UN Secretary General Calls for Immediate End to Gaza Conflict and Respect for Palestinian Sovereignty

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres addressed the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad, emphasizing the need for an immediate end to the war in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. He called for the entry of humanitarian aid to save lives and expressed his refusal to forced displacement of the Gaza Strip's people. Guterres also reiterated the importance of the two-state solution for the Middle East, advocating for an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital. He expressed support for Lebanon's efforts to reform and disarm groups, while emphasizing the need to respect the sovereignty of the country. Guterres also touched on the unity and stability of Syria, Sudan, and Libya, calling for an end to violence, support for self-determination, and efforts to bring peace and stability to these regions.

Key Takeaways:

• The UN Secretary General has called for an immediate end to the war in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages.
• Guterres emphasized the need for humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip to save lives.
• He expressed his refusal to forced displacement of the Gaza Strip's people and reiterated the importance of the two-state solution for the Middle East.
• Guterres advocated for an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital.
• He expressed support for Lebanon's efforts to reform and disarm groups, while emphasizing the need to respect the sovereignty of the country.
• The Secretary General called for an end to violence in Sudan, support for self-determination, and efforts to bring peace and stability to the country.
• Guterres also emphasized the need to end the conflict in Libya, support the rule of institutions and law, and enable elections to achieve unity and stability.
• The UN Secretary General expressed support for the Syrian people's right for self-determination and future aspirations.
• He expressed admiration for the Lebanese authorities' reforms and efforts to disarm groups.

Statistics:

• None provided

Sources:

• (Kuwait News Agency) 17 May 2025, "UN Secretary General Calls for Immediate End to Gaza Conflict and Respect for Palestinian Sovereignty".