Guterres laments largest loss of UN personnel in its history

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
30 Nov 2023 12:03
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The UN chief confirms that nowhere is safe in Gaza as most Gazans are forced out of their homes due to the genocide "Israel" is committing.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 19, 2023 (AP)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres revealed that 80% of Palestinians in Gaza have been forced to leave their homes following the brutal Israeli aggression on the Strip, Sputnik reported.

"Beyond the many civilians killed and wounded, that I have spoken of, 80% of Gaza’s people have now been forced from their homes," Guterres told a UN Security Council meeting on Palestine on Wednesday.

He emphasized that nowhere is safe, including southern Gaza, where Palestinians are fleeing, despite being told by the Israelis that it is a "safe route".

He went on to highlight the insufficient aid being allowed into Gaza, saying, "The level of aid to Palestinians in Gaza remains completely inadequate to meet the huge needs of more than two million people. Although the total volume of fuel allowed into Gaza has also increased, it remains utterly insufficient to sustain basic operations".

Guterres then reminded the council of the 111 lives lost that belonged to the UN family, saying that this represents the "largest loss of personnel in the history of our organization."

'Israel' kills UN officers, demands more support from Guterres

Earlier last week, the UN Secretary-General stated that a UN protectorate in Gaza would not resolve the struggle there. Instead, he called for a "transition period" involving Arab nations and the United States and leading to a "two-state solution".

Antonio Guterres emphasized the significance of turning this tragedy into an opportunity, advocating for a decisive and irreversible transition toward a "two-state solution". He advocated for a "multi-stakeholder approach" in which the US serves as the "primary guarantor" of Israeli security while emphasizing the "essential" role of Arab nations in supporting Palestinians.

"Everybody needs to come together to create the conditions for the transition, allow wing for a strengthened Palestinian Authority to assume responsibilities in Gaza," and from there to a "two-state solution", he said. Guterres again denounced the killing of civilians -- especially children -- in Gaza as the occupation continues a relentless air and ground aggression on Gaza.

Because of Guterres' humanitarian position, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said he is unsuitable to head the global body having failed to condemn Hamas and being "too close to Iran."

Cohen, during a press brief in Geneva, criticized the UN for not "standing with Israel" although it was the UN that mourned over 100 of its staff that "Israel" killed in the Strip.

"Guterres does not deserve to be the head of the United Nations," said Cohen, adding, "I think that Guterres like all the free nations should say clearly and loudly: free Gaza from Hamas. Everyone said Hamas is worse than ISIS. Why can he not say it?"

This came as the UN Secretary-General repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza, lamenting the massive loss of civilian lives.