By Andrew Mills
Young boys push a loaded tolley in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on 10 December 2023. Photo: AFP / Mohammed Abed
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday he would not give up appealing for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, adding that the war undermined the credibility and authority of the Security Council.
Gueterres was speaking at the Doha Forum conference as Washington vetoed on Friday a proposed UN Security Council demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.
"I urged the Security Council to press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and I reiterated my appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared," Guterres said.
"Regrettably, the Security Council failed to do it, but that does not make it less necessary," he said.
"I will not give up," Guterres added.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the gathering that Doha would continue to pressure Israel and Hamas for a truce despite "narrowing" chances.
Qatar, where several political leaders of Hamas are based, has been leading negotiations between the group and Israel.
Sheikh Mohammed said hostages were released from Gaza because of negotiations and not because of Israel's military actions.
A woman holding a child flees following an Israeli strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on 23 November 2023. Photo: AFP / Mohammed Abed
UN aid agency for Palestinians, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said the dehumanisation of Palestinians had allowed the international community to tolerate Israel's continued attacks on Gaza.
"There is no doubt that a humanitarian ceasefire is needed if we want to put an end to hell on earth right now in Gaza," Lazzarini said.
The United States and Israel oppose a ceasefire because they believe it would only benefit Hamas. Washington instead supports pauses in fighting to protect civilians and allow the release of hostages taken by Hamas in a deadly 7 October attack on Israel.
Guterres also urged leaders at the COP28 climate conference to agree on deep cuts to emissions and stop global warming exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius.
He said that despite pledges, emissions are at a record high and fossil fuels are the major cause.
Oil producing powers clashed on Saturday with the rest of the countries over a possible agreement to phase out fossil fuels at the climate summit in Dubai, jeopardising attempts to deliver a first-ever commitment to eventually end the use of oil and gas in 30 years of global warming talks.
"I urge leaders at COP28 in Dubai to agree on deep cuts to emissions, in line with the 1.5-degree limit," Guterres said adding that fossil fuel companies and their backers should use their enormous resources to lead the renewables revolution.
- Reuters