International
Guterres hopes resolution on increased aid delivery to Gaza could pave way to ceasefire
December 23, 2023 | 12:20 PM
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed hope that the Security Council resolution to get more aid into Gaza, adopted on Friday, could pave the way to a humanitarian ceasefire.Guterres was speaking at a press briefing at UN Headquarters shortly after the 15-member Council passed the resolution following days of negotiation.He told journalists that there has been no significant change in the way the war has been unfolding in Gaza, with no effective protection of civilians."A humanitarian ceasefire is the only way to begin to meet the desperate needs of people in Gaza and end their ongoing nightmare," he said. "I hope that todays Security Council Resolution may help this finally to happen but much more is needed immediately."Guterres said it was a mistake to measure the effectiveness of the humanitarian operation in Gaza based on the number of aid trucks that are allowed to enter the enclave."The real problem is that the way Israel is conducting this offensive is creating massive obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid inside Gaza," he said.He stressed that an effective aid operation there requires four elements that currently do not exist, namely security, staff who can work in safety, logistical capacity, and the resumption of commercial activity.The Council on Friday passed a resolution to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip, following several delays over the last week as the United States lobbied to weaken the language regarding calls for a ceasefire.The resolution, which calls for steps "to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities", passed with 13 votes in favour, none against, and the US and Russia abstaining. (QNA)
December 23, 2023 | 12:20 PM