AHLC and other reports

Full transcript of Secretary-General's remarks at press encounter with

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry of Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

24 March 2024

Assalam alaikum,

My dear friend, Minister [Sameh] Shoukry, thank you very much for your warm welcome.

Egypt is a global pillar of peace – and today I had the opportunity to discuss a number of vital issues with both President Sisi and the Foreign Minister Shoukry.

This includes the dire conditions in Gaza, but also the volatile situation in the occupied West Bank, and issues affecting the broader Middle East, Sudan and beyond.

My visit is part of a Ramadan solidarity mission that I undertake every year to Muslim communities in distress.

And I want to tell you that yesterday, I had a moment of deep sadness.

During this Ramadan solidarity visit I fast, out of respect for the beliefs of the communities I am visiting. And we had an Iftar with Sudanese refugees here in Cairo to express my solidarity also with the Sudanese people.

And immense sadness came when we were having our Iftar close to the Nile, to know that many - probably the majority of the people in Gaza - were not able to have a proper Iftar.

Yesterday I travelled to the Rafah crossing to put a global spotlight on the plight of Palestinian children, women and men struggling to survive the nightmare in Gaza.

The whole world recognizes that it’s past time to silence the guns and to ensure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

I also had an unforgettable visit with injured Palestinians from Gaza at the Al Arish hospital who are recovering from wounds from the brutal war – and I thank Egypt’s generosity here as well.

Let me be clear. Nothing justifies the abhorrent October 7 Hamas attacks and hostage-taking in Israel.

But nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

And I want to recognize the vital political and humanitarian role of Egypt.

Al Arish airport and the Rafah crossing are essential arteries for life-saving aid into Gaza.

But those arteries are clogged.

On one side of the border there are blocked humanitarian trucks as far as the eye can see.

On the other, we have a real-time humanitarian catastrophe stretching even further.

Looking at Gaza, it almost appears that the four horsemen of war, famine, conquest and death are galloping across it.

That is why the time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire is now.

And in the Ramadan spirit of compassion, I also urge the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The suffering must end.

Palestinians in Gaza desperately need what has been promised -- a flood of aid.

Not trickles. Not drops.

Some progress has been made, but much more needs to be done.

Making that happen takes very practical steps.

It requires Israel removing the remaining obstacles and chokepoints to relief.

It requires more crossings and access points. All alternative routes are – of course - welcome. But the only efficient and effective way to move heavy goods is by road.

It requires an exponential increase in commercial goods.

And, I repeat, it requires an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

The current horrors in Gaza serve no one – and are having an impact around the globe.

The daily assault on the human dignity of Palestinians is creating a crisis of credibility for the international community.

It is challenging the values we proclaim as universal.

It is challenging international law.

It is challenging core humanitarian principles.

It is challenging our basic humanity.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

We face trials and tests on many fronts.

Yesterday evening, as I mentioned, I had the honour of breaking the fast at an Iftar with refugees who fled from the conflict in Sudan.

I was deeply moved by their heartbreaking stories of unspeakable suffering and perilous journeys – and was also profoundly inspired by their enormous resilience.

It is outrageous to see the war raging during the holy month of Ramadan, despite global appeals for a ceasefire.

Since the war erupted in Sudan a year ago, Egypt has generously welcomed more than 500,000 Sudanese refugees, and I know that you have already five million other ones.

I thank Egypt for hosting these and so many other vulnerable migrants and refugees and urge the international community to step up its support for Egypt’s efforts.

I also want to take this opportunity to urge all countries to ensure the integrity of the international refugee protection regime and the rights of all persons on the move.

Once again, dear Foreign Minister, I pay tribute to your country’s leadership in these difficult times – and, through you, allow me to salute the people of Egypt for their generosity and commitment to the values of compassion, peace, and solidarity – the values of Ramadan.

Thank you.

Question [from Arabic]: Three months have passed since UNSC Resolution 2720 was passed, that states that Sigrid Kaag is assigned to work as a humanitarian coordinator and reconstruction. Until today she can’t fulfill her assignment. Do you intend to brief the Security Council regarding that. Then what is your message regarding the starvation in Gaza, and what would you say about the allegations against UNRWA?

