The UN Spokesperson has welcomed the announcement on Friday by the Israeli cabinet that the Kerem Shalom border crossing into the Gaza Strip will be reopened.
Until the Hamas-led terror attacks of 7 October and Israel’s full-scale military response which has devastated much of the enclave, the crossing from Israel was the main route for commercial goods into Gaza.
Until now, limited humanitarian aid has only been allowed to pass through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which serves mainly as a pedestrian crossing, although aid truck inspections have been taking place at Kerem Shalom, creating a complex and time-consuming route for lifesaving deliveries.
“The fast implementation of this agreement will increase the flow of aid”, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, adding that “a humanitarian ceasefire will increase the distribution of that aid across Gaza even more.”
According to news reports, once details are finalized, aid will be offloaded on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom.
Mr. Dujarric said that UN humanitarians with the aid coordination office OCHA have reported that much of Gaza on Friday remained flooded following heavy rains “compounding already extreme human suffering.”
Doctors trapped
“There have been clashes, also according to OCHA, in the vicinity of Al Awda Hospital in Jabaliya in northern Gaza, with 250 doctors, patients and their family members reportedly trapped.”
Internet services were restored after being down for several hours on Thursday, which severely impact the ability of emergency workers to do their jobs and cutting a vital communication route for hundreds of thousands.
The UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported on Friday that nearly 1.3 million displaced people are sheltering in 155 UNRWA installations.
“The average number of internally displaced people in UNRWA facilities, shelters, located in the middle and southern Gaza is 12,387, more than four times their capacity”, said the UN Spokesperson.
Eight out of 22 UNRWA health centres are still operational in the Middle and Southern parts of Gaza and UNRWA continued to provide healthcare to internally displaced people at shelters through 97 medical teams.”
He added that each team is composed of just one to two doctors and a nurse while around 591 health workers in health centres and shelters provided support to some 12,000 patients.
Responding to a question at the regular noon briefing in New York on the announcement by commercial shipping giant Maersk that it was pausing the passage of ships through the Red Sea, in response to attacks by Houthi militia, Mr. Dujarric said the decision was “understandable”.
The group whose militia control much of Yemen including the Red Sea coast, has vowed to target ships travelling to Israel along the key shipping route, in support of Hamas. The company said in a statement the attacks were “alarming” and pose a “significant threat” to seafarers.
Two ships reportedly came under attack in the strait just on Friday – one hit by a drone and another by missiles.
The UN Spokesperson said the decision illustrated the impact of the “continuing attacks” by the Houthis.
“Freedom of navigation is a bedrock of international law, it needs to be respected…That waterway is critical to the global economy and global commerce”, he added.
The Department of Global Communications, Civil Society Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the President of the General Assembly, is organizing an in-person event, "Civil Society Townhall with the President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly."
In his vision statement, His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, has committed to enhance multilateralism and pursue vital objectives of "Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability." He has also asserted the importance of open and wide-ranging consultation, transparency in decision-making, the ability to listen intently, clear and effective communication with the membership and with civil society to forge global consensus and enhance multilateralism to better address and resolve complex global challenges. The Town Hall with civil society will be an opportunity to engage with the President of the General Assembly on his priorities for the 78th session and exchange ideas and proposals to facilitate the meaningful participation of civil society in the work of the General Assembly.
Moderated by Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division in the Department of Global Communications the Town Hall will consist of an opening statement by the President of the General Assembly, three questions from civil society from around the world and an interactive discussion.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe A wide view of the UN Security Council chambers as members meet on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting Friday morning New York time to discuss the catastrophic situation in Gaza. This follows Wednesday’s urgent letter by Secretary-General António Guterres – one of the most powerful tools at his disposal – urging the body to help end carnage in the war-battered enclave through a lasting humanitarian ceasefire. A resolution tabled late afternoon in the chamber calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire was vetoed by the United States.
The Security Council meeting has adjourned.
Here are the key points:
The US vetoed a resolution put forward by the United Arab Emirates and backed by over 90 Member States. There were 13 votes in favour and the United Kingdom abstained.
The UN chief began this latest meeting on the crisis with a stark warning that “the conditions for the effective delivery of humanitarian aid no longer exist.”
He said “the eyes of the world - and the eyes of history - are watching", demanding that the international community "do everything possible" to end the ordeal of the people of Gaza.
