Around the world 'war rages – from Gaza to Sudan to Ukraine & beyond' - UN chief, TICAD in Japan

With intensifying Israeli activity in and around Gaza City reportedly continuing Thursday, Secretary-General António Guterres renewed his urgent call for a ceasefire, as Palestinians fled intense airstrikes, artillery shelling and gunfire. Speaking today (21 Aug) at a press conference on the sidelines of the International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, Japan, the UN Chief said, “I must reiterate that it is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza, and the unconditional release of all hostages and to avoid the massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause.” Guterres also condemned the Israeli Government’s decision to approve a long-shelved settlement expansion project in the occupied West Bank. He said, “the decision by the Israeli authorities to expand illegal settlement construction, which would divide the West Bank, must be reversed.” He added that all settlement construction “is a violation of international law.” The UN chief also noted that around the world, “war rages – from Gaza to Sudan to Ukraine and beyond,” adding that “climate chaos is destroying lives and livelihoods.” He also said that economies are straining under debt, uncertainty, and inequality. Guterres added, “in this time of fracture and fragility, we need collective action to restore trust and deliver global progress.” Guterres also told reporters that discussions at the TICAD Summit focused on how partnership with Africa can strengthen solutions the whole world needs “ – in peace, in global governance, finance, climate action, and digital transformation.”


For more information or to watch video on YouTube, click here!