Baghdad: UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued an urgent appeal for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza during his address to the Arab League Summit in Baghdad on Saturday. He strongly reaffirmed the necessity of a two-State solution as the only viable path to long-term peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Guterres warned that the Middle East and the broader world face mounting crises, with Gaza at the epicenter. He condemned both the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023 and the ongoing Israeli military campaign, stating that “collective punishment of the Palestinian people cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
"We need a permanent ceasefire, now. The unconditional release of all hostages, now. And unrestricted humanitarian access into Gaza, now,” he urged, calling for an end to Israel’s blockade which continues to restrict the delivery of life-saving aid to over two million people.
The Secretary-General also voiced concern over reports that Israel may expand its military ground operations in the Strip. He stressed that the UN would not participate in any aid mission that does not fully comply with international law and core humanitarian principles, including neutrality and impartiality.
In his remarks, Guterres rejected any notion of forced displacement of Gaza’s population—inside or outside the territory—and warned against the continued deterioration of conditions in the occupied West Bank. He emphasized the illegality of both settlement expansion and annexation, reiterating that the two-State solution remains the only path to sustainable peace.
He cited the upcoming international conference in June, to be co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, as a potential turning point for renewed diplomatic efforts.
On regional issues, Guterres addressed the complex crises facing several Arab countries. He affirmed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, welcoming the efforts of the Lebanese Armed Forces and ongoing cooperation with UN peacekeepers.
He reiterated the UN’s call for a political solution in Syria, grounded in inclusivity and national unity, and encouraged continued reforms in Lebanon and progress toward a stable and sovereign future.
Turning to Yemen, the Secretary-General welcomed the recent halt in hostilities between the Houthi rebels and U.S. forces following mediation by Oman. However, he expressed concern over the impact of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and demanded the release of UN personnel detained in the country.
Regarding Sudan, Guterres called for urgent international cooperation to address escalating violence, famine, and mass displacement. He commended the Arab League and African Union for fostering coordination on the issue.
In Somalia, he highlighted the need for national unity and international support in the fight against extremist group Al-Shabaab. He recommended a new Security Council mandate for predictable funding of the AU mission assisting in Somali stabilization.
The Secretary-General also commented on Libya, where UN efforts continue to focus on ending armed clashes, safeguarding democratic institutions, and clearing the path for long-delayed elections.
He concluded his remarks by praising Iraq's progress since the restoration of its sovereignty in 2004, noting achievements in governance, dialogue, and sustainable development. The UN, through its assistance mission (UNAMI), is aiding in a smooth transition as its mandate winds down by the end of 2025.
Later speaking to the press, Guterres described the situation in Gaza as “beyond inhumane” and sharply criticized Israel's ongoing blockade, in place since early March. UN agencies have warned that Gaza's entire population is at risk of famine, with one in five people facing starvation.
“A policy of siege and starvation mocks the essence of international law,” Guterres stated, calling for an end to the blockade without delay.
