UN Chief Guterres Calls for Ceasefire and Aid Access in Gaza Amidst Annual Ramadan Solidarity Trip

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during his annual Ramadan solidarity trip, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and unrestricted aid deliveries into Gaza. Speaking at the Rafah border crossing into Gaza, Guterres called for Israel to commit unequivocally to facilitating aid access to the besieged enclave. Beginning his journey with visits to Egypt and Jordan, Guterres reiterated his longstanding tradition of shedding light on distressed Muslim communities, a practice dating back to his tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees. In Cairo, he reiterated his plea for a humanitarian ceasefire, particularly in Gaza and Sudan, underscoring the UN's dedication to addressing pressing humanitarian crises in conflict zones. In northern Sinai, heavily affected by conflict, Guterres met with UN humanitarian workers in Rafah to discuss strategies for alleviating the suffering of those caught in the midst of conflict. During his visit to El Arish, Egypt, Guterres spoke with Palestinian civilians, including women and children injured in the ongoing conflict. He empathized with their plight, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire to halt further suffering. At the Rafah border crossing, Guterres decried the continuation of violence during Ramadan, highlighting the veto by China and Russia of a US-proposed resolution aimed at securing a ceasefire and facilitating aid delivery into Gaza. Guterres condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, expressing sorrow that many Palestinians would not have a proper iftar due to the conflict. He emphasized the dire situation faced by Gazans, with homes destroyed, families displaced, and hunger rampant. Calling for immediate action, Guterres urged Israel to allow unfettered access for humanitarian goods into Gaza and demanded the immediate release of all hostages. He urged UN member states to support the vital work of UNRWA in Gaza. Promising continued collaboration with Egypt to streamline aid delivery, Guterres assured Palestinians in Gaza that they are not alone, expressing the global outrage at the suffering witnessed. In a symbolic gesture, Guterres participated in a Ramadan iftar with Sudanese refugees, highlighting the importance of peace and stability during Ramadan and urging all parties to cease hostilities. In Jordan, Guterres is scheduled to visit UNRWA facilities as part of his ongoing Ramadan solidarity trip. This future segment of his journey underscores the UN's continuous commitment to supporting vulnerable communities amidst crises. During his time in Amman, the Secretary-General will share in a Ramadan iftar with Palestine refugees and UN staff, emphasizing the importance of compassion and unity during times of adversity. He is also slated to hold meetings with Jordanian officials, furthering collaborative efforts to address regional challenges and promote peace and stability. The upcoming engagements in Jordan reflect Guterres' ongoing diplomatic efforts to address humanitarian concerns and foster cooperation in conflict resolution. The Secretary-General's Ramadan solidarity trip serves as a reminder of the UN's steadfast commitment to upholding humanitarian principles and fostering peace in the face of ongoing conflicts and emergencies.| UN Photo/Mark Garten

By: ATN News

Rafah-Egypt: UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his annual Ramadan solidarity journey, stressed the critical necessity for a ceasefire and unimpeded aid flow into Gaza. Speaking at the Rafah border crossing into Gaza, Guterres urged Israel to firmly commit to facilitating aid access to the blockaded area.

Commencing his voyage with visits to Egypt and Jordan, Guterres reaffirmed his enduring tradition of shedding light on distressed Muslim communities, a practice rooted in his tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

In Cairo, he reiterated his appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire, notably in Gaza and Sudan, underlining the UN's unwavering dedication to tackling urgent humanitarian crises in conflict zones.

In northern Sinai, Guterres engaged with UN humanitarian personnel in Rafah to deliberate on strategies for alleviating the plight of those ensnared in conflict.

During his sojourn in El Arish, Egypt, Guterres conversed with Palestinian civilians, including women and children affected by the ongoing conflict. He empathized with their suffering, stressing the imperative of a ceasefire to mitigate further anguish.

At the Rafah border crossing, Guterres lamented the persistence of violence during Ramadan, spotlighting the veto by China and Russia of a US-proposed resolution aimed at securing a ceasefire and facilitating aid entry into Gaza.

Expressing condemnation for the ongoing violence in Gaza, Guterres mourned the fact that many Palestinians would be deprived of a proper iftar due to the conflict. He underscored the dire circumstances confronting Gazans, with homes razed, families displaced, and hunger rampant.

Issuing a call for immediate action, Guterres urged Israel to permit unrestricted entry of humanitarian supplies into Gaza and demanded the prompt release of all hostages. He implored UN member states to bolster the crucial work of UNRWA in Gaza.

Pledging sustained collaboration with Egypt to streamline aid distribution, Guterres reassured Palestinians in Gaza of global solidarity in the face of their suffering.

In a symbolic gesture, Guterres partook in a Ramadan iftar with Sudanese refugees, underscoring the significance of peace and stability during Ramadan and urging all parties to cease hostilities.

In Jordan, Guterres is slated to visit UNRWA facilities as part of his ongoing Ramadan solidarity tour, reaffirming the UN's enduring commitment to supporting vulnerable communities amid crises.

During his stay in Amman, the Secretary-General will join in a Ramadan iftar with Palestine refugees and UN personnel, emphasizing the value of compassion and unity in adversity.

He is also scheduled to hold discussions with Jordanian officials, advancing collaborative endeavors to address regional challenges and promote peace and stability.

The forthcoming engagements in Jordan epitomize Guterres' ongoing diplomatic endeavors to address humanitarian concerns and foster cooperation in conflict resolution.

The Secretary-General's Ramadan solidarity journey serves as a poignant reminder of the UN's steadfast commitment to upholding humanitarian principles and nurturing peace amidst ongoing conflicts and emergencies.