SG: We all know that we have geopolitical divisions that make it very difficult for the Security Council to approve meaningful resolutions. At the same time, we all know that the superpowers are at odds with each other. And when the superpowers are at odds with each other, there is a sense of impunity, there is lack of respect, and we see that even the resolutions of the Security Council tend not to be respected. And indeed, there is a lot to be done in relation to the unfettered access, unfettered access of humanitarian aid to Gaza to allow for the Security Council resolutions to be fully respected.

Your last question was sorry.

Question: Your message regarding UNRWA.

SG: So, I have to say that we are working hard, in order on one hand to guarantee that there is donor support to UNRWA, that is the backbone of humanitarian aid inside Gaza.

And at the same time, we were very clear, we have an inspection that is working in order to detect any areas of infiltration that might exist. We want UNRWA to be fully based on UN values agency, and we are working in a determined way for that.

And on the other hand, we have a review that is being conducted in order to improve the capacity of UNRWA to fully respect those values.

But I think it's important to say that UNRWA plays a vital role, and it's important to pay tribute to all the staff of UNRWA. 171 members of the staff of UNRWA were killed in Gaza. This should deserve the respect of everybody. And UNRWA should be recognized as an essential factor in humanitarian aid, not only in Gaza, but playing a vital role in Jordan, in Syria, in Lebanon and in the West Bank.

Question: Israel yesterday accused you, accused the UN, of being an anti-Israeli entity. They are accusing UNRWA of working with Hamas. How are you intending to deal with these incidents, how does it effect to support the Palestinians. And about the Catherine Colonna report.. [interrupted by moderator]

SG: What is your question?

Question: So, my question is, how this is affecting your ability to support Palestinians and how you are? How do you…

SG: No, the Colonna report, what is the question?

Question: The Colonna report, in the initial report they talk about measures to be taken, are these in any way related to the Israeli claims against UNRWA?

SG: In relation to the first question, to what extent these kind of accusations have an impact on our work, my answer is very simple; there is no impact at all, we are not against anybody. We are in favour of principles and values; principles and values that are the UN Charter; principles and values that are in international law; principles and values that are in international humanitarian law; principles and values that have to do with the right of self-determination; and namely the right of the self-determination of the Palestinian people, and the right to exist - a Palestinian State.

These are the reasons why we work. And it's based on these principles, that we do what we do. If someone feels that this is against someone, that is not our problem. We will stick to the values that I believe are the universal values that should guide us all.

At the same time, naturally we regret when there are situations of harassment when there are blockages, when there are all kinds of difficulties, but again, that will not impact negatively on our determination to go on supporting the Palestinian people in distress.

Now, in relation to UNRWA, any organization has the possibility that at a certain moment [will] suffer an filtration.

I was living my life, my first life, as a politician in Portugal, and before there was a period of dictatorship, and at that time, I remember the secret police of the state was infiltrating the opposition parties. And it's perfectly possible that in any entity, in UNRWA, there might have been infiltrations from Hamas, and we recognize that those infiltrations led with a certain credibility to participation of some of these elements in the events of October 7^th. We recognized that, and we took measures.

Those that we have credible, credible perception that it was true, were immediately separated. We put a team of investigators working hard to detect any other possible source of infiltration. And at the same time, we asked Catherine Colonna and a group of Institutes of the Nordic countries to do an analysis of the conditions in which UNRWA operates, and how to strengthen its capacity to abide by the UN humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality, as all humanitarian entities must abide by.

And obviously, nobody's perfect. UNRWA is not perfect, the UN is not perfect. Any other organization is not perfect. We will look seriously into the recommendations that will be presented and we want to strengthen the UNRWA in its capacity to deliver to the Palestinian people, and in its capacity to be fully in line with the UN values as it is the firm determination of the leadership of UNRWA that is represented here by Philippe Lazzarini.

Question [from Arabic]: Is the UN restricted when dealing with Israel? Did you try to go into Gaza, and you were prevented from that?

SG: I'm not sure if I understood well, because of the difficulty [in the audio]. But if I'm not responding well, you will please ask again.

It is clear for me that the basic principle of international humanitarian law is the protection of civilians. And when one looks at the way the military operations have been conducted in Gaza, it is obvious that protection of civilians was not a concern. And it was always that there were violations of international humanitarian law, as to take hostages is a violation of international humanitarian law. But it is clear to me that the way the military operations have been conducted are in violation of international humanitarian law.

It is also clear that humanitarian aid and humanitarian access must be always guaranteed and there are Security Council resolutions on top of that, that insist on that fact. To obstruct humanitarian aid is also a clear violation of essential principles.

