The situation in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Palestine crisis, is described by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as “growing direr by the hour.” He emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire to alleviate suffering, facilitate aid delivery, and ensure the release of hostages. Guterres stressed the importance of protecting civilians and reiterated the necessity of a two-state solution for lasting peace and stability. While condemning the deliberate targeting of civilians by both sides, he also acknowledged the longstanding grievances of the Palestinian people but emphasized that these grievances cannot justify attacks or collective punishment.
