UN Chief Urges Immediate Gaza Ceasefire, Rejects Ethnic Cleansing
The United Nations Secretary-General recently addressed the latest session of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, where new leadership was elected, and the committee’s work plan for the year was established.
The Secretary-General’s remarks came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the United States could “take over” the Gaza Strip and urged Palestinians living there to leave. When asked whether this plan amounted to ethnic cleansing, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric responded, “Any forced displacement of people is tantamount to ethnic cleansing.”
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Palestinian Rights Under Threat
Speaking to the committee, the Secretary-General stressed that Palestinians have the fundamental right to live as human beings in their own land. However, he warned that the realization of these rights is becoming increasingly out of reach due to ongoing dehumanization and demonization of an entire people.
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Unprecedented Death, Devastation, and Displacement
The UN chief strongly condemned the October 7 Hamas attacks and the subsequent months of destruction in Gaza, describing the situation as a catalog of horror. He cited reports that nearly 50,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed, and much of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has been obliterated.
Additionally, the vast majority of Gazans have suffered repeated displacement, severe hunger, and disease, while children have been out of school for over a year, creating a generation left homeless and traumatized.
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Call for a Permanent Ceasefire
Welcoming last month’s ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Secretary-General thanked mediators Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. for their efforts.
However, he urged continued progress, stating, “Now it is time to be crystal clear about objectives going forward.” He emphasized two critical priorities:
1. Achieving a lasting ceasefire and ensuring the release of all hostages.
2. Preventing further death and destruction.
He also called for unrestricted humanitarian access to deliver urgent aid to Palestinians and urged countries, donors, and the international community to fully support UN efforts, particularly the work of UNRWA, the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees.
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Rejecting Ethnic Cleansing
The Secretary-General warned that any proposed solution must not worsen the crisis and emphasized the importance of respecting international law and preventing any form of ethnic cleansing.
He also reaffirmed support for the two-state solution, stating:
“Any lasting peace must involve concrete, irreversible steps toward a two-state solution, ending the occupation, and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state—with Gaza as an integral part.”
The UN chief maintained that the only viable path to Middle East stability is a Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel.
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Escalating Violence in the West Bank
Addressing rising violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Secretary-General condemned attacks by Israeli settlers and other violations.
He cited a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), stating that Israel’s occupation “must end.” He urged the international community to prioritize the preservation of Palestinian territory’s unity, contiguity, and integrity and support Gaza’s reconstruction and recovery.
He also called for stronger Palestinian governance, urging nations to provide necessary backing to the Palestinian Authority.
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Committee Chair Denounces “Enemies of Peace”
The Committee, established 50 years ago by the UN General Assembly, consists of 25 member states and 24 observer nations.
Newly elected Chair Ambassador Coly Seck of Senegal acknowledged the ceasefire as a critical step forward but warned of “worrisome statements” that could undermine progress.
He called for new strategies to counter those obstructing peace, condemning the impact of recent Israeli measures—including laws restricting UNRWA operations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
“I firmly condemn these unilateral legal actions against the Palestinian people,” he stated, urging the global community to stand against them and advocate for Palestinians' right to live in peace on their ancestral land.
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Palestinian Ambassador Calls for UNRWA Protection
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour welcomed the ceasefire but stressed that it must be made permanent and apply to all of Gaza and the entire Occupied Palestinian Territory.
He also urged full implementation of the agreement’s provisions
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