New York: HE UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended the ongoing efforts of the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States of America to ensure implementation of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. This statement was made during the opening of the latest session of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, held at the UN headquarters.

According to Qatar News Agency, Guterres emphasized the need to achieve a permanent ceasefire and called for the release of all hostages without delay. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing the rapid, safe, and sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance to the region. Guterres urged Member States to support the essential work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The UN Secretary-General reiterated the importance of adhering to international law and rejected any form of forced displacement. He stressed the necessity for tangible progress towards a two-state solution, stating that any durable peace would require irreversible and permanent progress toward this goal. An end to the occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part, were highlighted as vital components of a sustainable resolution.

Guterres insisted that a viable, sovereign Palestinian State living in peace and security is the only sustainable solution for stability in the Middle East.