Question: Did you try to go into Gaza, and was prevented by Israel?

SG: No, I didn't ask to enter Gaza because two days before, the head of UNRWA had asked to enter Gaza and that request was refused.

[END]

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS AT RAFAH BORDER CROSSING

Rafah Crossing, 23 March 2024

Every year going back to since I served as High Commissioner for Refugees, I have undertaken a solidarity mission during the holy month of Ramadan to shine a light on Muslim communities in distress.

This Ramadan, I have come to the Rafah crossing to spotlight the hardship and pain of Palestinians in Gaza – and the obstacles to easing their plight.

This morning, I met with injured Palestinian civilians and their families at the General Hospital in Al Arish, and was extremely moved by their stories, experiences and all the hardships they have endured, and by the generosity and solidarity of Egypt and the Egyptian people.

I say again: nothing justifies the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7^th.

And nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

Now more than ever, it is time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

It is time to silence the guns.

Palestinians in Gaza -- children, women, men – remain stuck in a non-stop nightmare.

Communities obliterated. Homes demolished. Entire families and generations wiped out. With hunger and starvation stalking the population.

Ramadan is a time for spreading the values of compassion, community, and peace.

It is monstrous that after so much suffering over so many months, Palestinians in Gaza are marking Ramadan with Israeli bombs still falling, bullets still flying, artillery still pounding, and humanitarian assistance still facing obstacle upon obstacle.

Fasting with you on Ramadan, I am deeply troubled to know so many people in Gaza will not be able to have a proper Iftar.

Here from this crossing, we see the heartbreak and heartlessness of it all.

A long line of blocked relief trucks on one side of the gates.

The long shadow of starvation on the other.

That is more than tragic. It is a moral outrage.

Any further onslaught will make everything worse.

Worse for Palestinian civilians. Worse for the hostages. And worse for all people of the region.

All this demonstrates that it’s more than time for an immediate ceasefire, I say it again.

It’s time for an ironclad commitment by Israel for total, unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza.

And in the Ramadan spirit of compassion, it’s time for the immediate release of all hostages.

I also urge every member of the United Nations to support our life-saving work led by the backbone of all Gaza relief operations, UNRWA.

We look forward to continuing to work with Egypt to streamline the flow of aid, and deeply appreciate the full Egyptian engagement in support of the Gaza people.

And I want Palestinians in Gaza to know: You are not alone.

People around the world are outraged by the horrors we are all witnessing in real time.

I carry the voices of the vast majority of the world who have seen enough. Who have had enough. And who still believe that human dignity and decency must define us as a global community.

It’s our only hope.

It’s time to truly flood Gaza with life-saving aid.

The choice is clear: either surge or starvation.

Let’s choose the side of help – the side of hope – and the right side of history.

I will not give up. And all of us must not give up in doing all we can for our common humanity to prevail in Gaza and around the world.

Thank you.

[END]

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS TO PRESS STAKEOUT

New York, 18 March 2024

The latest report on food insecurity in Gaza is an appalling indictment of conditions on the ground for civilians.

The world’s leading experts on food insecurity clearly document that famine in the northern part of Gaza is imminent.

More than half of all Palestinians in Gaza –1.1 million people– have completely exhausted their food supplies and are facing catastrophic hunger.

Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horrifying levels of hunger and suffering.

This is the highest number of people facing catastrophic hunger ever recorded by the Integrated Food Security Classification system –anywhere, anytime.

This is an entirely manmade disaster—and the report makes clear that it can be halted.

Today’s report is Exhibit A for the need for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire.

I call on the Israeli authorities to ensure complete and unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza and for the international community to fully support our humanitarian efforts.

We must act now to prevent the unthinkable, the unacceptable and the unjustifiable.

Thank you.

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel

Jerusalem, 12 March 2024

“As the Holy Month of Ramadan has begun, we have now entered the sixth month of a devastating war in Gaza that will impact the Middle East for years to come. I call for the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to be upheld and respected.

I take note of the guarantee by the Israeli authorities to allow the Muslim population of the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, access to the Holy Sites. I call upon all sides to refrain from provocations and demonstrate maximum restraint.

The war in Gaza has significantly imperiled the fragile stability in the region. This year’s Ramadan is marked by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis and a breakdown of law and order in Gaza, the increasing number of civilian casualties and mounting instability across the West Bank.

