JAKARTA - High-ranking UN officials welcomed the US announcement on the transition to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, and urged that humanitarian aid flow unimpeded.
"I welcome the start of the second phase of the ceasefire announced by the US, and reiterate that humanitarian aid should flow without hindrance, the ceasefire must be fully implemented," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the UN General Assembly, discussing the 2026 priorities, reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Friday, January 16.
Guterres stressed that "the path to a two-state solution must remain open, not changeable according to international law."
On Wednesday, US envoy Steve Witkoff announced the second phase of the ceasefire agreement had begun as part of President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict.
The second phase of the plan includes the formation of a Palestinian transitional technocratic government, the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG), and the launch of reconstruction efforts in the region, which was destroyed by Israel's genocidal war for almost two years.
Guterres also called for "freedom of speech and civil space" to be maintained, expressing deep concern over "violent repression" of protests in Iran.
"We must open the door of opportunity for women and girls around the world," he added.
Underlining the importance of adhering to the UN Charter, Guterres further stressed that "the erosion of international law does not happen silently."
"This incident happened in front of the eyes of the world and was witnessed directly through our screens," he said.
He said that various violations - ranging from the use of illegal violence, attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers, human rights violations, to the silencing of criticism and the plundering of resources - were visible around the world.
The UN chief highlighted the vastness of greed and inequality among the rich, saying the richest 1 percent of the world's people control 43 percent of global financial assets.
He stated that "the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few people is morally unjustifiable."
Guterres stressed the importance of working tirelessly to realize a just peace, and said building unity in the midst of division must be a priority in 2026.
"Around the world, we are seeing the risk of societies collapsing under the weight of racism, nationalist xenophobia, and religious fanaticism," he said. "These poisons erode the social order, foment division and mistrust."
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