'Time to silence the guns': UN sec-gen calls for peace in Gaza

United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres has stated that the Israeli war on Gaza, which began a year ago, continues to devastate the lives of Palestinians, inflicting severe humanitarian suffering, the Palestine News and Info Agency (Wafa) reported.

In a video message marking the first anniversary of the ongoing Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, Guterres emphasised the need for the international community to focus on the "horrific events" that have transpired, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.

He noted that the Lebanese people have also suffered as a result of the ongoing war, stressing the urgent need to silence the guns and end the pain engulfing the region.

"It is time for the release of the hostages. Time to silence the guns. Time to stop the suffering that has engulfed the region.

“Now is the time for peace, international law, and justice," he said.

Guterres underscored the importance of relentlessly pursuing a permanent resolution to the conflict, one that allows Palestine, Israel, and all other countries in the region to live in peace, dignity, and mutual respect.

‘End brutal Israeli crimes’

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretary-general Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has also renewed the call to the international community to uphold its responsibilities and take urgent action to stop the grave Israeli aggression, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

He emphasised that one year after the onset of military operations by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza, the humanitarian, security and economic situation in the region has significantly worsened.

“This necessitates immediate and decisive steps from the international community to put an end to the brutal Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people, de-escalate military operations and lift the blockade, ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid and the opening of crossings to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people," he said.

Albudaiwi also underscored the critical importance of protecting civilians, including those involved in relief and humanitarian services, who face severe risks while carrying out their essential duties.

Furthermore, he reiterated that GCC countries consistently advocate for accountability for those responsible for crimes against humanity, holding the Israeli government accountable for the violations committed by its forces against the defenceless Palestinian people.

READ MORE: Israel bombs Lebanon, Gaza on first anniversary of current conflict

Additionally, Albudaiwi expressed the steadfast stance of GCC member states in support of the Palestinian cause and their commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant United Nations resolutions.

He concluded his statement by calling for the unification of regional and international efforts to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and to provide the necessary support to the Palestinian people, thereby contributing to stability and security in the region.

- Bernama

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