Mr. Guterres said “the UN is totally committed to stay and deliver for the people of Gaza.”
The resolution which failed to pass took note of the Secretary-General’s invocation of Article 99, expressed grave concern over the “catastrophic situation” in Gaza, and emphasized that both Palestinian and Israeli civilians must be protected.
It demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages as well as humanitarian access.
It did not condemn the terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October.
For summaries of this and other UN meetings, visit our colleagues at the UN Meetings Coverage in English and French
4:25 PM
‘Humanity must prevail’: Palestine
Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the Observer State of Palestine, said it was “beyond regrettable” and “disastrous” that the Security Council was prevented from upholding its responsibilities - through a newly adopted resolution - in the face of the crisis.
“Millions of Palestinian lives hang in the balance, every single one of them is sacred and worth saving,” he said, adding that instead of allowing this Council to follow its mandate by finally making a clear call, after two months of massacres and atrocities, “the war criminals are given more time to perpetrate their crimes.”
“How can this be justified? How can anyone justify the slaughter of an entire people?”, he said.
4:03 PM
UK: Hamas must be condemned
Explaining the UK’s abstention from the draft resolution, Ambassador Barbara Woodward said her country could not vote in favour of a resolution that fails to condemn the atrocities Hamas committed on innocent Israeli civilians on 7 October.
“Calling for a ceasefire ignores the fact that Hamas has committed acts of terror and is still holding civilians hostage,” she said, noting that Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law.
She reiterated the importance of working meaningfully towards a two-State solution “which delivers statehood for the Palestinians, security for Israel and peace for people on both sides.”
4:03 PM
‘No contradiction’ in fighting terror and protecting civilians: France
France’s Permanent Representative Nicolas de Rivière said the UN chief was correct to raise the alarm over the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza.
“It is for this reason that France voted in favour of this resolution and it is for that reason that we plead for an immediate and lasting humanitarian truce”, he added.
“For our part, we do not see any contradiction in the fight against terrorism and the protection of civilians, in strict respect of international humanitarian law,” he said, adding “we would have wished for this Council to finally have been able to condemn the Hamas attacks and those of other terrorist groups on 7 October.”
“Unfortunately once again, this Council has failed. With a lack of unity and by refusing to genuinely commit to negotiations in doing this, the crisis in Gaza is getting worse and it runs the risk of extending,” he said.
3:53 PM
Resolution ‘divorced from reality’: US
The US engaged in good faith on the text, said Deputy Permanent Representative Robert A. Wood, that would increase opportunities for hostage release and more aid to reach Gaza.
“Unfortunately, nearly all of our recommendations were ignored” leading to an “imbalanced resolution that was divorced from reality that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way. And so, we regretfully could not support it."
He said the US still could not understand why the resolution’s authors declined to include language condemning “Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack” on Israel, of 7 October.
It killed people from a range of nationalities, subjecting many to “obscene sexual violence.”
He said he had explained earlier in the day why an unconditional ceasefire would simply be “dangerous” and leave Hamas in place, able to attack again.
It was “a recipe for disaster for Israel, for Palestinians and for the entire region”.
Any ceasefire leaving Hamas in control would also deny Palestinians the chance to build something better for themselves, he added.
3:47 PM
US vetoes resolution
The vote just took place, with 13 members in favour.
The US voted AGAINST, with the UK abstaining. Owing to the US veto, the resolution was not therefore adopted.
Broadcast of the afternoon meeting of the Security Council.
3:43 PM
Dmitriy Polyanskiy, Russia’s representative, said US diplomacy was "leaving scorched earth in its wake". He said if an immediate ceasefire was blocked by the US again, how could the country look its partners in the eye? He called on the US to "make the right choice" and support the demand for an end to violence.
3:37 PM
Speaking before the vote, the representative of the UAE, said at least 97 Member States have co-sponsored their resolution: "It is clear in its intention - an immediate humanitarian ceasefire."
Saving lives right now, must supercede all other considerations, he said.
3:34 PM
The president of the Council, the permanent representative from Ecuador, has brought the meeting to order again. A long list of non-member countries who have co-sponsored the resolution, are joining.
3:28 PM
Security Council reconvenes for the vote
The meeting is back in open session with the cameras rolling and a vote is believed to be imminent once it formally begins.
