At the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for unity and adherence to ceasefire agreements in the Gaza region. Addressing the press, Guterres stressed the importance of cooperation among involved nations while affirming the UN’s neutral stance in seeking stability. His firm message underlined the critical necessity for a lasting peace and the bridging of Gaza with the West Bank as a prelude to establishing a two-state solution, leading to the recognition of a Palestinian state. Guterres reinforced the UN’s unwavering commitment to these principles without reliance on any specific country’s cooperation. For further reading, see the report on JURIST.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the United States’ collaboration with the UN Security Council in drafting a resolution that could legitimize any new governing body in Gaza. Although the Secretariat is not directly engaging in these discussions, Guterres noted the significance of a Security Council mandate for such governance. Additionally, he acknowledged ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian aid, aided by U.S. pressure on Israel to ease restrictions affecting aid distribution.
This announcement follows months of international efforts to maintain the ceasefire facilitated by US President Donald Trump and supported by neighboring Middle Eastern countries. Since the ceasefire’s inception in early October, the UN has managed to supply aid to approximately half of Gaza’s population, as noted by Al Jazeera.
Guterres concluded his address by underscoring the urgent need to re-establish educational systems in Gaza. He drew attention to the upcoming rehabilitation and recovery of Gaza conference in Cairo, set to focus on education and reconstruction. This conference is inspired by the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit and announced as part of Qatar’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty initiative. Egypt’s Prime Minister has called for the participation of governments, international organizations, development banks, and philanthropic entities in the face of reported famine in Gaza.