Guterres warns the Arab League that “any assault” on Rafah is “unacceptable”

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May 16. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, warned during his speech at the Arab League summit being held in Bahrain that “any assault” on Rafah is “unacceptable” and has urged Arab countries to “stay united.” “.

Guterres has proposed “breaking the vicious circle of division and manipulation” in order to “build a more peaceful and prosperous future” in the region amid the situation suffered by the Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip.

“The war in Gaza is an open wound that threatens to infect the entire region. Because of its speed and scale, it is the deadliest conflict in my time as Secretary-General – for civilians, aid workers, journalists and our own colleagues. of the UN,” he noted in his turn to speak.

Guterres has stated that “nothing can justify the terrifying attacks of October 7” carried out by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). “I reiterate my call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” he said.

“And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. However, the number of civilian victims continues to increase. Entire families annihilated. Children traumatized and injured for life,” he highlighted.

The secretary general has also warned of “imminent famine” in the Palestinian enclave. “It is time to facilitate an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and unimpeded access to assistance throughout Gaza,” he said.

On the other hand, Guterres has expressed concern about the increase in violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Thus, he has listed, among others, evictions, demolitions, attacks by settlers and a general increase in settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

In this sense, he stressed that it is essential to maintain the ‘status quo’ in the holy places in Jerusalem. “The only way to end the cycle of violence and instability permanently is through a two-state solution,” he concluded.