3:14 PM
Meeting behind closed doors
Ambassadors are now meeting behind closed doors, ahead of an anticipated vote on a new draft resolution tabled by the United Arab Emirates, which many members referred to during the morning session discussing the Secretary General’s letter under Article 99.
The resolution takes note and specifies it is acting on the letter from the UN chief under the special powers invoked by Article 99.
The draft demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire as well as an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Ambassadors have been negotiating intensely in the past few hours over the final text.
The draft also reiterates the demand of the Council for all warring parties to comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to protection of civilians in both Palestine and Israel.
Draft resolutions do not represent an official position of the Security Council until they are adopted.
12:10 PM
Meeting in recess
The meeting has adjourned. The UN chief began this latest meeting on the crisis with a stark warning that “the conditions for the effective delivery of humanitarian aid no longer exist.”
He said “the eyes of the world - and the eyes of history - are watching”, demanding that the international community “do everything possible” to end the ordeal of the people of Gaza.
Security Council members, meanwhile, continue negotiations on a new draft resolution on the crisis, and are currently scheduled to reconvene at 5:30 PM New York time.
Mr. Guterres said “the UN is totally committed to stay and deliver for the people of Gaza.”
The broadcast of the morning meeting of the Security Council.
11:45 AM
We need to respond with urgency: UK
Barbara Woodward, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom (UK) to the UN, started off by stressing “we need to respond, and to respond with urgency.”
“The sheer scale of civilians killed is shocking,” she said.
Noting that her country continues to support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorism as it seeks the return of well over 100 hostages still held in Gaza, she stated: “we are absolutely clear that Israel must be targeted and precise in achieving that goal.”
“Civilians must be protected,” she underscored.
Ambassador Woodward also noted the need for a marked increase in sustainable and unhindered lifesaving aid and essential services to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe from taking place.
“As we work to halt the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, we need also to work to avoid escalation in the West Bank, including in Occupied East Jerusalem,” she said, noting that Israel’s announcements approving new settlements there is alarming and that it will only raise tensions.
“Let us be clear: settlements are illegal under international law. They present an obstacle to peace, and they threaten the physical viability and delivery of a two-State solution,” she said, calling for an immediate reversal of Israeli policy on expansion.
Volunteers from the Sharek Network Forum NGO engage in recreational activities at the Ma'an school displacement site in Khan Younis.
11:30 AM
Condemn Hamas terror, agree a fresh truce: France
France’s Permanent Representative Nicolas de Rivière, reiterate his nation’s call for “a new, immediate and lasting humanitarian truce”, which must lead to a permanent ceasefire.
We must act and continue our collective mobilization for the population of Gaza, he said.
Given the gravity of the situation, he said France deplored the decision of the Israeli authorities not to renew the visa of Lynn Hastings, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, who is now due to leave next week.
We must also put an end to Hamas actions and “it unacceptable that this Security Council has not yet been able to condemn these acts”, he said, referencing the terror acts of October 7.
Israel can count on France to fight against Hamas, he said, which, along with the other groups, must release all hostages they are holding inside Gaza, immediately and unconditionally.
The situation in the West Bank is equally worrying. We reaffirm our strong condemnation of recent decisions regarding colonization and the violence carried out by settler groups against Palestinians, said Ambassador de Rivière.
France is considering measures to ban travel and freeze assets. But “what is important now is to restore a political horizon, on the basis of the only viable solution”, that of two States living side by side in peace and security.
The President of France is fully committed, he said and continues his discussions towards a resolution, with partners in the region.
The UN Population Fund and partners continue to provide some services for pregnant women in Gaza.
11:16 AM
A ‘fundamental disconnect’: US
Robert A. Wood, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States (US) to the UN, said that the Security Council’s failure to condemn Hamas’ 7 October terrorist attacks including its acts of sexual violence and other unthinkable evils, is a serious moral failure.
“It underscores the fundamental disconnect between the discussions we have been having in this chamber and the realities on the ground,” he said.
An “undeniable part of that reality”, he added, is that if Israel unilaterally laid down its weapons today, Hamas would continue to hold hostages.
