UN Chief Calls for Permanent Ceasefire, Reaffirms Support for Palestinian Rights

TDT | Manama

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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful address at the opening session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and renewed efforts towards a two-state solution.

Speaking before committee members and international delegates, Guterres condemned both the Hamas attacks of October 7 and the devastation that has since unfolded in Gaza. “Nothing justifies what we have seen over the last many months,” he stated.

The UN chief underscored the humanitarian catastrophe gripping Gaza, citing the nearly 50,000 reported deaths—70% of them women and children—and the widespread destruction of essential infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water facilities. He described an entire generation left homeless, traumatized, and deprived of education.

Welcoming the recent ceasefire and hostage release agreement, Guterres commended Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their mediation efforts. However, he stressed that the international community must push for a permanent cessation of hostilities and the immediate release of all remaining hostages.

A Call for Action

Guterres laid out three key priorities moving forward:

A Permanent Ceasefire & Humanitarian Support – He urged rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, calling on Member States and donors to fully fund relief operations, including the work of UNRWA.

Upholding International Law – The Secretary-General warned against actions that could worsen the crisis, emphasizing the need to prevent any form of ethnic cleansing and to uphold legal and humanitarian obligations.

A Two-State Solution – Reaffirming the UN’s long-standing position, Guterres insisted that any lasting peace must include “tangible, irreversible, and permanent progress” towards a viable Palestinian state. “A sovereign Palestinian State, living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel, is the only sustainable solution for Middle East stability,” he said.

Mounting Tensions in the West Bank

Beyond Gaza, Guterres expressed deep concern over escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He condemned increasing attacks by Israeli settlers and other violations, calling for an end to the occupation in line with international law and a ruling by the International Court of Justice.

“The violence must stop,” he asserted, calling for accountability and renewed efforts to preserve the unity and integrity of Palestinian territories. He also emphasized the need for strong and unified Palestinian governance, urging the global community to support the Palestinian Authority.

UN Commitment to Peace

Reaffirming the UN’s dedication to peace and stability, Guterres praised the committee’s work and called on the international community to step up its support for Palestinian rights. “The UN is fully committed to peace, stability, and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,” he concluded.

The session marked a critical moment as the UN and world leaders navigate one of the most pressing humanitarian and political crises in the region’s history.