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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.