At the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “violence” of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, citing “displacements and settlement expansion” that are making “emerge the specter of ethnic cleansing.” According to Guterres, the situation in the occupied territories has seen a grave increase in attacks on Palestinians and continuous military incursions in recent months. He invited leaders to use the high-level meetings this week in New York to pursue “de-escalation and dialogue.”
UN Secretary-General Warns of Ethnic Cleansing in West Bank as Global Tensions Escalate
Guterres Condemns Settler Violence and Settlement Expansion in Cisgiordania
ICJ Measures and Gaza Conflict
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued “legally binding provisional measures,” Guterres said, citing the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip. “All parties must respect international law,” Guterres reiterated, warning that the “two-state solution” must not be allowed to vanish. Regarding the truce in Gaza, Guterres highlighted that what is called a ceasefire is actually a firefight, although less intense.
Ukraine Conflict and Global Stability
Guterres also highlighted an “alarming and dangerous spiral of escalation” in the Russia-Ukraine war, where the number of “civilian victims far from the front lines” is growing. “Houses, water and energy systems and transport infrastructure have been repeatedly attacked, threatening global food and energy supply chains,” he said, noting that Russia’s large-scale invasion of a sovereign country is in clear violation of the Charter. He noted that civilians continue to be killed far from the front lines, mainly in Ukraine, but also more recently in some areas of Russia.
Global Fractures Deepen as Geopolitical Divisions Grow
The secretary-general described “widening fractures” and “cracks that have turned into canyons,” with “geopolitical splits and inequality” having intensified. He stated that “our institutions and our systems of government continue to reflect the power dynamics and interests of an era that is now largely gone.” He emphasized that this is the crucial challenge facing humanity as it faces a convergence of unprecedented threats.
FAQ
What is the ICJ’s role in the Gaza conflict?
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued legally binding provisional measures regarding the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.
How does the Gaza ceasefire affect the region?
Guterres stated that the ceasefire, in place for just under a year, is in reality a firefight, though less intense.
What is the two-state solution?
Guterres has warned that the two-state solution must not be allowed to vanish.
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