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13 October 2023, New York

Secretary-General's remarks to the press on the situation in the Middle East

Dear representatives of the media. I want to share with you some of the key messages I will share with the Security Council.

The situation in Gaza has reached a dangerous new low.

The horrific terror attacks by Hamas on Israel that killed more than 1200 people and injured thousands more last Saturday were followed by intense bombardment of Gaza that has already killed 1800 people, and injured thousands more.

After days of airstrikes, the Israeli Defense Forces have ordered the Palestinians in Gaza City and its surroundings to move to the south of the territory.

Moving more than one million people across a densely populated warzone to a place with no food, water, or accommodation, when the entire territory is under siege, is extremely dangerous –and in some cases, simply not possible.

Hospitals in the south of Gaza are already at capacity and will not be able to accept thousands of new patients from the north.

The health system is on the brink of collapse. Morgues are overflowing; eleven healthcare staff have been killed while on duty; and there have been 34 attacks on health facilities in the past few days.

The entire territory faces a water crisis as infrastructure has been damaged and there is no electricity to power pumps and desalination plants.

Our United Nations staff and our partners are working around the clock to support the people of Gaza.

We mourn for our colleagues who have been killed –a number that is increasing by the day.

I have been in constant contact with the leaders across the region, focusing on ways to reduce suffering and prevent further dangerous escalation in the West Bank or elsewhere in the region, especially in southern Lebanon.

The exchanges of fire across the Blue Line is very worrying. It must stop.

We need immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza, so that we can get fuel, food and water to everyone in need.

Even wars have rules.

International humanitarian law and human rights law must be respected and upheld; civilians must be protected and also never used as shields.

And all hostages in Gaza must be released immediately.

It is imperative that all parties – and those with influence over them – do everything possible to achieve these steps.

Finally, I want to say something about the hatred that is being stoked by this terrible conflict – across the Middle East and around the world.

Dehumanizing language that incites violence is never accepted.

I call on all leaders to speak out against Antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and hate speech of all kinds.

This is a time for the international community to come together around protecting civilians and finding a lasting solution to this unending cycle of death and destruction.

Thank you.

Secretary-General's remarks to the press on the situation in the Middle East | United Nations Secretary-General

11 October 2023, New York

Press Statement by the Secretary-General regarding the situation in the Middle East

"I have been closely following dramatic events in Israel and Gaza.

I will never forget the images of the supercharged cycle of violence and horror.

I am in continuous contact with leaders in the region with an immediate focus on several key priorities.

We must avoid spillover of the conflict.

I am concerned about the recent exchange of fire along the Blue Line and recent reported attacks from Southern Lebanon.

I appeal to all parties – and those who have an influence over those parties -- to avoid any further escalation and spillover.

I call for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Civilians must be protected at all times. International humanitarian law must be respected and upheld.

About 220,000 Palestinians are now sheltering in 92 UNRWA facilities across Gaza. UN premises and all hospitals, schools and clinics must never be targeted.

UN staff are working around the clock to support the people of Gaza and I deeply regret that some of my colleagues have already paid the ultimate price.

Crucial life-saving supplies – including fuel, food and water -- must be allowed into Gaza. We need rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access now.

I want to thank Egypt for its constructive engagement to facilitate humanitarian access through the Rafah crossing and to make the El Arish airport available for critical assistance.

There is no time to lose. Every moment counts.

Thank you."

12 October 2023, New York

Note to correspondents on Gaza

Stéphane Dujarric

Today [12 October] just before midnight local time, team leaders of the UN Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Department of Safety and Security in Gaza were informed by their liaison officers in the Israeli military that the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours. This amounts to approximately 1.1 million people. The same order applied to all UN staff and those sheltered in UN facilities – including schools, health centres and clinics.

The United Nations considers it impossible for such a movement to take place without devastating humanitarian consequences.

The United Nations strongly appeals for any such order, if confirmed, to be rescinded avoiding what could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation.

Stéphane Dujarric
Spokesman for the Secretary-General

Note to correspondents on Gaza | United Nations Secretary-General

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

--

REMARKS TO THE PRESS ON THE MIDDLE EAST

New York, 9 October 2023, 12:30 p.m.

I have just concluded an extraordinary meeting of senior UN leaders to discuss the unprecedented developments in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Let me begin by repeating my utter condemnation of the abhorrent attacks by Hamas and others against Israeli towns and villages in the Gaza periphery, which have left over 800 Israelis dead and more than 2,500 injured.