Ambassador Wood stated that as of today, Hamas continues to pose a threat to Israel and remain in charge of Gaza, stressing that no government would allow such as threat to continue to remain on its borders, after events like the 7 October massacres.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Deputy Permanent Representative Robert A. Wood of the United States addresses the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
Ceasefire will ‘plant seeds for the next war’
“For that reason, while the US strongly supports a durable peace in which both Israel and Palestine can live in peace and security, we do not support calls for an immediate ceasefire. This would only plant the seeds for the next war, because Hamas has no desire to see a durable peace, to see a two-State solution,” he said.
In his remarks, the Ambassador said that Israel must respect international humanitarian law and conduct its operations in a way that minimizes civilian harm.
To back up these words and protect civilians, the US has supported establishing an effective humanitarian deconfliction mechanism with the UN, where it also monitors implementation.
“In every conversation we also have underscored that Israel must avoid further mass displacement of civilians in the south of Gaza, many of whom previously fled violence,” he said, adding, “Israel must further ensure sufficient humanitarian support exists for displaced individuals.”
He also noted that civilians displaced in Gaza must have an opportunity to return as soon as conditions permit.
“There must be no enduring displacement or reduction in Gaza’s territory. Under no circumstances would the US support forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank,” he said.
11:12 AM
Immediate ceasefire will save lives: China
Representative of China Zhang Jun, paid tribute to the Secretary-General for his statement on the seriousness of the situation in Gaza.
The draft resolution submitted by the UAE reflects the call of the international community, which China supports and co-sponsors because only an immediate ceasefire will save lives and pave the way for the two-State solution, he added.
“A larger crisis is imminent,” and regional peace and security is “on the precipice”. The world is watching. Member States must act, he warned.
11:10 AM
Save Palestinians ‘from extermination’, Russia urges
Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Dmitriy Polyanskiy, said that with the humanitarian pause, the parties got their break in hostilities and realized their tactical objectives but then Israel, with the “proactive support” of the United States, moved on to a new, even more bloody phase of its ground operation in Gaza.
He quoted from the UN chief’s letter, emphasizing the desperate conditions being faced by civilians.
Meanwhile, the Security Council has not adopted any clear, binding decision demanding – not calling – for the parties to stop the violence.
The discussions here amount only to “empty words”, he said.
Flooding Gaza with seawater by the Israeli military as a tactic of war, would amount to a war crime, he said.
Today the Council has a good opportunity “to end to this abnormal situation and do what the international community expects of it”, he declared, by passing a ceasefire resolution later today.
We hope that all colleagues will find the strength and courage to adopt the draft resolution prepared by the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Polyansky added.
Of course, we should not lose sight of the prospects for a Palestinian-Israeli settlement based on the “two-State formula,” which we consider to have no alternative.
We are ready to work on this, he said, but today, the primary task is to stop hostilities and “save Palestinian civilians from extermination.”
10:52 AM
Security Council must act: UAE
UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Ambassador Mohamed Issa Abushahab of the United Arab Emirates addresses the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
Mohamed Issa Abushahab, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the UN said that for many Gazans who have never left the enclave, “their entire world is systematically demolished before their eyes”.
He stated the Security Council must act on the crisis when too little aid is getting in and humanitarian workers are unable to deliver it for the fear of getting killed.
“Despite the recent temporary pause, the violence and danger to civilians has not abated, in fact this conflict has now graduated to a new and more dangerous phase,” he added, noting that the siege of Khan Yunis and other parts in southern Gaza has now started.
“There is literally no safe haven for the millions of people trapped and under attack,” the Ambassador said.
10:48 AM
Ceasefire will only prolong Hamas ‘reign of terror’: Israel
Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador, said the globe has been reeling from the impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Yet not once, has Article 99 of the UN Charter been invoked by the current Secretary-General, citing other grinding conflicts which have destabilised entire regions.
He said regional stability in the Middle East can “only be achieved once Hamas is eliminated”. Calling for a ceasefire would not achieve that end, he insisted.
He said that on 6 October, a ceasefire held, but the following day “thousands of Hamas Nazis” carried out a massacre the like of which has not been seen since the Holocaust.
Mr. Erdan said if Hamas was not destroyed, then atrocities would be carried out by the group “again and again”. Gazans have been forced to live in poverty, he said, and calling for a ceasefire would ensure that the suffering and the fighting will continue.
He said it sent a clear message: “that Hamas is forgiven for their deliberate atrocities, and Hamas’s oppression of Gazans is given a green light by the international community.”
UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Ambassador Gilad Erdan of Israel addresses the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
The Israeli ambassador said Hamas’s main weapon was terror and was seeking to “maximize civilian casualties” to put more and more pressure on Israel to relent.
He said Hamas was the root cause of the situation in Gaza, and yet there has been “zero accountability for their evil”, questioning why Hamas was not being held responsible for its actions.
He said fuel tankers and medical supplies had been allowed into Gaza during the ceasefire by Israel, but Hamas had violated the terms of the truth, he added.
With 138 hostages still being held “Hamas has not even allowed the Red Cross to visit them and provide their families with the most basic sign of life. This is an abhorrent war crime”, he said.
He said Israel would continue with its mission, while supporting "every humanitarian initiative", but the destruction of Hamas is the only option.
10:25 AM
Aim is not security: Palestine
Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the Observer State of Palestine to the UN, outlined the impact of the strikes by Israel, saying the bombardment “placed every possible impediment on humanitarian aid and access.”
“And we are all supposed to pretend that this aggression is not aimed at the destruction of the Palestinian people in the Gaza strip, when it has besieged and bombed our people and deprived them of all requirements of life?” he said.
“I keep reading in the media that Israel has no clear war objectives, are we supposed to pretend that we don’t know the objective is the ethnic cleansing of the Gaza Strip?” he continued.
He said that if anyone says they are against the destruction and displacement of Palestinian people, they have to be in favour of an immediate ceasefire.
“When you refuse to call for a ceasefire, you are refusing to call for the only thing that can put an end to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. This is how Israel is conducting the war, through atrocities,” Mr. Mansour said.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
Mr. Mansour noted that the aim of the war by Israel is not security, but to “prevent for ever any prospect of Palestinian impudence and peace”.
“These intentions are clear in the Gaza Strip as well as in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” he said.
He further underscored the universality of international law, stating that the “Israeli exceptionalism has to end, and it has to end now”.
“Stop rewriting international law to fit Israeli crimes and stop calling for respect for international law while supporting an assault that has torn it into shreds,” he said.
“The Palestinian people will not die in vain, the Palestinian people deserve respect … we have earned it, we have paid the heaviest price to end it … show us respect, not in words but in deeds, show us respect for our lives and our rights,” he added.
10:05 AM
Conditions for effective aid delivery ‘no longer exist’ - Guterres
The president of the Council has gavelled the meeting to order, and invited the UN chief to speak.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres thanked ambassadors for their response to his invocation of Article 99 saying he had written because “we are at breaking point” in the war between Israel and Palestinian militants.
“There is a high risk of the total collapse of the humanitarian support system in Gaza, which would have devastating consequences.”
He said public order could completely break down, increasing pressure for mass displacement across the border into Egypt.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
Dire consequences
“I fear the consequences could be devastating for the security of the entire region”, he said, adding that the Occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, had already been drawn in to the conflict to varying degrees.
There is clearly, in my view, a serious risk of aggravating existing threats to the maintenance of international peace and security”.
He said more than 130 of his colleagues had already been killed: "this is the largest single loss of life in the history of this Organisation. Some of our staff take their children to work so they know they will live or die together."
The conditions for the effective delivery of humanitarian aid no longer exist – UN Secretary-General
Despite this, the UN is totally committed to stay and deliver for the people of Gaza, said the UN chief.
He said the humanitarian situation however, was "simply becoming untenable."
"The conditions for the effective delivery of humanitarian aid no longer exist."
Horror of ‘human pinball’
The UN chief went on to note the catastrophic situation continues to worsen by the day.
More than 17,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the start of Israel’s military operations, including over 4,000 women and 7,000 children. Tens of thousands are reported to have been injured, and many are missing, presumably under the rubble.
About 85 per cent of Gaza’s population has been displaced; hospitals, schools and UN facilities have been damaged or destroyed.
There is also a serious risk of starvation and famine, Mr. Guterres reported, noting that half the people in northern Gaza and more than one third of displaced people in the south are “simply starving”.
“Attacks from air, land and sea are intense, continuous and widespread,” he said, adding that people in Gaza “are being told to move like human pinballs – ricocheting between ever-smaller slivers of the south, without any of the basics for survival.”
UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
‘Unreserved condemnation’ of Hamas attacks
The Secretary-General also reiterated his “unreservedly condemnation” of Hamas’ brutal attacks on Israel on 7 October, stressing that he is “appalled” by the reports of sexual violence.
