NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday again called on Israel and Palestine to immediately end hostilities and return to negotiations.
“Fighting must stop immediately. I call on all parties to end hostilities, now. “I reiterate my call on all parties to an immediate ceasefire,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at a UN General Assembly meeting on Thursday.
The UN chief in his speech continued to stress the importance of negotiations and paving the way for a two-state solution.
“I am deeply shocked by the ongoing airstrikes and artillery shelling by Israeli defense forces in Gaza,” the UN chief added.
Guterres further said he was working with Egypt, Jordan and Qatar to encourage all parties to stop the violence and is also engaging with all parties to the Israel-Palestine violence to ensure the end of hostilities.
Addressing a special session, UNGA President Bozkir condemned Israeli airstrikes on Palestinians and religious sites.
“The shock at the Al Aqsa Mosque is shocking. “Israel’s attacks are inhumane,” he said.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki
Addressing the session, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki dismissed the narrative of “Israel has the right to defend itself,” adding that Tel Aviv is occupying Palestinian land and persecuting them.
Israeli warplanes continued to pound the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding several others.
At least 230 Palestinians, including 65 children, have been martyred in 11 days of violence in Gaza.
