NEW YORK, 27 NOV – It is time for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of prisoners, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday, calling for full support for humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people, reports Xinhua.
UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed delivered the message at a special UN meeting in conjunction with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which is celebrated on November 29 every year.
“Every year on this day, the international community stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people in fighting for dignity, rights, justice and self-determination.
“However, this year’s commemoration is very sad because the basic goal is still far from being achieved.
“More than a year has passed, Gaza is now destroyed, more than 43,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been reported killed, and the humanitarian crisis is getting worse every day.
“This situation is appalling and inexcusable,” Guterres said in the message.
Guterres stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all prisoners, as well as an end to the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the UN General Assembly.
He also underlined the need to make progress towards a two-state solution and called for full support for humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people, particularly through the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in West Asia (UNRWA).
“The UN will continue to stand with the Palestinian people and their inalienable right to live in peace, security and dignity,” Guterres said. – Named
