Baghdad: Ant³nio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the free flow of humanitarian aid to end the blockade.
According to Emirates News Agency, Guterres emphasized that nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, rejecting the repeated displacement of the Gaza population and any notion of forced displacement outside of Gaza. He highlighted the importance of focusing on the situation in the occupied West Bank, reiterating that only a two-State solution can deliver sustainable peace.
In Lebanon, Guterres referred to Security Council resolution 1701, stating that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected, and the Government of Lebanon must have control over all Lebanese territory. He welcomed the commitment by Lebanese officials to ensure a state monopoly over weapons.
Regarding Syria, Guterres underscored the importance of sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. He advocated for an inclusive, Syrian-led, and Syrian-owned political process, based on Security Council resolution 2254, which safeguards the rights and participation of all Syrians regardless of ethnicity and religion, and ensures their protection.