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- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
14 November 2023 New York
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed by the horrible situation and dramatic loss of life in several hospitals in Gaza.
In the name of humanity, the Secretary-General calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Middle East
07 November 2023 New York
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Middle East
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
One month after the horrific events of 7 October, the Secretary-General reiterates his total condemnation of the acts of terror committed by Hamas in Israel for which there can be no justification. He will never forget the horrendous images of civilians being killed and maimed and others being dragged away into captivity. He reiterates his appeal for their immediate and unconditional release.
The Secretary-General remains extremely distressed by the killing of civilians in Gaza and the humanitarian catastrophe that continues to unfold in Gaza, with an unimaginable toll on civilians.
He also reiterates his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Secretary-General's Press Conference on the Middle East
06 November 2023 New York
Secretary-General's Press Conference on the Middle East
The Secretary-General
Very good morning.
The nightmare in Gaza is more than a humanitarian crisis.
It is a crisis of humanity.
The intensifying conflict is shaking the world, rattling the region and, most tragically, destroying so many innocent lives.
Ground operations by the Israel Defense Forces and continued bombardment are hitting civilians, hospitals, refugee camps, mosques, churches and UN facilities – including shelters.
No one is safe.
At the same time, Hamas and other militants use civilians as human shields and continue to launch rockets indiscriminately towards Israel.
I reiterate my utter condemnation of the abhorrent acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October – and repeat my call for the immediate, unconditional and safe release of hostages held in Gaza.
Nothing can justify the deliberate torture, killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians.
The protection of civilians must be paramount.
I am deeply concerned about clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing.
Let me be clear: No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press,
Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children. Hundreds of girls and boys are reportedly being killed or injured every day.
More journalists have reportedly been killed over a four-week period than in any conflict in at least three decades.
More United Nations aid workers have been killed than in any comparable period in the history of our organization.
I salute all those who continue their life-saving work despite the overwhelming challenges and risks.
The unfolding catastrophe makes the need for a humanitarian ceasefire more urgent with every passing hour.
The parties to the conflict -- and, indeed, the international community -- face an immediate and fundamental responsibility: to stop the inhuman collective suffering and dramatically expand humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Today, the United Nations and our partners are launching a $1.2 billion humanitarian appeal to help 2.7 million people – that’s the entire population of the Gaza Strip and half a million Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Some life-saving aid is getting into Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah crossing.
But the trickle of assistance does not meet the ocean of need.
And let’s be clear: the Rafah crossing alone does not have the capacity to process aid trucks at the scale required.
Just over 400 trucks have crossed into Gaza over the past two weeks – compared with 500 a day before the conflict. And crucially, this does not include fuel.
Without fuel, newborn babies in incubators and patients on life support will die.
Water cannot be pumped or purified.
Raw sewage could soon start gushing onto the streets, further spreading disease.
Trucks loaded with critical relief will be stranded.
The way forward is clear.
A humanitarian ceasefire. Now.
All parties respecting all their obligations under international humanitarian law. Now.
This means the unconditional release of the hostages in Gaza. Now.
The protection of civilians, hospitals, UN facilities, shelters and schools. Now.
More food, more water, more medicine and of course fuel – entering Gaza safely, swiftly and at the scale needed. Now.
Unfettered access to deliver supplies to all people in need in Gaza. Now.
And the end of the use of civilians as human shields. Now.
None of these appeals should be conditional on the others.
And for all of this, we need more funding – now.
In addition, I remain gravely concerned about rising violence and an expansion of the conflict. The occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is at a boiling point.
Let us also not forget the importance of addressing the risks of the conflict spilling over to the wider region.
We are already witnessing a spiral of escalation from Lebanon and Syria, to Iraq and Yemen.
That escalation must stop.
Cool heads and diplomatic efforts must prevail.
Hateful rhetoric and provocative actions must cease.
I am deeply troubled by the rise in antisemitism and anti-Muslim bigotry.
Jewish and Muslim communities in many parts of the world are on high alert, fearing for their personal safety and security.
Emotions are at a fever pitch. Tensions are running high.
The images of suffering are heart breaking and soul crushing.
But we must find a way to hold on to our common humanity.
I think of civilians in Gaza – the vast majority women and children -- terrified by the relentless bombardment.
I join the UN family in mourning 89 of our UNRWA colleagues who have been killed in Gaza – many of them together with members of their family.
They include teachers, school principals, doctors, engineers, guards, support staff and a young woman named Mai.
Mai did not let her muscular dystrophy or her wheelchair confine her dreams. She was a top student, became a software developer and devoted her skills to working on information technology for UNRWA.
I am so deeply inspired by her example.
I think of all those tortured and killed in Israel nearly one month ago and the hostages – abducted from their homes, their families, their friends while simply living their lives.