Sadly, these numbers are expected to rise as the attacks are ongoing and many remain unaccounted for.

In addition, over one hundred, possibly more, Israelis – civilians and military – have been reported captured by armed groups, including women, children and the elderly.

Some are being held hostage inside Israel and many others have been taken inside the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have launched thousands of indiscriminate rockets that have reached central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

I recognize the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people. But nothing can

justify these acts of terror and the killing, maiming and abduction of civilians.

I reiterate my call to immediately cease these attacks and release all hostages.

In the face of these unprecedented attacks, Israeli airstrikes have pounded Gaza.

I am deeply alarmed by reports of over 500 Palestinians -- including women and children -- killed in Gaza and over 3,000 injured.

Unfortunately, these numbers are rising by the minute as Israeli operations continue.

While I recognize Israel’s legitimate security concerns, I also remind Israel that military operations must be conducted in strict accordance with international humanitarian law.

Civilians must be respected and protected at all times.

Civilian infrastructure must never be a target.

We already have reports of Israeli missiles striking health facilities inside Gaza as well as multi-storied residential towers and a mosque.

Two UNRWA schools sheltering displaced families in Gaza were also hit.

Some 137,000 people are currently sheltering in UNRWA facilities – with the number increasing as heavy shelling and airstrikes continue.

I am deeply distressed by today’s announcement that Israel will initiate a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, nothing allowed in – no electricity, food, or fuel.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza was extremely dire before these hostilities; now it will only deteriorate exponentially.

Medical equipment, food, fuel and other humanitarian supplies are desperately needed, along with access for humanitarian personnel.

Relief and entry of essential supplies into Gaza must be facilitated – and the UN will continue efforts to provide aid to respond to these needs.

I urge all sides and the relevant parties to allow United Nations access to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians trapped and helpless in the Gaza Strip.

I appeal to the international community to mobilize immediate humanitarian support for this effort.

The UN Special Coordinator and I are engaging with leaders in the region to express our concern, our outrage, and to advance efforts to avoid any spillover to the wider Middle East.

Even in these worst of times – and perhaps especially in the most trying moments – it is vital to look to the long-term horizon and avoid irreversible action that would embolden extremists and doom any prospects for lasting peace.

This most recent violence does not come in a vacuum. The reality is that it grows out of a long-standing conflict, with a 56-year long occupation and no political end in sight.

It’s time to end this vicious circle of bloodshed, hatred and polarization.

Israel must see its legitimate needs for security materialized – and Palestinians must see a clear perspective for the establishment of their own state realized.

Only a negotiated peace that fulfills the legitimate national aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis, together with their security alike – the long-held vision of a two-State solution, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements – can bring long-term stability to the people of this land and the wider Middle East region.

Thank you.

07 October 2023, New York

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General regarding the situation in the Middle East

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms this morning’s attack by Hamas against Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip and central Israel, including the firing of thousands of rockets toward Israeli population centers.

The attacks have so far claimed numerous Israeli civilian lives and injured many hundreds. The Secretary-General is appalled by reports that civilians have been attacked and abducted from their own homes.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned for the civilian population and urges maximum restraint. Civilians must be respected and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law at all times.

The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and calls for the immediate release of all abducted persons.

The Secretary-General urges all diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration.

He stresses that violence cannot provide a solution to the conflict, and that only through negotiation leading to a two-state solution can peace be achieved.

https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2023-10-07/statement-attributable-the-spokesperson-of-the-secretary-general-regarding-the-situation-the-middle-east

06 July 2023, New York

Excerpts from Secretary-General's press encounter on visits to Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago, and on the situation in the Middle East

***

… While I was in Haiti and Trinidad, I was deeply disturbed by the news from Jenin in the occupied West Bank.

I strongly condemn all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror.

Israel’s airstrikes and ground operations in a crowded refugee camp were the worst violence in the West Bank in many years, with a significant impact on civilians, including more than one hundred injured and thousands forced to flee.

Schools and hospitals were damaged. Water and electricity networks were disrupted. And people in need were prevented from accessing essential care and relief.

All those injured must have access to medical care, and humanitarian workers must be able to reach everyone in need.

I once again call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, including the duty to exercise restraint and use only proportional force, and the duty to minimize damage and injury and respect and preserve human life.

The use of airstrikes is inconsistent with the conduct of law enforcement operations.