There is a growing risk of a wider political and security calamity. This must be avoided at all costs. Any attempt by extremists to turn the conflict into a religious one must be staunchly rejected. Failure to do so will only sow discord and reap more violence and extremism.

I reject calls by Hamas and other Palestinian factions to escalate the situation during this Holy month. The sanctity of Ramadan cannot and should not be used for political gains and calculations.

After over 150 days of war, the population of Gaza must see an end to the horrors they continue to endure. The hostages still held in captivity must be reunited with their loved ones who are also experiencing tremendous pain. The fate of the victims cannot be used as a leverage. Civilians on both sides should no longer pay the price for this terrible conflict.”

[ENDS]

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS AT PRESS STAKEOUT

New York, 11 March 2024

Good morning.

Today marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan – a period when Muslims around the world celebrate and spread the values of peace, reconciliation and solidarity.

Yet even though Ramadan has begun – the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza.

We recently entered the sixth month since the Hamas terror attacks in Israel and the catastrophic Israeli onslaught on Gaza begun.

My strongest appeal today is to honour the spirit of Ramadan by silencing the guns – and removing all obstacles to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid at the speed and massive scale required.

At the same time – and in the Ramadan spirit of compassion -- I call for the immediate release of all hostages.

The eyes of the world are watching. The eyes of history are watching. We cannot look away.

We must act to avoid more preventable deaths.

We have witnessed month after month of civilian killing and destruction at a level that is unprecedented in all my years as Secretary-General.

Meanwhile, life-saving relief for Palestinians in Gaza is coming in trickles – if it comes at all.

International humanitarian law lies in tatters.

And a threatened Israeli assault on Rafah could plummet the people of Gaza into an even deeper circle of hell.

For months, leaders have appealed for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages.

But the most compelling calls have come from the families of the victims of this war.

I will never forget my meetings with them -- and they have stood at this very podium and addressed you -- united in remarkable courage and unfathomable pain.

Israeli hostage families who shared their torment and anguish – and pleaded for the immediate release of their loved ones.

And Palestinian families who shared heart-wrenching testimonies of family members killed in Israeli bombardments – and pleaded for an immediate ceasefire.

As one of those family members said, “We are not here for condolences. We are not here for apologies. We are here for immediate action.”

Is that too much to ask?

We must hear and heed those voices.

Desperate civilians need action – immediate action.

Today, I also renew my appeal for a Ramadan cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

The fighting there must end for the sake of the Sudanese people who face hunger, horrors and untold hardships.

In Gaza, in Sudan, and beyond, it is time for peace.

I call on political, religious and community leaders everywhere to do everything in their power to make this holy period a time for empathy, action and peace.

Let’s not forget that beyond Ramadan, Christians will soon celebrate Easter and Jews will celebrate Passover in April.

It is time to end the terrible suffering. Now is the time to do it.

Thank you.

[END]

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the Situation in Gaza and Israel

Jerusalem, 08 March 2024

“Five months have passed since the acts of terror by Hamas in Israel, including the kidnapping of over 250 people, and the onset of hostilities in Gaza.

These have been five months of suffering and pain. Too many lives have been lost, too many families have been left in agony.

We need an end to this misery now - one that will lead to the immediate release of all remaining Israeli hostages and a ceasefire that will enable a scale-up of critical humanitarian assistance to reach all Palestinians in desperate need in Gaza.”

[ENDS]

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on Reported Advancement of Israeli Settlement Plans

Jerusalem, 7 March 2024

“I condemn yesterday’s reported advancement by the Israeli authorities of plans for over 3,400 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Israel’s settlement expansion continues to be a driver of conflict in the occupied West Bank, further entrenching the occupation and undermining the right of Palestinians to self-determination and independent statehood.

I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law, and I urge Israeli authorities to cease all settlement activity and refrain from provocative actions.”

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Gaza

29 February 2024

The Secretary-General is appalled by the tragic human toll of the conflict in Gaza., in which more than 30,000 people have now reportedly been killed and over 70,000 injured. Tragically, an unknown number of people lie under rubble.

