It is time for immediate ceasefire in Gaza: UN chief

The UN chief highlighted the irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, and appealed for full support of lifesaving humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people.

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- It is past time for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of hostages, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday, appealing for full support of humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people.

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, delivered this message at a UN special meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which falls on Nov. 29.

"Every year on this day, the international community stands in solidarity for the dignity, rights, justice and self-determination of the Palestinian people," Guterres said in the message. "This year's commemoration is especially painful as those fundamental goals are as distant as they have ever been."

Nothing justifies the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and the taking of hostages. And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, he said.

"Yet, more than a year later, Gaza is in ruins, more than 43,000 Palestinians -- mostly women and children -- have been reportedly killed, and the humanitarian crisis is getting worse by the day," the UN chief said. "This is appalling and inexcusable."

Guterres stressed that it is past time for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages, as well as an end to the unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the General Assembly.

He also highlighted the irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, and appealed for full support of lifesaving humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people, in particular through the work of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

"The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity," the UN chief noted. ■