarity – the values of Ramadan.

Thank you.

Question [from Arabic]: Three months have passed since UNSC Resolution 2720 was passed, that states that Sigrid Kaag is assigned to work as a humanitarian coordinator and reconstruction. Until today she can’t fulfill her assignment. Do you intend to brief the Security Council regarding that. Then what is your message regarding the starvation in Gaza, and what would you say about the allegations against UNRWA?

SG: We all know that we have geopolitical divisions that make it very difficult for the Security Council to approve meaningful resolutions. At the same time, we all know that the superpowers are at odds with each other. And when the superpowers are at odds with each other, there is a sense of impunity, there is lack of respect, and we see that even the resolutions of the Security Council tend not to be respected. And indeed, there is a lot to be done in relation to the unfettered access, unfettered access of humanitarian aid to Gaza to allow for the Security Council resolutions to be fully respected.

Your last question was sorry.

Question: Your message regarding UNRWA.

SG: So, I have to say that we are working hard, in order on one hand to guarantee that there is donor support to UNRWA, that is the backbone of humanitarian aid inside Gaza.

And at the same time, we were very clear, we have an inspection that is working in order to detect any areas of infiltration that might exist. We want UNRWA to be fully based on UN values agency, and we are working in a determined way for that.

And on the other hand, we have a review that is being conducted in order to improve the capacity of UNRWA to fully respect those values.

But I think it's important to say that UNRWA plays a vital role, and it's important to pay tribute to all the staff of UNRWA. 171 members of the staff of UNRWA were killed in Gaza. This should deserve the respect of everybody. And UNRWA should be recognized as an essential factor in humanitarian aid, not only in Gaza, but playing a vital role in Jordan, in Syria, in Lebanon and in the West Bank.

Question: Israel yesterday accused you, accused the UN, of being an anti-Israeli entity. They are accusing UNRWA of working with Hamas. How are you intending to deal with these incidents, how does it effect to support the Palestinians. And about the Catherine Colonna report.. [interrupted by moderator]

SG: What is your question?

Question: So, my question is, how this is affecting your ability to support Palestinians and how you are? How do you…

SG: No, the Colonna report, what is the question?

Question: The Colonna report, in the initial report they talk about measures to be taken, are these in any way related to the Israeli claims against UNRWA?

SG: In relation to the first question, to what extent these kind of accusations have an impact on our work, my answer is very simple; there is no impact at all, we are not against anybody. We are in favour of principles and values; principles and values that are the UN Charter; principles and values that are in international law; principles and values that are in international humanitarian law; principles and values that have to do with the right of self-determination; and namely the right of the self-determination of the Palestinian people, and the right to exist - a Palestinian State.

These are the reasons why we work. And it's based on these principles, that we do what we do. If someone feels that this is against someone, that is not our problem. We will stick to the values that I believe are the universal values that should guide us all.

At the same time, naturally we regret when there are situations of harassment when there are blockages, when there are all kinds of difficulties, but again, that will not impact negatively on our determination to go on supporting the Palestinian people in distress.

Now, in relation to UNRWA, any organization has the possibility that at a certain moment [will] suffer an filtration.

I was living my life, my first life, as a politician in Portugal, and before there was a period of dictatorship, and at that time, I remember the secret police of the state was infiltrating the opposition parties. And it's perfectly possible that in any entity, in UNRWA, there might have been infiltrations from Hamas, and we recognize that those infiltrations led with a certain credibility to participation of some of these elements in the events of October 7^th. We recognized that, and we took measures.

Those that we have credible, credible perception that it was true, were immediately separated. We put a team of investigators working hard to detect any other possible source of infiltration. And at the same time, we asked Catherine Colonna and a group of Institutes of the Nordic countries to do an analysis of the conditions in which UNRWA operates, and how to strengthen its capacity to abide by the UN humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality, as all humanitarian entities must abide by.

And obviously, nobody's perfect. UNRWA is not perfect, the UN is not perfect. Any other organization is not perfect. We will look seriously into the recommendations that will be presented and we want to strengthen the UNRWA in its capacity to deliver to the Palestinian people, and in its capacity to be fully in line with the UN values as it is the firm determination of the leadership of UNRWA that is represented here by Philippe Lazzarini.

Question [from Arabic]: Is the UN restricted when dealing with Israel? Did you try to go into Gaza, and you were prevented from that?

SG: I'm not sure if I understood well, because of the difficulty [in the audio]. But if I'm not responding well, you will please ask again.

It is clear for me that the basic principle of international humanitarian law is the protection of civilians. And when one looks at the way the military operations have been conducted in Gaza, it is obvious that protection of civilians was not a concern. And it was always that there were violations of international humanitarian law, as to take hostages is a violation of international humanitarian law. But it is clear to me that the way the military operations have been conducted are in violation of international humanitarian law.

It is also clear that humanitarian aid and humanitarian access must be always guaranteed and there are Security Council resolutions on top of that, that insist on that fact. To obstruct humanitarian aid is also a clear violation of essential principles.

Question: Did you try to go into Gaza, and was prevented by Israel?

SG: No, I didn't ask to enter Gaza because two days before, the head of UNRWA had asked to enter Gaza and that request was refused.

[END]

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS AT RAFAH BORDER CROSSING

Rafah Crossing, 23 March 2024

Every year going back to since I served as High Commissioner for Refugees, I have undertaken a solidarity mission during the holy month of Ramadan to shine a light on Muslim communities in distress.

