NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Arab nations to present a unified stance ahead of an Extraordinary Summit of the League of Arab States scheduled for next week in Cairo.

The summit comes in the wake of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that Guterres described as a ‘nexus of death, displacement, hunger, and disease,’ resulting from 15 months of Israeli military operations in the enclave.

Guterres stated that a cohesive response from Arab nations would ‘help guide the way forward’ as efforts continue to stabilize the region.

He reaffirmed the UN's firm opposition to any form of ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and underscored the necessity of establishing a unified Palestinian government with popular support.

The Secretary-General outlined the critical conditions for a lasting peace in the region, insisting that there must be no long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza.

Any transitional arrangements, he asserted, should aim toward facilitating a unified Palestinian governance structure.

Furthermore, he called for an urgent de-escalation of tensions in the West Bank, advocating for an immediate cessation of settlement expansions and violence directed against civilians.

Guterres reiterated his support for a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully, in compliance with international law.

He stated, ‘The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, chart their own future, and live in freedom and security,’ elucidating that peace can only be achieved through negotiations leading to a two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

During the forthcoming summit, Guterres is expected to communicate these vital priorities to Arab leaders, urging unified action to foster stability in the region.

The Cairo summit is perceived as a pivotal moment for international diplomacy, coinciding with intensified global efforts to formulate a sustainable resolution to the Gaza crisis, amidst a fragile ceasefire.

Since the onset of hostilities following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, Gaza has sustained unparalleled destruction.

Guterres reported that essential infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water facilities, has been decimated.

He cautioned that the risk of further devastation continues to loom over the population.

The UN chief emphasized the necessity for all parties involved in the ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations to adhere to their commitments.

He urged, ‘The parties must spare no effort to avoid a breakdown of this deal,’ highlighting that the forthcoming days are critical for ensuring the safe, dignified, and unconditional release of hostages, alongside maintaining the flow of humanitarian aid to those in dire need.

In light of the temporary ceasefire, humanitarian agencies have been able to enhance their operations within Gaza, providing essential aid, food, water, and medical supplies to vulnerable populations.

Guterres remarked, ‘With the right conditions and access, we can do far more.’ However, he clarified that alleviating the immediate humanitarian crisis represents only the initial stage of recovery.

He advocated for a comprehensive political framework aimed at Gaza's long-term recovery, underscoring the need for adherence to international law while securing Palestinian sovereignty.

Guterres called for definitive steps towards peace and stability based on robust principles, stating, ‘This means staying true to the bedrock of international law.

It means preventing any form of ethnic cleansing.

It means there should be no long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza.

It means addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns.

It means accountability for violations of international law.’