UN Secretary-General António Guterres said all parties in the conflict in Gaza must respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, adding that the “protection of civilians is paramount.”

Speaking Sunday (29 Oct) in Kathmandu at a joint press encounter with the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Guterres said he will continue to insist on the “immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages in Gaza.” He added, “I repeat my utter condemnation of the appalling attacks perpetrated by Hamas. There is no justification, ever, for the killing, injuring and abduction of civilians.”

The UN chief noted the situation in Gaza is growing “more desperate” by the hours. He added, “I regret that instead of a critically needed humanitarian pause supported by the international community, Israel has intensified its military operations.”
Guterres said the number of civilians who have been killed and injured is “totally unacceptable.”

He noted that the International Law emerged from the tragedy and awful experiences of war, adding “I have always been consistent in my call for strict compliance of the well-established principles and rule of International Humanitarian Law. The protection of civilians is paramount.”

Guterres continued, “The Laws of War establish clear rules to protect human life and respect humanitarian concerns. Those laws cannot be contorted for the sake of expedience.”

He highlighted, “The world is witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe taking place before our eyes.”

More than two million people, with nowhere safe to go, are being denied the essentials for life – food, water, shelter and medical care – while being subjected to relentless bombardment, he said.

He urged all those with responsibility “to step back from the brink.”

Guterres reiterated his appeal for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of a sustained humanitarian relief at a scale that meets the needs of the people of Gaza.”

He also said, “We must join forces to end this nightmare for the people of Gaza, Israel and all those affected around the world, including here in Nepal.”

Regarding his visit to Nepal, Guterres said “Nepal is also caught in a blizzard of global crises not of its making: the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation caused by the international economic situation, and the enormous threat posed by climate chaos.”

He added that much more international action is needed. Developed countries must step up to support sustainable development, and help developing economies including Nepal to tackle the climate crisis.

On this trip, he will visit the Himalayas to see for himself the “terrible impact” of the climate crisis on the glaciers.

He noted the situation is dire and it is accelerating. Nepal has lost close to a third of its ice in just over thirty years. And glaciers are melting at record rates, the UN chief noted.

Guterres said the impact on communities is devastating and he will meet local people in the Himalayas to hear directly from them about how they are affected….(read more)

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UN Chief On Israel-Pjsonscape-of-climate-lent Crisis, & Nepal’s Climate Challenges | Joint Press Encounter with Nepal

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently conducted a joint press encounter with Nepal, where he addressed the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis and Nepal’s climate challenges. During the press encounter, Guterres expressed deep concern about the escalating violence in the Middle East and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The UN Chief called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint in order to prevent further loss of life and destruction. He also stressed the need for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.

Guterres highlighted the impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict on the lives of civilians, including children, and called for an end to the violence and the protection of civilians. He also reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting the peace process and finding a lasting solution to the conflict.

In addition to addressing the Israel-Palestine crisis, Guterres also discussed Nepal’s climate challenges. He commended Nepal for its commitment to addressing climate change and highlighted the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, including floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods.

The UN Chief emphasized the need for urgent action to mitigate the impact of climate change in Nepal and to support the country’s efforts to build resilience and adapt to the changing climate. He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working with Nepal to address climate-related challenges and called for greater international cooperation to tackle the global climate crisis.

Guterres also praised Nepal for its leadership in the adoption of the Paris Agreement and its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy. He encouraged other countries to follow Nepal’s example and take bold action to combat climate change.

In conclusion, the joint press encounter with Nepal provided an opportunity for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to address two pressing issues: the Israel-Palestine crisis and Nepal’s climate challenges. His remarks underscored the need for immediate action to resolve the conflict in the Middle East and the importance of supporting Nepal in its efforts to address the impacts of climate change. As the world continues to grapple with these complex and interconnected issues, Guterres’s call for global cooperation and solidarity serves as a reminder of the vital role that the United Nations plays in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.