UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday urged the world to 'connect the dots' between street protests over the cost of living and the wars driving prices higher, speaking to reporters in New York ahead of a visit to Egypt on Friday, October 23.
Source: UN News
"Everywhere, pressures are building over the price of food, fuel and other basics," Guterres said. "Interest rates are up - for people and countries. And for young people, the promise of a better future is slipping further out of reach."
He denounced the violence and destruction seen during days of protests in France, Italy and elsewhere, saying those responsible for criminal acts must be held accountable - but he said the legitimate grievances of peaceful protesters cannot be overlooked.
"We are now witnessing an El Nino of war"
"We are now witnessing an El Nino of war," he warned, likening expanding conflicts to the climate pattern that disrupts weather thousands of kilometres away. "Conflict is feeding conflict. And the consequences are travelling farther and faster." He pointed to the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan, where he said civilians and civilian infrastructure - homes, hospitals, schools, airports, power stations and energy facilities - are deliberately coming under fire, while war disrupts energy markets, shipping, supply chains and financial systems far beyond the battle zones.
On Yemen, the Secretary-General voiced concern over escalating hostilities around the city of Taiz and elsewhere, and described continued Houthi attacks against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia as 'totally unacceptable', appealing for restraint and a political horizon for Yemen, according to the UN's own briefing summary.
Source: UN Media (UNifeed)
Turning to Gaza, Guterres said essential aid is still being severely restricted by Israel ahead of the fast-approaching winter, and that Palestinians in the occupied West Bank continue to suffer daily attacks by Israeli settlers. He reiterated the need for a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians.
Guterres appealed to donors to step up contributions to the UN World Food Programme, which he said urgently requires US$450 million for its operations in Gaza and the West Bank over the next six months - yaani about US$45 crore, roughly Rs 4,250 crore.
He said his message in Egypt will focus on stopping the widening of war, protecting civilians and creating political space for diplomacy and peace. "People everywhere want security. They want dignity. They want governments and international institutions to deliver," he concluded.
What is solid
- Guterres spoke to reporters in New York on Thursday, October 22, ahead of a visit to Egypt on October 23.
- He denounced protest violence while saying peaceful protesters' grievances are legitimate.
- He appealed for US$450 million for WFP operations in Gaza and the West Bank over the next six months.
What is only claimed
- His statement that Israel is severely restricting essential aid into Gaza is the UN chief's assessment; Israel's position was not part of the UN briefing.
- His description of daily settler attacks in the West Bank is likewise Guterres's own characterisation, reported here as his statement.