António Guterres spoke at a press conference during the Second World Summit on Social Development in the Qatari capital.
He was asked about coordination with Israel and US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, which includes the deployment of a temporary international stabilization force to the enclave, developed by the United States, Arab and international partners.
Expanding aid is essential
The Secretary General said that the UN is “Actively participate in ensuring that humanitarian aid increases dramatically.”in Gaza and reaches the entire population.
He added that the United States “has helped Israel at least progressively eliminate some of the obstacles and difficulties that still exist” in this regard.
“On the other hand, we have been very actively supporting the principle that the ceasefire must be maintained, all parties must respect the ceasefire, there must be a link between Gaza and the West Bank in the way the next stage is implemented,” he continued.
“And that this must lead to a two-state solution and the recognition of an independent Palestinian state.”
The Secretary General stressed that the UN positions “have been very clear” and do not depend “on cooperation with this or that country.”
US draft resolution
He noted that the United States is drafting a Security Council resolution on Gaza in consultation with other serving members, however, the UN Secretariat is not involved in the discussions.
“What we believe is that Any entity created in Gaza should have the legitimacy of a Security Council mandate.“, said.
When asked if this includes the international force, he responded that “it is one of the things that has been discussed” and “it would be important to have the training and formation of a Palestinian police force.”
He said: “This transition must lead to a situation where both sides [Gaza and the West Bank] are united and that the Palestinian Authority exercises its full authority.”
Humanitarian efforts continue
Meanwhile, humanitarian personnel continue to step up operations across the Gaza Strip, in line with the 60-day response plan, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.
He said the UN and its partners collected 80 truckloads of supplies on Sunday, including food, animal fodder, shelter materials, winter clothing and hygiene items. This total does not include bilateral and commercial deliveries.
“Our partners report that, according to preliminary data, they collected almost 750 pallets of relief items from Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem yesterday and transported them to Gaza City,” he said.
“Four other trucks delivered medications and medical supplies. Congestion and heavy traffic continue to hamper collection efforts.”
Almost a million fed
Since general food distributions resumed on October 13, nearly one million people – half the population – have received assistance through 46 distribution points run by aid partners.
“We are continuing to try to expand this so that this month families can receive two monthly food packages, up from one in October,” he said.
Between mid-October and last Sunday, the UN and its partners collected more than 210 metric tons of animal fodder of the crossings, and distribution to some 1,700 shepherds in Deir al-Balah is almost complete.
Partners providing nutrition services have also raised more than 120,000 packages of fortified cereals, used to prevent acute malnutrition in children. This amount is enough to sustain a large number of children for a month.
Mr. Haq reported that other partners providing water and sanitation services continue to expand their responses.
Aid workers have also supported local authorities in the rehabilitation of three wells that supply neighborhoods in Gaza City.