Ten days ago, I met with some of the family members of those hostages.
I heard their stories, felt their anguish and was deeply moved by their compassion.
I will never relent in working for their immediate release. This is essential in itself and central to solving many other challenges.
One mother movingly shared with me her desolation over her abducted son, Hersh.
She also spoke outside the Security Council – and on the subject of confronting hatred, she said:
“When you only get outraged when one side’s babies are killed, then your moral compass is broken and your humanity is broken.”
Even in her utter despair, she stood before the world and reminded us:
“In a competition of pain, there is never a winner.”
We must act now to find a way out of this brutal, awful, agonizing dead end of destruction.
To help end the pain and suffering.
To help heal the broken.
And to help pave the way to peace, to a two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living in peace and security.
Thank you.
Secretary-General's Press Conference - on the Middle East | United Nations Secretary-General
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement by the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East
03 November 2023 New York
Statement by the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East
I am horrified by the reported attack in Gaza on an ambulance convoy outside Al Shifa hospital. The images of bodies strewn on the street outside the hospital are harrowing.
I do not forget the terror attacks committed in Israel by Hamas and the killing, maiming and abductions, including of women and children. All hostages held in Gaza must be released immediately and unconditionally.
Now, for nearly one month, civilians in Gaza, including children and women, have been besieged, denied aid, killed, and bombed out of their homes.
This must stop.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is horrific. Not nearly enough food, water and medicine are coming in to meet people’s needs. Fuel to power hospitals and water plants is running out. UNRWA shelters are at nearly four times their full capacity and are being hit in bombardments. Morgues are overflowing. Shops are empty. The sanitation situation is abysmal. We are seeing an increase in diseases and respiratory illnesses, especially among children. An entire population is traumatized. Nowhere is safe.
I renew my earlier appeals for a humanitarian ceasefire.
International humanitarian law must be respected. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including humanitarian and medical workers and assets must be protected. Civilians must also not be used as human shields.
Essential supplies and services and unimpeded humanitarian access must be safely allowed into and across Gaza at a scale commensurate with this dramatic situation.
All those with influence must exert it to ensure respect for the rules of war, end the suffering and avoid a spillover of the conflict that could engulf the whole region.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Secretary-General’s statement on the situation in Gaza
31 October 2023 New York/Kathmandu
Secretary-General’s statement on the situation in Gaza
I am deeply alarmed by the intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza. This includes the expansion of ground operations by the Israel Defense Forces accompanied by intense air strikes, and the continued rocket fire towards Israel from Gaza.
Civilians have borne the brunt of the current fighting from the outset. Protection of civilians on both sides is paramount and must be respected at all times.
I repeat my utter condemnation of the acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October. There is never any justification for the killing, injuring and abduction of civilians. I appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of those civilians held hostage by Hamas.
I condemn the killing of civilians in Gaza and I am dismayed by reports that two-thirds of those who have been killed are women and children.
I mourn and honour the United Nations colleagues who have tragically been killed in the bombardment of Gaza over the past three weeks. My heart goes out to the families of our colleagues who lost their lives in service.
International humanitarian law establishes clear rules that cannot be ignored. It is not an a la carte menu and cannot be applied selectively.
All parties must abide by it, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.
With too many Israeli and Palestinian lives already lost, this escalation only increases the immense suffering of civilians.
The level of humanitarian assistance that has been allowed into Gaza up to this point is completely inadequate and not commensurate with the needs of people in Gaza, compounding the humanitarian tragedy.
I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for unimpeded humanitarian access to be granted consistently, safely and to scale in order to meet the urgent needs created by the catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.
I remain deeply concerned about the risk of a dangerous escalation beyond Gaza and urge all leaders to exercise utmost restraint to avoid a wider conflagration.
Secretary-General’s statement - on the situation in Gaza | United Nations Secretary-General
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Excerpts from Secretary-General's joint press encounter with the Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’
29 October 2023 Kathmandu, Nepal
Excerpts from Secretary-General's joint press encounter with the Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’
Good afternoon.
It is a great pleasure to be back in beautiful Nepal.
The Prime Minister and I have just had a very productive meeting and I thank him for his wonderful hospitality. Indeed, the warm welcome that I received in Nepal is something I will never forget.
We are living in difficult and tense times. I know that even though the conflict in the Middle East is thousands of miles away, it has hit very close to home for the people of Nepal.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the ten Nepalese students killed in the terror attacks by Hamas in Israel on 7 October, and my best wishes for the safe return of Mr. Bipin Joshi, who is missing.
I have just arrived here from Qatar and I will continue to insist on the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages in Gaza.
And I repeat my utter condemnation of the appalling attacks perpetrated by Hamas. There is no justification, ever, for the killing, injuring and abduction of civilians.