This Ramadan, I have come to the Rafah crossing to spotlight the hardship and pain of Palestinians in Gaza – and the obstacles to easing their plight.

This morning, I met with injured Palestinian civilians and their families at the General Hospital in Al Arish, and was extremely moved by their stories, experiences and all the hardships they have endured, and by the generosity and solidarity of Egypt and the Egyptian people.

I say again: nothing justifies the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7^th.

And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

Now more than ever, it is time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

It is time to silence the guns.

Palestinians in Gaza -- children, women, men – remain stuck in a non-stop nightmare.

Communities obliterated. Homes demolished. Entire families and generations wiped out. With hunger and starvation stalking the population.

Ramadan is a time for spreading the values of compassion, community, and peace.

It is monstrous that after so much suffering over so many months, Palestinians in Gaza are marking Ramadan with Israeli bombs still falling, bullets still flying, artillery still pounding, and humanitarian assistance still facing obstacle upon obstacle.

Fasting with you on Ramadan, I am deeply troubled to know so many people in Gaza will not be able to have a proper Iftar.

Here from this crossing, we see the heartbreak and heartlessness of it all.

A long line of blocked relief trucks on one side of the gates.

The long shadow of starvation on the other.

That is more than tragic. It is a moral outrage.

Any further onslaught will make everything worse.

Worse for Palestinian civilians. Worse for the hostages. And worse for all people of the region.

All this demonstrates that it’s more than time for an immediate ceasefire, I say it again.

It’s time for an ironclad commitment by Israel for total, unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza.

And in the Ramadan spirit of compassion, it’s time for the immediate release of all hostages.

I also urge every member of the United Nations to support our life-saving work led by the backbone of all Gaza relief operations, UNRWA.

We look forward to continuing to work with Egypt to streamline the flow of aid, and deeply appreciate the full Egyptian engagement in support of the Gaza people.

And I want Palestinians in Gaza to know: You are not alone.

People around the world are outraged by the horrors we are all witnessing in real time.

I carry the voices of the vast majority of the world who have seen enough. Who have had enough. And who still believe that human dignity and decency must define us as a global community.

It’s our only hope.

It’s time to truly flood Gaza with life-saving aid.

The choice is clear: either surge or starvation.

Let’s choose the side of help – the side of hope – and the right side of history.

I will not give up. And all of us must not give up in doing all we can for our common humanity to prevail in Gaza and around the world.

Thank you.

[END]

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS TO PRESS STAKEOUT

New York, 18 March 2024

The latest report on food insecurity in Gaza is an appalling indictment of conditions on the ground for civilians.

The world’s leading experts on food insecurity clearly document that famine in the northern part of Gaza is imminent.

More than half of all Palestinians in Gaza –1.1 million people– have completely exhausted their food supplies and are facing catastrophic hunger.

Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horrifying levels of hunger and suffering.

This is the highest number of people facing catastrophic hunger ever recorded by the Integrated Food Security Classification system –anywhere, anytime.

This is an entirely manmade disaster—and the report makes clear that it can be halted.

Today’s report is Exhibit A for the need for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire.

I call on the Israeli authorities to ensure complete and unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza and for the international community to fully support our humanitarian efforts.

We must act now to prevent the unthinkable, the unacceptable and the unjustifiable.

Thank you.

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS AT PRESS STAKEOUT

New York, 11 March 2024

Good morning.

Today marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan – a period when Muslims around the world celebrate and spread the values of peace, reconciliation and solidarity.

Yet even though Ramadan has begun – the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza.

We recently entered the sixth month since the Hamas terror attacks in Israel and the catastrophic Israeli onslaught on Gaza begun.

My strongest appeal today is to honour the spirit of Ramadan by silencing the guns – and removing all obstacles to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid at the speed and massive scale required.

At the same time – and in the Ramadan spirit of compassion -- I call for the immediate release of all hostages.

The eyes of the world are watching. The eyes of history are watching. We cannot look away.

We must act to avoid more preventable deaths.

We have witnessed month after month of civilian killing and destruction at a level that is unprecedented in all my years as Secretary-General.

Meanwhile, life-saving relief for Palestinians in Gaza is coming in trickles – if it comes at all.

International humanitarian law lies in tatters.

And a threatened Israeli assault on Rafah could plummet the people of Gaza into an even deeper circle of hell.

For months, leaders have appealed for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages.

But the most compelling calls have come from the families of the victims of this war.

I will never forget my meetings with them -- and they have stood at this very podium and addressed you -- united in remarkable courage and unfathomable pain.

Israeli hostage families who shared their torment and anguish – and pleaded for the immediate release of their loved ones.

And Palestinian families who shared heart-wrenching testimonies of family members killed in Israeli bombardments – and pleaded for an immediate ceasefire.

As one of those family members said, “We are not here for condolences. We are not here for apologies. We are here for immediate action.”

Is that too much to ask?

We must hear and heed those voices.

Desperate civilians need action – immediate action.

Today, I also renew my appeal for a Ramadan cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

The fighting there must end for the sake of the Sudanese people who face hunger, horrors and untold hardships.

In Gaza, in Sudan, and beyond, it is time for peace.

I call on political, religious and community leaders everywhere to do everything in their power to make this holy period a time for empathy, action and peace.

Let’s not forget that beyond Ramadan, Christians will soon celebrate Easter and Jews will celebrate Passover in April.

It is time to end the terrible suffering. Now is the time to do it.

Thank you.

[END]