UN Chief Reiterates Rejection of Israeli-US Aid Plan for Gaza at Baghdad Summit
Antonio Guterres emphasizes the need for adherence to international law in humanitarian aid delivery at the Arab League summit.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed his rejection of a joint Israeli-US initiative aimed at delivering aid to Gaza without involving the United Nations during his address at the annual Arab League summit in Baghdad.
His comments followed the release of satellite imagery showing the construction of new aid distribution centers in the region.
In his opening remarks, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani condemned the violence in Gaza as a genocide, stating it has reached unprecedented levels.
The summit's primary focus included the ongoing situation in Gaza, where Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access.
The UN Chief highlighted the total blockade of humanitarian aid imposed by Israel since March, intended to exert pressure on Hamas.
Israel's recent proposal allows third-party entities to facilitate aid delivery, which Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon claims is designed to ensure aid reaches intended recipients.
However, Guterres emphasized that the UN cannot participate in any aid operation that contravenes international humanitarian law and principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
He stated, "I emphasize that the UN will not participate in any so-called aid operation that does not adhere to international law."
In addition to Gaza, Guterres addressed concerns regarding the West Bank, where he noted the escalation of illegal settlements and called for a halt to annexations, labeling them as illegal.
He pointed to a high-level conference on the Palestinian issue set for next month, co-organized by Saudi Arabia and France, as a significant opportunity for dialogue.
Concerning Lebanon, Guterres recognized the commitment of Lebanese officials to maintain a state monopoly over weapons amidst ongoing operations by the UN's peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, in coordination with the Lebanese army to confiscate Hezbollah's weapons caches.
In the context of Syria, he advocated for a political process rooted in Security Council resolution 2254, to safeguard the rights of all Syrians across ethnic and religious lines.
The ceasefire between Houthi forces and the US, facilitated by Oman earlier this month, also received Guterres' endorsement, as he expressed hope for a Yemeni-led political resolution.
Guterres expressed gratitude towards the Arab League and the African Union for their recent coordination on Sudan, and he underscored ongoing efforts to address the conflict in Libya, aiming to stabilize the situation and facilitate national elections in alignment with the aspirations of the Libyan people.
He reiterated that the Arab League remains a crucial partner in these multifaceted initiatives and expressed optimism for collaborative conflict resolution efforts in the region.
His comments followed the release of satellite imagery showing the construction of new aid distribution centers in the region.
In his opening remarks, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani condemned the violence in Gaza as a genocide, stating it has reached unprecedented levels.
The summit's primary focus included the ongoing situation in Gaza, where Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access.
The UN Chief highlighted the total blockade of humanitarian aid imposed by Israel since March, intended to exert pressure on Hamas.
Israel's recent proposal allows third-party entities to facilitate aid delivery, which Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon claims is designed to ensure aid reaches intended recipients.
However, Guterres emphasized that the UN cannot participate in any aid operation that contravenes international humanitarian law and principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
He stated, "I emphasize that the UN will not participate in any so-called aid operation that does not adhere to international law."
In addition to Gaza, Guterres addressed concerns regarding the West Bank, where he noted the escalation of illegal settlements and called for a halt to annexations, labeling them as illegal.
He pointed to a high-level conference on the Palestinian issue set for next month, co-organized by Saudi Arabia and France, as a significant opportunity for dialogue.
Concerning Lebanon, Guterres recognized the commitment of Lebanese officials to maintain a state monopoly over weapons amidst ongoing operations by the UN's peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, in coordination with the Lebanese army to confiscate Hezbollah's weapons caches.
In the context of Syria, he advocated for a political process rooted in Security Council resolution 2254, to safeguard the rights of all Syrians across ethnic and religious lines.
The ceasefire between Houthi forces and the US, facilitated by Oman earlier this month, also received Guterres' endorsement, as he expressed hope for a Yemeni-led political resolution.
Guterres expressed gratitude towards the Arab League and the African Union for their recent coordination on Sudan, and he underscored ongoing efforts to address the conflict in Libya, aiming to stabilize the situation and facilitate national elections in alignment with the aspirations of the Libyan people.
He reiterated that the Arab League remains a crucial partner in these multifaceted initiatives and expressed optimism for collaborative conflict resolution efforts in the region.
