UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday he would not back down from calling for a ceasefire in Gaza on humanitarian grounds, adding that the war had undermined the credibility and authority of the Security Council, Reuters reported, taken from news

Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations Photo: Seth Wenig/AP/Profimedia

Guterres was speaking at the Forum conference in Doha after Washington on Friday vetoed a UN Security Council demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“I asked the Security Council to apply pressure to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, and I reiterated my call for a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons.” Unfortunately, the Security Council was unable to do so, but that does not make it any less necessary, Guterres said.

“I will not give up,” Guterres added.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the meeting that Doha would continue to pressure Israel and Hamas to reach a truce despite “limited” chances.

Negotiations between the group and Israel were led by Qatar, where several of Hamas’ political leaders are based.

Sheikh Mohammed said the hostages were released from Gaza as a result of negotiations, not Israeli military action.

The head of UNRWA, the United Nations aid agency for Palestinians, said the dehumanization of Palestinians has allowed the international community to tolerate Israel’s continued attacks on Gaza.

“There is no doubt that a humanitarian ceasefire is needed if we are to end the hell on earth right now in Gaza,” said UNRWA chief Philip Lazzarini.

The United States and Israel oppose the ceasefire because they believe it will only benefit Hamas.

Instead, Washington supports a ceasefire to protect civilians and allow the release of hostages taken by Hamas in the deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Guterres also called on leaders at the COP28 climate conference to agree on deep emissions cuts and stop global warming exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).

He said that despite the promises, emissions are reaching record levels and fossil fuels are the main reason.

Oil-producing nations clashed with the rest of the world over a possible deal to phase out fossil fuels at a climate summit in Dubai on Saturday, jeopardizing efforts to meet the first promise in 30 years to phase out oil and gas.

“I call on leaders at COP28 in Dubai to agree to significant emissions reductions in line with the 1.5 degree limit,” Guterres said, adding that fossil fuel companies and their supporters must use their vast resources to lead the renewables revolution. energy sources.