Palestinians living 'one of the darkest chapters' of their history: UN
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The UN chief reiterates his demand for a lasting ceasefire and the liberation of captives held by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, as well as Palestinian prisoners unfairly detained in Israeli prisons.
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stands for the national anthem before he addresses the Nepalese Parliament in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (AP/Niranjan Shrestha)
On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his condolences to the martyrs of the genocide, noting that nothing can "justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."
"This International Day of Solidarity comes during one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Palestinian people. I am horrified by the death and destruction that have engulfed the region, which is overwhelmed with pain, anguish and heartache," he said in a statement.
"I express my sincere condolences to the thousands of families who are mourning loved ones. This includes members of our own United Nations family killed in Gaza, representing the largest loss of personnel in the history of our Organization."
He reiterated his demand for a lasting ceasefire and the liberation of captives held by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, as well as Palestinian prisoners unfairly detained in Israeli prisons.
He further called for "unrestricted access to lifesaving aid, the release of all hostages, the protection of civilians, and an end to violations of international humanitarian law."
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On Monday, the mediator from Qatar stated that the initial four-day ceasefire has been prolonged by an additional two days. This extension maintains a temporary halt in the ongoing seven weeks of aggression, which has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and extensive destruction in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Under the current temporary ceasefire agreement, the Resistance has released a total of 69 captives, and in return, "Israel" has freed 150 Palestinian prisoners.
Yesterday, Guterres characterized the extended truce between "Israel" and Hamas as "a glimpse of hope and humanity." However, he cautioned that the duration was insufficient to address the humanitarian needs of the Gaza Strip.
The United Nations has been providing humanitarian aid to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt. Additionally, the organization seeks access to the "Kerem Shalom" border crossing, which is under the control of "Israel", in order to further facilitate the delivery of assistance to the region.
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