With growing concerns about the potential escalation of global conflicts, the United Nations Secretary-General has issued a warning that the aggressive actions of certain world leaders pose a threat to humanity.
“The principles of the United Nations that you have established are under siege,” secretary-general Antonio Guterres declared to those gathered in the General Assembly auditorium in New York City on September 23.
In his annual state of the world address, he stated, “We have entered in an age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering.”
“The pillars of peace and progress are buckling under the weight of impunity, inequality and indifference,” he emphasized.
Guterres highlighted the situation in the Gaza Strip, although he did not explicitly name Israel as the aggressor in the Middle Eastern conflict.
He described the current levels of death and destruction as the most severe he has witnessed during his nearly nine-year tenure as secretary-general, stating that ‘nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people’.
The Portuguese leader asserted that only a court can determine if Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. He referenced the case brought by South Africa to the UN’s highest court under the genocide convention, underscoring its legally binding provisional measures, particularly the protection of Palestinian civilians.
Since the International Court of Justice issued its ruling in January 2024, Guterres noted an intensification of killings and the declaration of famine in parts of Gaza.
He urged that the court’s ruling ‘must be implemented – fully and immediately’.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak later today, with White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt indicating that he will address how globalist institutions have deteriorated the world order.
Yesterday, discussions at the General Assembly highlighted growing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The session concluded with several countries, such as France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco, announcing or affirming their recognition of a Palestinian state. This followed similar actions by the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. However, other nations like Germany, Italy, and Japan participated without recognizing such a state. Currently, approximately three-quarters of the UN’s 193 member countries do recognize a Palestinian state.
On October 7, 2023, the armed Palestinian group and political movement Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.
In retaliation, Israel has conducted extensive bombings on the Gaza Strip, significantly damaging the region, while aid agencies report restrictions on the entry of food, water, fuel, electricity, and medicine into Gaza.