Guterres makes striking comparison regarding loss of life in Gaza

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the civilian death toll in Gaza is higher than in any other conflict since he took office.

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Guterres makes striking comparison regarding loss of life in Gaza

Guterres answered questions from journalists at the UN headquarters in New York.

When asked if there was any preparation for the situation that would emerge after the conflicts in Gaza end, Guterres underlined that the current situation must change first.

Reiterating his calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, uninterrupted access to aid, and the release of all hostages, Guterres stated, "I think it is important to turn this tragedy into an opportunity. After the war, we need to move towards a two-state solution in a determined and irreversible way."

Stating that he believes the Palestinian Authority should take responsibility in Gaza, Guterres said, "However, the Palestinian Authority cannot come while Israeli tanks are in Gaza, so the international community needs to focus on a transition process."

"I DO NOT THINK A UN-ADMINISTERED SOLUTION IS THE RIGHT ONE"

Guterres assessed, "I do not think a UN-administered solution in Gaza is the right one. We need a multilateral approach. Different countries and organizations need to cooperate."

Expressing that security guarantees from the US for Israel and from Arab and regional countries for Palestine are important, Guterres emphasized that the international community should prepare for the transition process within this framework.

"THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN HAVE BEEN KILLED IN GAZA IN A FEW WEEKS"

When asked why he did not characterize what is happening in Gaza as a war crime, Guterres said that he has always opposed violations of international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, but that he does not have such authority.

Guterres emphasized, "But I think what is more important than the characterization is to focus on the current situation," adding, "Thousands of children have been killed in Gaza in a few weeks. This is significant. The civilian death toll in Gaza is higher than in any other conflict since I took office as Secretary-General."

Reminding that the UN publishes a report on children killed in conflicts every year, Guterres noted that the highest numbers so far belonged to the Taliban and the Syrian government, and that none were as high as the losses in Gaza.

News Source: AA