Guterres on Gaza

By employing the seldom-used Article 99 power, UN Secretary General Guterres initiated a Ceasefire vote at the UN Security Council. Unfortunately, the resolution was vetoed by the US. In response, Guterres issued a robust statement challenging Israel's assertion of the right to self-defense. While acknowledging Israel's right and condemning Hamas for firing rockets and using human shields, Guterres unequivocally stated that Israel cannot be absolved from the ongoing deaths and destruction in Gaza. He emphasized that International Humanitarian Law must be applied uniformly, possibly alluding to the US veto on the Ceasefire call.

In a recent statement, Guterres affirmed his commitment to the cause, indicating an unwavering stance. The specific approach he plans to take remains unclear. Potential avenues include pursuing action through the General Assembly, maintaining a steadfast call for Ceasefire, and engaging in diplomacy to unify regional powers, exerting pressure on both the US and Israel. Guterres underscores the urgency of the situation, highlighting that until a Ceasefire is established and both parties commit to negotiations, Palestinians in Gaza continue to face the grim reality of injury and loss of life including the vulnerable women, children and elderly because every second, minute, hour, and day matters in preserving and saving lives.