I also remind Israel, as the Occupying Power, that it has a responsibility to ensure that the civilian population is protected against all acts of violence.

I understand Israel’s legitimate concerns with its security. But escalation is not the answer. It simply bolsters radicalization and leads to a deepening cycle of violence and bloodshed.

Restoring the hope of the Palestinian people in a meaningful political process, leading to a two-State solution and the end of the occupation, is an essential contribution by Israel to its own security.

Thank you. I will answer three questions. There is another stakeout to take place.

***

Questions and Answers

…

Question: Secretary-General, can you clarify if your condemnation specifically applies to Israel in your statement?

Secretary-General: Sorry. I didn’t get you.

Question: Can you clarify if your condemnation in your statement specifically applies to Israel?

Secretary-General: No. It applies to all use of excessive force and obviously, in this situation, there was an excessive force used by Israeli forces.

Question: Secretary-General, three special rapporteurs today have accused Israel of possible war crimes in Jenin for actions that amount to egregious violations of international law and standards of use of force. Does that square with what you have described today in terms of the attacks on hospitals, on infrastructure, civilian infrastructure? Do those attacks amount to war crimes? And yesterday, Palestine's ambassador again talked about the need for an international protection force. Is this something you can endorse? Do Palestinians need an international force to protect them from Israel?

Secretary-General: I don't think it's realistic to think that we can have a military force sent to Israel. I don't think the Israeli Government would consent on that possibility. But I think we need to find mechanisms to allow for the protection of civilians in these dramatic circumstances. Thank you very much.

…

https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/press-encounter/2023-07-06/secretary-generals-press-encounter-visits-haiti-and-trinidad-and-tobago-and-the-situation-the-middle-east

New York, 03 July 2023

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Jenin

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the developments in Jenin.

He affirms that all military operations must be conducted with full respect for international humanitarian law.

New York, 28 June 2023

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General condemns Monday’s advancement of plans for over 5,500 housing units in Israeli settlements in Area C of the occupied West Bank, including the retroactive regularization, under Israeli law, of three settlement outposts adjacent to the settlement of Eli.

The Secretary-General reiterates that settlements are a flagrant violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. He once again urges the Government of Israel to halt and reverse the expansion of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to fully respect its legal obligations in that regard.

Israel's persistent expansion of its settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, deepens humanitarian needs, significantly fuels violence, increases the risk of confrontation, further entrenches the occupation, and undermines the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

These ongoing settlements are eroding the possibility of establishing a contiguous and viable sovereign Palestinian State, based on the pre-1967 lines, thereby impeding the ability to achieve a viable two-State solution, and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

New York, 21 June 2023

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by the continued violence and loss of life in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The Secretary-General condemns all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror. This includes yesterday’s shooting by two armed Palestinians that killed four Israelis in the occupied West Bank and injured others and the ensuing acts of vandalism and torching of land and properties -- including a school, by Israeli settlers in Palestinian villages around Nablus and Ramallah.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the events in Jenin on 19 June, when an Israeli security forces (ISF) operation and ensuing exchange of fire resulted in seven Palestinians killed, including two children, both students at UNRWA schools.

It is crucial to reduce tensions and to prevent further escalation. Israel, as the Occupying Power, must ensure that the civilian population is protected against all acts of violence, and that perpetrators are held to account. Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the proportional use of force and the taking of all feasible precautions to spare civilians in the conduct of military operations.

Ultimately, only a return to a meaningful political process and ending the occupation will bring an end to this devastating cycle of violence and senseless loss of life.

New York, 19 June 2023

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General New York, 19 June 2023

The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by yesterday’s decision by the Israeli Government to amend settlement planning procedures. The changes can be expected to expedite the advancement of Israeli settlement plans in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He is also deeply alarmed by the anticipated advancement next week of over 4,000 settlement housing units by Israeli planning authorities.

The Secretary-General reiterates that settlements are a flagrant violation of international law. They are a major obstacle to the realization of a viable two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. The expansion of these illegal settlements is a significant driver of tensions and violence and deepens humanitarian needs. It further entrenches Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, encroaches on Palestinian land and natural resources, hampers the free movement of the Palestinian population, and undermines the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and sovereignty.

The Secretary-General urges the Government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions and to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and to fully respect its legal obligations in that regard. He further calls for concrete steps to be taken to implement the commitments made in the Joint Communiqués in Aqaba, Jordan and Sharm al-Sheik, Egypt, respectively.