World Leaders at UNGA Call for Ceasefire in Gaza
As the 80th UN General Assembly opened in New York on Wednesday, world leaders voiced alarm over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Gaza Strip, urging an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages.
Ceasefire and Two-State Vision
Kenyan President William Ruto described the situation in Gaza as "grave," demanding a permanent ceasefire and calling for the launch of a credible political process to realize a two-state solution so Israel and Palestine can "live side by side, in peace and in security."
Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas, labelling Israel’s military actions a "war crime" and "mass extermination – a systematic slaughter and displacement of Palestinian men, women, and children."
Spanish King Don Felipe VI appealed directly to the Israeli government: "Stop this massacre now. No more deaths," and urged full respect for international humanitarian law in Gaza and the West Bank.
Estonian President Alar Karis warned that "what has unfolded in Gaza has crossed all red lines," pressing for a comprehensive political process with the ultimate goal of two states.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb called the deepening crisis a "failure of the international system," demanding safe, unhindered aid access and the release of all hostages.
Ongoing Offensive
On Thursday, Israeli forces struck 170 targets across the Gaza Strip, with tanks advancing in southwestern Gaza City. Footage shows a mass exodus as around 700,000 of the city’s one million residents have fled.
Gaza health authorities reported at least 24 civilian deaths in the past day. The Israeli military claimed it targeted "terrorists, military structures, weapons storage facilities and terror infrastructure sites," and dismantled Hamas ambush positions. A separate failed attempt by Hamas to down an Israeli combat helicopter was also reported.
Netanyahu’s Stand
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, en route to New York, vowed to block any push for a Palestinian state in the heart of Israel. He plans to use his UN address to "condemn those leaders who, instead of denouncing Hamas, want to give them a state."
Netanyahu also announced a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, their fourth since Trump’s reelection, to discuss the Gaza war and emerging regional opportunities.
A Global Gathering
Some 150 heads of state and government are participating in the UNGA general debate, which continues through Monday, as they tackle the Gaza crisis and other pressing global challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
