UN Secretary-General Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid at Arab League Summit

We gather as hearts are breaking for Palestinians in Gaza. The war in Gaza is an open wound that threatens to infect the entire region. In its speed and scale, it is the deadliest conflict in my time as Secretary-General – for civilians, aid workers, journalists, and our own UN colleagues. Of course, nothing can justify the abhorrent 7 October terror attacks. I reiterate my call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. 

Yet the toll on civilians continues to escalate. Entire families wiped out. Children traumatized and injured for life. People denied access to the very basics for human survival. A looming famine. Any assault on Rafah is unacceptable. It would inflict another surge of pain and misery when we need a surge in life-saving aid. It is time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

Why It Matters: UNRWA remains the backbone of our operations in Gaza and a lifeline for Palestine refugees across the region. It needs full support and funding. I am also deeply troubled by tensions in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, with a spike in illegal Israeli settlements, settler violence, excessive use of force by Israeli Defense Forces, demolitions and evictions. The only permanent way to end the cycle of violence and instability is through a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. The demographic and historical character of Jerusalem must be preserved, and the status quo at the Holy Sites must be upheld, in line with the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Turning to Sudan, a devastating war has thrown half the country’s population into a humanitarian freefall. One year on, thousands have been killed, and 18 million people are staring down the terrifying threat of famine. I urge the international community to intensify its push for peace and call on the warring parties to agree on a lasting ceasefire. This should be followed by a political process that includes women’s and youth groups. I pledge the full support of the United Nations.

We must also protect the fragile political processes in Libya and Yemen. As High Commissioner for Refugees, I witnessed the enormous generosity of the Syrian people. I am pained to see Syria now, with so much suffering and with parts of its territory occupied with several external actors involved. I call on all Syrians to come together in a spirit of reconciliation, honoring the diversity of the Syrian people and respecting the human rights of all.

Key Takeaways:

• Urgent call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
• Support and funding for UNRWA critical for Palestinian aid.
• Two-state solution essential for lasting peace in Israel and Palestine.
• International community urged to push for peace in Sudan.
• Protection of fragile political processes in Libya, Yemen, and Syria is crucial.