The situation in Gaza is growing more desperate by the hours. I regret that instead of a critically needed humanitarian pause supported by the international community, Israel has intensified its military operations.
The number of civilians who have been killed and injured is totally unacceptable.
All parties must respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law.
That Law emerged from the tragedy and awful experiences of war. I have always been consistent in my call for strict compliance of the well-established principles and rule of International Humanitarian Law.
The protection of civilians is paramount.
The Laws of War establish clear rules to protect human life and respect humanitarian concerns. Those laws cannot be contorted for the sake of expedience.
The world is witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe taking place before our eyes.
More than two million people, with nowhere safe to go, are being denied the essentials for life – food, water, shelter and medical care – while being subjected to relentless bombardment.
I urge all those with responsibility to step back from the brink.
And I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of a sustained humanitarian relief at a scale that meets the needs of the people of Gaza.
We must join forces to end this nightmare for the people of Gaza, Israel and all those affected around the world, including here in Nepal.
…
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Readout of the Secretary-General’s phone call with H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
28 October 2023, Doha
Readout of the Secretary-General’s phone call with H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
During a stopover in Doha, Qatar, the Secretary-General spoke by phone with H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
They discussed the current situation in the Middle East and spoke about the coordination of humanitarian efforts for civilians in Gaza.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
UN Secretary-General's statement on the situation in Gaza
28 October 2023 Doha, Qatar
UN Secretary-General's statement on the situation in Gaza
I am in Doha, where I met with His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, for consultations on the Middle East crisis. I expressed my deep gratitude, appreciation and support for the mediation initiatives of Qatar, namely for the release of the hostages kept in Gaza.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, I was encouraged in the last days by what seemed to be a growing consensus in the international community, including the countries supporting Israel, for the need of at least a humanitarian pause in the fighting to facilitate the release of hostages in Gaza, the evacuation of third country nationals and the necessary massive scale up of the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza.
Regrettably, instead of the pause, I was surprised by an unprecedented escalation of the bombardments and their devastating impacts, undermining the referred humanitarian objectives.
Given the breakdown in communications, I am also extremely concerned about the UN staff who are in Gaza to deliver humanitarian assistance.
This situation must be reversed. I reiterate my strong appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, together with the unconditional release of hostages and a delivery of humanitarian relief at the level that corresponds to the dramatic needs of the people in Gaza, where a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in front of our eyes.
I want to repeat what I said yesterday. This is the moment of truth. Everyone must assume their responsibilities. History will judge us all.
UN Secretary-General's statement – on the situation in Gaza | United Nations Secretary-General
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement by the Secretary-General on the humanitarian situation in Gaza [Arabic version included]
27 October 2023, New York
Statement by the Secretary-General on the humanitarian situation in Gaza [scroll down for Arabic version]
The humanitarian system in Gaza is facing a total collapse with unimaginable consequences for more than 2 million civilians.
As the bombing intensifies, needs are growing ever more critical and colossal.
About 500 trucks per day were crossing into Gaza before the hostilities began.
In recent days, an average of only 12 trucks per day have entered, despite needs being far greater than at any time before.
In addition, the supplies that have trickled in do not include fuel for United Nations operations – fuel which is also essential to power hospitals, water desalination plants, food production and aid distribution.
Given the desperate and dramatic situation, the United Nations will not be able to continue to deliver inside Gaza without an immediate and fundamental shift in how aid is going in.
The verification system for the movement of goods through the Rafah crossing must be adjusted to allow many more trucks to enter Gaza without delay.
We must meet the expectations and core needs of civilians in Gaza.
Life-saving humanitarian aid – food, water, medicine, fuel – must be allowed to reach all civilians swiftly, safely and at scale.
I welcome the growing global consensus for a humanitarian pause in the conflict. I repeat my call for a humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of life-saving supplies at the scale needed.
Misery is growing by the minute.
Without a fundamental change, the people of Gaza will face an unprecedented avalanche of human suffering.
Everyone must assume their responsibilities. This is a moment of truth. History is judging us all.
*****
بيان من الأمين العام بشأن الحالة الإنسانية في غزة
يواجه النظام الإنساني في غزة انهيارا تاما مع عواقب لا يمكن تصورها بالنسبة لأكثر من 2 مليون مدني.
ومع اشتداد القصف، تشتد الحاجة وتزداد ضخامتها.
فقبل بدء الأعمال العدائية، كانت نحو 500 شاحنة تعبر يوميا إلى غزة.
وفي الأيام الأخيرة، لا تدخل يوميا إلا 12 شاحنة في المتوسط، على الرغم من أن الاحتياجات أكبر بكثير منها في أي وقت مضى.
يضاف إلى ذلك أن الإمدادات الضئيلة التي تدخل لا تشمل الوقود اللازم لعمليات الأمم المتحدة - وهو وقود لا غنى عنه أيضا لتشغيل المستشفيات ومحطات تحلية المياه وإنتاج الأغذية وتوزيع المساعدات.
