Guterres criticized Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank, called for UN Security Council reform

Guterres answered journalists' questions at the press conference he held after the start of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Stating that the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank should "never be forgotten", Guterres stated that Israel does not accept the implementation of the Gaza peace plan and that the West Bank is facing the process of "annexation pressure" through the Israelis who usurped the Palestinians' lands.

UN Secretary-General: "The step-by-step annexation of the West Bank must be stopped." he said.

In response to a question, Guterres emphasized that the Gaza Peace Council is experiencing difficulties in advancing the process due to the Israeli administration, and said, "As a matter of fact, the latest attempts to advance the so-called first and second stages again encountered Israel's opposition." he said.

Guterres stated that they, as the UN, are focused on advancing the plan in question and that they are striving for a situation in which "Hamas is gradually disarmed and Israel is gradually withdrawn from Gaza; full humanitarian access is provided and conditions are created for the establishment of a connection between Gaza and the West Bank."

"In this way, we aim to ensure that we are not faced with a Gaza solution that ignores the need to keep the two-state solution perspective alive," the UN Secretary-General said. he said.

He criticized the "paralyzed" structure of the UNSC

Drawing attention to the current structure of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the ineffectiveness of multinational institutions in solving the problems of the world, Guterres said, "We have geopolitical divisions, and within these divisions, there are forces that violate international law but are in the Security Council; as we know, this situation paralyzes the Security Council." he said.

That's why reforming the UNSC should be "an absolute priority," Guterres said.

Stating that the issue is a matter of power, Guterres said, "The issue is that the way power is distributed and used in our world does not allow multilateral institutions to act effectively." he said.

Guterres called on the leaders of the UN member states to keep their promises, fulfill the requirements of the UN charter and comply with international law.

Emphasizing that reducing tensions in the Middle East should be the first, second and third priority, Guterres stated that all parties should end all actions that harm civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid operations are carried out safely and unhindered.

Guterres demanded that navigation rights and freedoms in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab and their surroundings be fully re-established in accordance with international law and that the parties respect each other.

Drawing attention to the Ukraine-Russia war that has recently flared up again, Guterres said, "In this process, civilians are suffering greatly, global chain effects are emerging, and there is no sign that the conflict will end." he said.

Guterres reiterated his call for "an immediate ceasefire as the first step towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace" between the two countries.