NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the Arab world to show unity ahead of a major summit next week to discuss the rebuilding of Gaza, which he said has become “a nexus of death, displacement, hunger, and disease” following 15 months of Israeli military action in the enclave.
A unified response among Arab nations “will help guide the way forward” in efforts to bring stability to the region, he said.
The UN chief will attend the Extraordinary Summit of the League of Arab States in Cairo next Tuesday.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Guterres reiterated the UN’s rejection of any ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and emphasized the need to establish a unified Palestinian government that enjoys the support of its people.
“There must be no long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza, and any transitional arrangements should aim to achieve a unified Palestinian government,” he said.
Guterres also called for urgent de-escalation in the West Bank, urging an end to settlement expansion and violence against civilians.
The UN secretary-general reiterated his call for a two-state solution, underscoring the need for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully in accordance with international law.
“The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, chart their own future, and live in freedom and security,” he said, stressing that the only path to lasting peace is through a negotiated two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
In Cairo, Guterres is expected to outline these key priorities to leaders from across the Arab world, calling for unified action to bring stability to the region.
“Their unified position will help guide the way forward,” he said.
The Cairo summit represents a critical moment for international diplomacy as efforts intensify to secure a lasting resolution to the Gaza crisis and lay the groundwork for future peace in the region, amid a fragile ceasefire.
Since the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, Gaza has experienced unprecedented destruction.
“Hospitals, schools, and water facilities have been destroyed and reduced to rubble,” Guterres said. He warned that “the risk of further destruction looms over the population.”
The UN chief urged all parties involved in the ceasefire and hostage deal to uphold their commitments.
“The parties must spare no effort to avoid a breakdown of this deal,” Guterres said. “The coming days are critical,” he warned, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safe, dignified, and unconditional release of hostages, alongside the continued flow of humanitarian aid to those in desperate need.
He called for the humanitarian lifeline to remain open and for continued support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Since the temporary ceasefire was brokered, humanitarian agencies have managed to scale up operations in Gaza, delivering essential aid, food, water, and medical supplies.
“With the right conditions and access, we can do far more,” Guterres said.
However, the UN chief made it clear that ending the immediate humanitarian crisis is only the first step.
He called for a comprehensive political framework to address Gaza’s long-term recovery, which must be grounded in international law and ensure the preservation of Palestinian sovereignty.
Guterres also called for tangible steps toward peace and stability, based on “clear principles.”
“This means staying true to the bedrock of international law,” he said. “It means preventing any form of ethnic cleansing. It means there should be no long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza.
“It means addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns. It means accountability for violations of international law.”