“There is no possible justification for deliberately killing some 1,200 people, including 33 children, injuring thousands more, and taking hundreds of hostages,” he said, adding “at the same time, the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”
“While indiscriminate rocket fire by Hamas into Israel, and the use of civilians as human shields, are in contravention of the laws of war, such conduct does not absolve Israel of its own violations,” Mr. Guterres said.
He underscored that international humanitarian law includes the obligation to protect civilians and to ensure that civilians’ essential needs must be met, including by facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian relief.
Looking into the abyss
Stressing that the people of Gaza “are looking into the abyss”, the UN chief called on the international community to do “everything possible” to end their ordeal.
The eyes of the world – and the eyes of history – are watching – UN Secretary-General
“I urge the Council to spare no effort to push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, for the protection of civilians, and for the urgent delivery of lifesaving aid,” he said, recalling also the importance of the two-State solution, based on UN resolutions and international law, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security.
“This is vital for Israelis, Palestinians, and for international peace and security. The eyes of the world – and the eyes of history – are watching,” he said.
09:40 AM
Following the discussions, Council members are expected to vote later in the day on a draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire as well as an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The draft resolution also reiterates the demand of the Council for all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to protection of civilians in both Palestine and Israel.
Draft resolutions do not represent an official position of the Security Council until they are adopted.
In his letter the Secretary-General invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, which grants him with the responsibility to “bring to the attention” of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.
It was the first time ever that Mr. Guterres had used the rarely invoked clause.
“Facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, I urge the Council to help avert a humanitarian catastrophe & appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared,” Mr. Guterres wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after dispatching the letter.
Council’s last meeting
The Security Council last discussed the situation in Gaza, in an open doors meeting, on 29 November. Here are the highlights:
“We need a true humanitarian ceasefire,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, describing a catastrophe on the ground in Gaza and underlining the need to release all hostages
Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, had “a message that resonates today as we mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: There must be a new and different approach, or we are doomed to return to the path of managing a conflict that clearly cannot be managed”
Council members, including many ministers, roundly decried the unfolding humanitarian crisis and commended the ongoing pause in fighting, with some calling for the full implementation of its resolution 2712 on the crisis
“We cannot afford to lose more lives,” said the ambassador of Malta, penholder of resolution 2712, adopted in mid-November following several failed attempts
Non-Council members echoed those calls, with Qatar’s Prime Minister saying “it is high time to take real measures towards peace; the region will not enjoy peace and security without the establishment of a Palestinian State”
Israel’s ambassador said the Council has not addressed Hamas’s “central role in the ruin of the region”
“We are at a historic crossroad,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the observer State of Palestine
UN Photo/Greg Kinch An early draft of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday called on world leaders to rely on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a roadmap to not only uphold human rights but also prevent wars, combat hatred, rebuild trust and build a sustainable future for all.
In a video message to a high-level event marking the 75th anniversary of the Declaration, Mr. Guterres recalled that the landmark document presented a “beacon of hope” for humanity and a blueprint for fundamental freedoms.
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“As we celebrate this 75th anniversary, I call on every Member State to use this opportunity, and the Summit of the Future next year, to strengthen their commitment to the values and principles of the Universal Declaration,” he urged.
“Let us strive to uphold and promote human rights, freedom and equality – for all. Together, we can realize the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” he said.
Tangible pledges
The two-day event, in Geneva on 11 and 12 December, features two key pledging sessions for nations to announce tangible commitments to advance human rights protection.
In segments entitled ‘Voices in defence of human rights’, participants are expected to share their testimonies and perspectives on UDHR’s impact. Panel discussions will be also held with experts examining challenges and considering the way forward on the universality and indivisibility of human rights and how to strengthen the human rights system.
A leaders’ segment with Heads of State will be held on Tuesday, followed by round tables on peace and security, digital technologies, climate and the environment, and development and the economy.
Also speaking the opening, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said that while the Universal Declaration has been a source of transformative societal progress across the world, the past 75 years have also seen “numerous failures to uphold human rights”.
“My thoughts go to the millions of people suffering unbearably in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, notably Gaza, and Israel; in Sudan; Ukraine; Myanmar; and so many other places,” he said.