وبالنظر إلى الحالة اليائسة والمأساوية، لن تتمكن الأمم المتحدة من مواصلة تقديم المساعدات داخل غزة دون حدوث تحول فوري وأساسي في كيفية وصول المعونة.
إن نظام التحقق من حركة البضائع عبر معبر رفح يجب تعديله للسماح لعدد أكبر بكثير من الشاحنات بدخول غزة دون تأخير.
يجب علينا أن نلبي التوقعات والاحتياجات الأساسية للمدنيين في غزة.
يجب السماح للمساعدات الإنسانية المنقذة للحياة - الغذاء والماء والدواء والوقود - بالوصول إلى جميع المدنيين بسرعة وأمان وبالحجم اللازم.
وأرحب بتوافق الآراء العالمي المتزايد على هدنة إنسانية في الصراع. وأكرر دعوتي إلى وقف إطلاق النار لأسباب إنسانية، والإفراج غير المشروط عن جميع الرهائن، وإيصال الإمدادات المنقذة للحياة بالحجم المطلوب.
فحالة البؤس تزداد كل دقيقة.
وبدون تغيير جوهري، سيواجه سكان غزة سيلا غير مسبوق من المعاناة الإنسانية.
يجب أن يتحمل الجميع مسؤولياتهم. إنها لحظة مواجهة الحقيقة. والتاريخ سيحكم علينا جميعا.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on the Middle East
24 October 2023, New York
Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on the Middle East [as delivered]
Mr. President, with your permission, I will make a small introduction and then ask my colleagues to brief the Security Council on the situation on the ground.
Excellencies,
The situation in the Middle East is growing more dire by the hour.
The war in Gaza is raging and risks spiralling throughout the region.
Divisions are splintering societies. Tensions threaten to boil over.
At a crucial moment like this, it is vital to be clear on principles -- starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians.
I have condemned unequivocally the horrifying and unprecedented 7 October acts of terror by Hamas in Israel.
Nothing can justify the deliberate killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians – or the launching of rockets against civilian targets.
All hostages must be treated humanely and released immediately and without conditions. I respectfully note the presence among us of members of their families.
Excellencies,
It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum.
The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation.
They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements and plagued by violence; their economy stifled; their people displaced and their homes demolished. Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been vanishing.
But the grievances of the Palestinian people cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. And those appalling attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
Excellencies,
Even war has rules.
We must demand that all parties uphold and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law; take constant care in the conduct of military operations to spare civilians; and respect and protect hospitals and respect the inviolability of UN facilities which today are sheltering more than 600,000 Palestinians.
The relentless bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces, the level of civilian casualties, and the wholesale destruction of neighborhoods continue to mount and are deeply alarming.
I mourn and honour the dozens of UN colleagues working for UNRWA – sadly, at least 35 and counting – killed in the bombardment of Gaza over the last two weeks.
I owe to their families my condemnation of these and many other similar killings.
The protection of civilians is paramount in any armed conflict.
Protecting civilians can never mean using them as human shields.
Protecting civilians does not mean ordering more than one million people to evacuate to the south, where there is no shelter, no food, no water, no medicine and no fuel, and then continuing to bomb the south itself.
I am deeply concerned about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza.
Let me be clear: No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law.
Excellencies,
Thankfully, some humanitarian relief is finally getting into Gaza.
But it is a drop of aid in an ocean of need.
In addition, our UN fuel supplies in Gaza will run out in a matter of days. That would be another disaster.
Without fuel, aid cannot be delivered, hospitals will not have power, and drinking water cannot be purified or even pumped.
The people of Gaza need continuous aid delivery at a level that corresponds to the enormous needs. That aid must be delivered without restrictions.
I salute our UN colleagues and humanitarian partners in Gaza working under hazardous conditions and risking their lives to provide aid to those in need. They are an inspiration.
To ease epic suffering, make the delivery of aid easier and safer, and facilitate the release of hostages, I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Excellencies,
Even in this moment of grave and immediate danger, we cannot lose sight of the only realistic foundation for a true peace and stability: a two-State solution.
Israelis must see their legitimate needs for security materialized, and Palestinians must see their legitimate aspirations for an independent State realized, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements.
Finally, we must be clear on the principle of upholding human dignity.
Polarization and dehumanization are being fueled by a tsunami of disinformation.
We must stand up to the forces of antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and all forms of hate.
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Today is United Nations Day, marking 78 years since the UN Charter entered into force.
That Charter reflects our shared commitment to advance peace, sustainable development and human rights.
On this UN Day, at this critical hour, I appeal to all to pull back from the brink before the violence claims even more lives and spreads even farther.
Thank you very much.