Guterres ‘unequivocally condemns’ continued civilian deaths in Gaza
- 28 April 2022
- Source: UN News
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has “unequivocally condemned” the continued killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, during an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Thursday.
The UN chief said the latest escalation of violence, “which has taken the lives of innocent people, including children, and has caused so much suffering, must stop immediately.”
“The targeting of civilians is a grave violation of international law. I call for accountability for those responsible and for an independent and transparent investigation,” he added.
Deeply concerned for safety of civilians
Mr. Guterres said he was deeply concerned for the safety of civilians, and called for urgent action to prevent further loss of life and protect their rights.
“I welcome Egypt’s mediation efforts. I urge all sides to engage constructively with these efforts, and all international actors to support them,” he said.
Support for two-State solution
The Secretary-General reiterated the UN’s “deep commitment” to the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
He stressed that the UN remained committed to working with all relevant parties to “de-escalate the situation, restore calm and to uphold international law.”
“The only path to a just, lasting and comprehensive solution is through meaningful negotiations to achieve the realization of the legitimate national aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis,” Mr. Guterres said.
A reminder of key context points
The emergency meeting of the Security Council was called in response to the escalating violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
Since the start of the recent escalation, on 10 May, at least 219 Palestinians, including 63 children, have been killed in the Gaza Strip. The attacks have also left more than 1,500 injured.
In Israel, 12 people, among them two children, have been killed by rockets launched from Gaza.
Call for urgent action
The Security Council issued a press statement following its emergency session, condemning the violence, expressing grave concern at the loss of civilian lives, and calling for urgent action to address the ongoing situation.
The Council members also stressed the importance of working towards a two-State solution based on the 1967 lines.
Guterres ‘unequivocally condemns’ continued civilian deaths in Gaza
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