UNITED NATIONS, January 21 (WSH) – UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for urgent international action to support efforts for justice, dignity, and peace in the Middle East as the region undergoes profound transformation.
A Ray of Hope in Gaza
The Middle East is undergoing a “period of profound transformation,” and the international community must rally behind efforts for justice, human rights, and peace, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized during a Security Council meeting on Monday. Addressing the Council’s first quarterly debate on the region, Mr. Guterres spotlighted recent developments, including a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, the conclusion of hostilities in Lebanon, and the fall of Syria’s Assad regime.
“We have a responsibility to ensure the people of the Middle East emerge from this turbulent period with peace, dignity, and a horizon of hope grounded in action,” said Mr. Guterres, fresh from a visit to Lebanon.
Four Key Actions for Ground-Level Progress
Mr. Guterres outlined four immediate priorities to ensure the ceasefire translates into meaningful action:
- Unhindered Humanitarian Operations: UN entities like UNRWA must operate freely to deliver essential aid—food, water, medicine, fuel, and infrastructure repair materials—across Gaza.
- Safe Operating Environment: Humanitarians need protective and technical resources, while order must be restored to prevent looting of supplies.
- Life-Saving Aid Access: Civilians must access aid, including medical evacuations. Commercial supplies should also meet the population’s overwhelming needs.
- Civilians’ Safety: Civilians returning to their communities require safe passage, and explosive ordnance must be cleared. The recovery of human remains must be conducted with dignity.
