UN Chief Guterres: Peace in Gaza Requires Diplomacy, Not More Violence

Dire Situation in Gaza

• ⚠️ The situation in Gaza is described as one of the darkest chapters of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a catastrophic humanitarian crisis compounded by relentless bombardment.
• 💔 Countless Palestinian civilians and remaining hostages are trapped, facing starvation and constant displacement.
• ⚖️ The Secretary-General stated that the current situation is untenable, morally and legally indefensible.

Calls for Immediate Action

• 🕊️ An appeal is made for an immediate permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access.
• 🚫 UN resolutions and international humanitarian law are being ignored, leading to impunity and undermining collective credibility.
• 🌍 Violence is spreading beyond Gaza, threatening regional and global peace and security.

Two-State Solution Momentum

• 📈 The recognition of Palestinian statehood by more countries, including France and the UK, is seen as the clearest path to a two-state solution.
• 🤝 This solution envisions Israel and an independent, viable State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, based on international law and UN resolutions.
• 🚧 The "day after" in Gaza must be anchored in international law, reject ethnic cleansing, and have a clear political horizon towards this solution.

Addressing Unlawful Occupation and Settlements

• 🛑 The ICJ's calls must be heeded, including for Israel to cease settlement activities and end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
• 🧱 Relentless settlement expansion, de facto annexation, and forced displacement are eroding the viability of a two-state solution and entrenching an unlawful occupation.
• 🇵🇸 Urgent international support, both financial and political, is needed to stabilize the Palestinian Authority and preserve its viability as a partner for peace.

Collective Commitment to Peace

• 🤝 A just and lasting peace will never be built through more violence; it demands a collective commitment to diplomacy, international law, and human dignity.
• 🏛️ The Security Council and its members have actions to take and responsibilities to uphold to prevent this fragile moment from slipping away.