ATTACKS BY HAMAS “DID NOT HAPPEN IN A VACUUM”: UN’S GUTERRES

Tue 24 October 2023:

Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, adding there are “clear violations” of international humanitarian law in the besieged enclave.

“Let me be clear: No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law,” Guterres told a session of the UN Security Council.

Guterres also pushed for much more humanitarian relief to be allowed into Gaza.

“Our UN fuel supplies in Gaza will run out in a matter of days. That would be another disaster. 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.”

The UN chief says it is important to recognise the attacks by Hamas “did not happen in a vacuum”.

“The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation,” he told UN Security Council members.

“They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements, 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.”

Guterres, however, said grievances by the Palestinians cannot justify the “appalling attacks” by Hamas, which in turn could not justify the “collective punishment of the Palestinian people”.

“At a crucial moment like this, it is vital to be clear on principles, starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians.”

Israel criticises UN chief Guterres for Gaza views