According to Al Jazeera, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the world “cannot have double standards” regarding the Middle East and that the same rules have to be followed worldwide.
“We must implement international law, international humanitarian law, and the [UN] Charter,” Guterres stated.
“A two-state solution is necessary, but first there must be peace. We require peace that ensures the Palestinian people’s right to a state, just as the Israeli people’s, and that the two states coexist peacefully and securely.
Additionally, we must deal with the current crises at the same time. While acknowledging that the Hamas attacks are unacceptable, as we have done, they do not excuse the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Therefore, we urgently require a ceasefire, the hostages’ quick release, and efficient humanitarian assistance for Gaza.
