Softening the blow of months of conflict and devastation in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called upon Arab nations to unite as they prepare for the upcoming Extraordinary Summit of the League of Arab States, set to take place next week in Cairo. This emergency summit is aimed at discussing the steps necessary for the reconstruction of Gaza following extensive Israeli military operations following the brutal attacks by Hamas and other groups on October 7, 2023.
At the heart of the discussions will be the dire humanitarian crisis, with more than 47,000 Palestinians reported killed, and the infrastructure of Gaza severely crippled. More than 90% of the housing units have been damaged or destroyed, leading to significant displacement and suffering among the civilian population. Guterres emphasized the significance of Arab unity as the region grapples with the simultaneous pressures of humanitarian need and the challenges posed by regional military dynamics.
"Their unified position will help guide the way forward," Guterres stated, reinforcing the role of Arab leaders to echo their commitment to peace and stability during the summit.
During his address to the press at UN Headquarters, Guterres underscored the urgent need for the ceasefire, which took effect on January 19, 2025, to hold and for humanitarian aid to continue flowing to the beleaguered enclave. The UN chief urged all parties involved to avoid any actions leading to the breakdown of the current ceasefire, emphasizing, "The parties must spare no effort to avoid a breakdown of this deal." He implored the world to recognize the human plight arising from the conflict, calling it “a vector of death, displacement, hunger, and disease.”
The upcoming summit could play a pivotal role as the UN stresses the necessity for establishing political frameworks for Gaza's long-term recovery. Guterres insists such measures must be grounded firmly within the framework of international law, ensuring the prevention of any ethnic cleansing and avoiding any long-term Israeli military presence. "This framework must be based on clear principles," he said, adding, “It means there should be no long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza, addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns, and accountability for violations of international law.”
At the Cairo summit, Guterres plans to implore leaders to support the establishment of a unified Palestinian government, which would have the backing of the citizens it serves. This call for unity extends to the broader aspirations of the Palestinian people as he reiterates, "The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, to chart their own future, and to live on their land in freedom and security.”
With rising tensions and violence peeking through the cracks of peaceful intentions, Guterres insisted on the importance of halting unilateral actions, such as illegal settlement expansions and violence against civilians, especially exacerbated by recent unrest in the West Bank.
Referring to the two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace, Guterres reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring both Israel and Palestine exist peacefully alongside each other. He stated unequivocally, “The only path to lasting peace is through a negotiated two-state solution with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.”
Echoing sentiments of solidarity, Guterres stressed, "The coming days are critically important," highlighting the urgency of securing the immediate, dignified, and unconditional release of hostages as well as maintaining and enhancing the humanitarian lifeline to those affected. He acknowledged the effective steps forward following the recent ceasefire, where humanitarian agencies have managed to ramp up operations to deliver necessary aid, food, water, and medical supplies to Gaza’s population.
"With the right conditions and access, we can do far more," he stated, underlining the collaborative effort required to navigate the dire consequences of the humanitarian crisis. The UN's role will be pivotal, with Guterres urging unwavering support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Leaders from across the Arab community must step decisively during this summit, as international diplomatic efforts seek to secure not just short-term relief but also long-term stability and peace for Gaza and its people. With hopes resting on the results from Cairo, Guterres remains hopeful, stating emphatically, "Palestinians deserve lasting stability and a just and principled peace. And the people of Israel deserve to live in peace and security."
At this fragile moment, the fate of millions hinges not just on the ceasefire’s ability to hold but on the Arab leaders' collective will to forge paths toward reconstruction and reconciliation.