The Secretary-General condemns the incident today in northern Gaza in which more than a hundred people were reportedly killed or injured while seeking life-saving aid. The desperate civilians in Gaza need urgent help, including those in the besieged north where the United Nations has not been able to deliver aid in more than a week.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. He once again calls for urgent steps so that critical humanitarian aid can get into and across Gaza to all those in need.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

29 February 2024

Bookmark the Spokesperson’s website: http://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS TO THE OPENING OF THE 2024 SESSION 

OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE EXERCISE 

OF THE INALIENABLE RIGHTS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE 

New York, 31 January 2024

[as delivered]

Mr. Chair, Ambassador Cheikh Niang, congratulations on your election to the Bureau.

The Committee’s mandate and advocacy are crucial amidst the unresolved Question of Palestine and the enormous violence and suffering, particularly since the horrific 7 October attack by Hamas in Israel and Israel’s ensuing military operations in Gaza.

The death, destruction, displacement, hunger, loss, and grief in Gaza over the past 120 days are a scar on our shared humanity and conscience.

And I once again condemn the horrifying attacks by Hamas and other groups that claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis and others – and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

There is no justification for the intentional killing, injuring, torture or kidnapping of civilians, using sexual violence against them, or launching rockets towards civilian targets.

But at the same time, nothing can justify the collective punishment of the people in Gaza.

The ongoing conflict and relentless bombardment by Israeli forces across Gaza have resulted in killings of civilians and destruction at a pace and scale unlike anything we have witnessed in recent years.

I am horrified by incessant military strikes that have killed and maimed civilians and protected personnel, and that have damaged or destroyed civilian infrastructure.

Over 26,750 Palestinians have been reportedly been killed in Gaza alone – more than two-thirds women and children.

Over 70 per cent of civilian infrastructure -- including homes, hospitals, schools, water, and sanitation facilities in Gaza -- have been destroyed or severely damaged.

1.7 million people have been displaced, and not knowing if they will have homes to return to.

No party to an armed conflict is above international law.

International humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be upheld at all times.

And the binding decisions of the International Court of Justice must be complied with.

I also want to add that the United Nations immediately acted following the very serious allegations against UNRWA staff members.

I was personally horrified by these accusations.

And yesterday, I met with donors to listen to their concerns and to outline the steps we are taking to address them.

I underscored the importance of keeping UNRWA’s vital work going to meet the dire needs of civilians in Gaza, and to ensure its continuity of services to Palestine refugees in the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

UNRWA is the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza.

I appeal to all Member States to guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s life-saving work.

Excellencies,

The humanitarian system in Gaza is collapsing.

I am extremely concerned by the inhumane conditions faced by Gaza’s 2.2 million people, as they struggle to survive without any of the basics.

Everyone in Gaza is hungry, while half a million grapple with catastrophic levels of food insecurity.

I call for a rapid, safe, unhindered, expanded and sustained humanitarian access throughout Gaza.

This is particularly crucial in the north, where most missions have been denied access by Israel, amid continued insecurity and fighting.

We also need more crossing points into Gaza to reduce congestion and avoid chokepoints.

I ask all parties to continue their active engagement with UN actors on the ground and to work closely with newly appointed Under-Secretary-General Sigrid Kaag -- the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza -- to scale up humanitarian aid to Gaza.

I count on full cooperation to ensure continuous humanitarian access.

And I repeat my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Excellencies,

As we seek to address mounting needs in Gaza, we also remain focused on the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

I am extremely alarmed by the high levels of settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian attacks against Israelis also continue.

All of this violence must stop, and the perpetrators held accountable.

Intensive Israeli operations go on, including in Area A of the occupied West Bank, leading to deadly armed exchanges.

Dozens of Palestinians have been arrested, with many detained without charge, including children.

The violence has not been limited to the occupied territory.

Rising hostilities across the Blue Line and attacks in Syria, Iraq and the Red Sea risk triggering a broader escalation risking regional stability.

I call for urgent steps to de-escalate the situation and spare the region from more violence before it is too late.

Excellencies,

The conflict must end with tangible progress towards a two-State solution – an end to the occupation and the establishment of a fully independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian State, of which Gaza is an integral part.

Only the two-State solution – based on the 1967 lines, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States, in line with UN resolutions, international law and prior agreements -- can ensure the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people as well as a just and lasting peace and stability in the region.

The international community must not waver in its commitment.

Let us work together to advance a meaningful peace process that will put an end to the tragic cycles of fear, hatred and violence and build a more peaceful and hopeful future for Palestinians and Israelis.

Thank you.

Bookmark the Spokesperson’s website: http://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson