UN Secretary-General Proposes Cease-Fire Opportunity in Gaza during Ramadan
‘Israel said this was not a war on Palestinians but on Hamas, but truth is, it became a collective punishment of Palestinians,’ Antonio Guterres tells Italian broadcaster
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The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, highlighted the potential for a cease-fire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In an interview with Italian broadcaster Nove on Sunday, Guterres emphasized the disproportionate impact of the conflict on civilians, stating that they are bearing the brunt of the violence.
While Israel has stated its targeting of Hamas rather than Palestinians, Guterres asserted that the situation has led to collective punishment for the Palestinian population.
Guterres reiterated the urgency of a cease-fire and identified Ramadan as a favorable period for such an initiative.
Since the October 7, 2023 cross-border attack by Hamas, Israel has conducted a deadly military offensive in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals.
Over 31,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed, with more than 72,700 others injured. The conflict has caused widespread destruction and shortages of essential resources.
The war has forced 85% of Gaza's population into internal displacement amidst a severe blockade restricting access to food, water, and medicine. Additionally, 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, as reported by the UN.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, with an interim ruling in January urging Tel Aviv to cease genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza's civilians.
Guterres also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of upholding the country's territorial integrity. He expressed doubts regarding the willingness of Russia and Ukraine to engage in negotiations.
Furthermore, Guterres announced plans for UN reform, highlighting the need to revise the composition of the Security Council. He advocated for a broader representation of countries, particularly from Africa, to better reflect the modern world, though he acknowledged the challenges surrounding the issue of veto power.
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