Guterres demands end to Gaza strikes, West Bank violence

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for an immediate end to Israeli strikes in Gaza and settler violence in the occupied West Bank, telling the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit that respect for international law remains essential. "In Gaza, the ceasefire must be respected," he said, demanding immediate removal of obstacles to humanitarian aid.

West Bank condemnations

Guterres specifically condemned escalating settler attacks in the occupied territory. He said "settler attacks and settlement expansion must end" there, warning that such actions undermine prospects for stability. The Secretary-General stated that lasting peace requires a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living as independent, sovereign states.

Restraint appeal

"I appeal for maximum restraint and for agreements and international law to be respected," Guterres told delegates. His intervention comes amid mounting concern over aid access restrictions to Gaza and rising West Bank tensions.