Speaking at an economic forum in China, Guterres condemned the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which killed more than 1,400 people in the Jewish state. people as an act of terrorism that cannot be justified.
“However, these attacks cannot justify collective punishment for the Palestinians,” he added, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip and repeating two urgent humanitarian appeals.
The UN chief first called on Hamas to immediately and unconditionally release the hostages, referring to at least 199 people the militants kidnapped in their attack, the deadliest in Israeli history.
Guterres also called on Israel to “immediately allow unrestricted humanitarian aid to meet the basic needs of the people of the Gaza Strip, the vast majority of whom are women and children.”
“I call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow enough time and space to help implement my two requests and alleviate the enormous human suffering we are witnessing,” he said. “Too many lives and the fate of an entire region hang in the balance.”
Mr. Guterres said that he fully understands the great anguish of the Palestinians due to the 56-year occupation.
“However serious these grievances may be, they cannot justify the terrorist acts committed by Hamas on October 7,” he added.
The UN chief earlier said he was horrified by the strike on a hospital in the Gaza Strip late on Tuesday, which killed hundreds of people.
Hamas blamed Israel for the strike, which it said was caused by a rocket fired improperly by Islamic Jihad fighters.
“My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Hospitals and medical personnel are protected by international humanitarian law,” Guterres said on the X social network.
He also condemned the attack on a UN-run school in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. Six people died in it.
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#Guterres #condemned #collective #punishment #Palestinians
**Interview with Dr. Samantha Ali, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Interviewer**: Dr. Ali, thank you for joining us today. Recently, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, labeling it an act of terrorism. What are your thoughts on his statement?
**Dr. Ali**: Thank you for having me. Guterres’ condemnation rightly recognizes the loss of life that resulted from the attack, which was indeed tragic. It’s essential for international leaders to categorize such violence appropriately while also acknowledging the broader context of the conflict.
**Interviewer**: He also emphasized that these attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of Palestinians. Could you elaborate on the implications of this stance?
**Dr. Ali**: Absolutely. Collective punishment is a violation of international law and affects innocent civilians who are already suffering from the ongoing conflict. Guterres’ call underlines the importance of distinguishing between the actions of militant groups like Hamas and the rights and needs of ordinary Palestinians, who often bear the brunt of such military responses.
**Interviewer**: Guterres made urgent humanitarian appeals, urging Hamas to release hostages and calling for unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. What can you tell us about the situation on the ground?
**Dr. Ali**: The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Many civilians, including women and children, face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Immediate access to aid is crucial to alleviate human suffering. Guterres’ push for unrestricted humanitarian aid could make a significant difference in the lives of those affected.
**Interviewer**: what do you think are the next steps for the international community regarding this conflict?
**Dr. Ali**: The international community needs to push for a comprehensive ceasefire and diplomatic engagement on both sides. It’s crucial to establish a framework that addresses the root causes of the conflict. Support for both humanitarian and long-term political solutions should be prioritized to foster stability and peace in the region.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Ali, for your insights on this complex issue.
**Dr. Ali**: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation that we need to keep having.
