UNITED NATIONS: As Ramadan approaches, world leaders have come together to acknowledge the importance of the holy month and to demand that guns be silenced in Gaza.
In his Ramadan message, US President Joe Biden committed to working relentlessly for an immediate six-week ceasefire and pledged international efforts to provide humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
At the same time, UN Secretary-General António Guterres fervently pleaded with all sides to “honor the spirit of Ramazan by silencing the guns” in order to bring peace to Gaza.
“My strongest appeal today is to remove all obstacles to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid at the speed and massive scale required,” he said, highlighting the critical need for humanitarian aid delivery.
With a compassionate demeanor, Guterres demanded the “immediate release of all hostages” and emphasized the situation’s global importance by saying, “The world is watching.” History’s eyes are upon us. We are unable to turn away.
The secretary general drew attention to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the extraordinary loss of life and destruction caused by civilians. Noting that “life-saving relief for Palestinians in Gaza is coming in trickles — if it comes at all,” he bemoaned the sluggish and inadequate distribution of aid.
Guterres called attention to the possibility of an Israeli attack on Rafah, stating that it would cause Gaza to spiral into an even more dire situation. He lamented that “international humanitarian law lies in tatters” as a result of both sides’ disrespect for it during this conflict.
The UN chief quoted a family member who stated, “We are not here for condolences,” in recalling the sincere requests of families affected by the fighting. We’re not here to make excuses. We are available to take urgent action. He emphasized how important it is to pay attention to their voices and move quickly to stop more deaths.
He acknowledged that the holy month of Ramadan had begun and emphasized its principles of harmony, peace, and unity. “Even though Ramadan has begun — the killing, bombing, and bloodshed continue in Gaza,” he said, expressing his profound sorrow about the carnage that is still occurring there.
In addition, the secretary general made a plea for a ceasefire during Ramadan in Sudan, saying that the people of Sudan should not have to suffer from starvation or other hardships. “In Gaza, in Sudan, and beyond, it is time for peace,” he declared, urging international cooperation in the cause of peace.
The US president declared that his country “will continue working non-stop to establish an immediate and sustained ceasefire for at least six weeks as part of a deal that releases hostages” in addition to promising to provide more life-saving aid to Gaza.
“Continue building toward a long-term future of stability, security, and peace” was another pledge he made. To guarantee that Israelis and Palestinians enjoy equivalent levels of freedom, dignity, security, and prosperity, a two-state solution is part of this. That “is the only path toward an enduring peace,” he declared.
According to Biden, many Muslims would be thinking about the suffering of the Palestinian people when they get together to break their fast over the next several days and weeks.
“It is top of mind for me,” the US president declared.
Biden stated that “family members of American Muslims, who are deeply grieving their lost loved ones today” comprised a portion of the Palestinians murdered in Gaza.
He added that there are an estimated two million Palestinians who are internally displaced and in need of food, water, housing, and medical care.