Mr. Türk acknowledged UDHR’s diverse roots, including the world’s reaction to the horrors of the Holocaust, the Haitian revolution, “the profound African values of interdependence, cooperation and collective responsibility” and the Islamic principle of zakat, or compassionate sharing, among others.
The Declaration’s universality made it a guide to solving the world’s most pressing challenges, the UN rights chief said, and its anniversary is a call to action to work together and base all decisions “on the intrinsic and equal value of every human life.”
‘Thread that weaves us’
Meanwhile, in their respective commemorative messages for Sunday’s Human Rights Day, Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, and Paula Narváez, President of the Economic and Social Council also reiterated the importance of the Universal Declaration.
“Human rights are the thread that weaves us … as we proudly mark #HumanRights75, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined in it,” Mr. Francis wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Ms. Narváez recalled the words of anti-apartheid champion and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela: “to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”
“Let us put humanity at the core of our actions, and join together to respect, protect and fulfil human rights for everyone, everywhere,” she urged.
Human Rights Day
Observed annually on 10 December, Human Rights Day marks the 1948 adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Assembly proclaimed the landmark document as a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”, towards which individuals and societies should “strive by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance”.
UDHR sets out a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all of us are entitled. It guarantees the rights of every individual everywhere, without distinction based on nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status.
Although not a binding document, the Declaration inspired more than 60 human rights instruments which together constitute an international standard of human rights
Some 200 young writers from around the world submitted essays and speeches for the IAEA's Atoms for Peace and Development Essay Competition. The competition was launched to commemorate the 70th anniversary of US President Dwight D Eisenhower’s ‘Atoms for Peace’ speech delivered on 8 December 1953 to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. It was this speech that laid the foundation for the establishment of the IAEA in 1957.
The winner is 20-year-old Nela Gawrychowska, who took inspiration from the words of Eisenhower and two-time Nobel prize-winner Marie Skłodowska-Curie to outline her thoughts on fusion energy, writing that it could become “a potential catalyst for a sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive future".
An honourable mention goes to 20-year-old Mahek Arora, who wrote about the role of nuclear science and technology and its potential to “foster peace, prosperity and cooperation on a global scale”.
Writers who decided to enter the competition, open to anyone aged 18-24, were encouraged to take inspiration from Eisenhower’s vision and posit ways the IAEA and the international community could address today’s biggest challenges within the mission of “Atoms for Peace and Development”.
The essays submitted were informed by numerous aspects of the IAEA’s work, from safeguards to supporting low-carbon nuclear energy. The most original essays also came up with ways peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology could play an even greater part in promoting peace, climate change mitigation and adaptation, health, and food and energy security.
Giving younger generations a voice
“This competition has given young people from around the world the chance to use their voices, and for us to hear what is important to them,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
“Many of the writers chose themes that go right to the heart of the IAEA’s work; subjects like nuclear energy and radiotherapy,” the Director General said. “Reading the finalists’ essays and speeches gave me new insight into how they see the IAEA and what they hope, and expect, from us in the future,” he said.
This year, the IAEA has been marking the anniversary of Eisenhower’s speech and the enduring impact of his vision for peace. In September, the Agency and the United States of America hosted a panel discussion at the Albertina Museum in Vienna on the margins of the IAEA’s 67th General Conference. The President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo, the US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Eisenhower, joined IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to discuss the legacy of the speech and the impact of the IAEA.
Since Eisenhower gave his 1953 speech, the IAEA has assisted its Member States, now numbering 178, in widening access to life-affirming uses of nuclear science and technology. Millions of people have benefited from initiatives such as the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, which increases access to cancer care in middle- and low-income countries, and from the IAEA’s work supporting countries in their efforts to adapt to the devastating consequences of climate change on agriculture, the ocean and fresh water resources. For the world to harness fully the many peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, safety, security and safeguards must come first. Here too, the IAEA plays a central role.
In the words of competition winner Gawrychowska , “If I were to articulate a singular wish, it would undeniably be for every individual to taste peace and to recognize it as a treasure beyond measure. It stands as our most invaluable asset — a bedrock for sustainable progress and an imperative for the responsible harnessing of the potential hidden within the atom.”
© UNOCHA The Kerem Shalom border crossing. (file)
UN Photo/Loey Felipe A wide view of the UN Security Council chambers as members meet on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
UN Photo/Greg Kinch An early draft of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
