Baghdad: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that the entire world faces major challenges, starting with the Gaza Strip, adding that nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. He stressed the rejection of the ongoing displacement of the population of the Gaza Strip.

According to Qatar News Agency, in his address to the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad, Iraq, Guterres said that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon must be respected, and that the sovereignty and independence of Syria are critical. He emphasized that there must be an inter-Yemeni dialogue, and that Somalia must be assisted to enhance security and stability there.

The UN Secretary-General also noted engagement with international actors to end the conflicts in Libya and achieve stability.

Guterres concluded his remarks to the summit by saying, "We commend the progress in Iraq, the provision of humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of human rights, and we are committed to continue supporting the government and people of Iraq."

For his part, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for an immediate end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

During his speech at the opening of the 34th session of the Council of the League of Arab States in Baghdad, Sanchez said: "Palestine is bleeding before our eyes, and what is unfolding in Gaza cannot go unnoticed."

The Spanish Prime Minister proposed focusing efforts on four priorities: ending the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza immediately, doubling pressure on the occupation to stop the massacre in Gaza, moving forward with a political solution toward peace, and also strengthening European, Arab, and Islamic dialogue to resolve the region's problems.

He added that Spain is committed to doing everything it can to move forward toward peace.