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Politics

UN Chief Calls for Ceasefires in Gaza and Sudan as Ramadan Begins

Tuesday 12 March 2024 - 16:20

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As the holy month of Ramadan begins, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a heartfelt plea for ceasefires in Gaza and Sudan, urging all parties to honor the sacred period by halting hostilities and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas.

In a solemn press briefing, Guterres emphasized the urgent need to stop the violence and address the severe humanitarian crises gripping these nations. "Today, above all, I call for the spirit of Ramadan to be honored by silencing the weapons and removing all barriers to delivering humanitarian aid promptly and effectively," he asserted.

Guterres' call echoes against the recent backdrop of the United Nations Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2724, which highlights the importance of seeking sustainable solutions through dialogue among all involved parties. With the conclusion of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission (UNITAMS) withdrawal from Sudan and the establishment of a residual team to oversee the liquidation process, the Secretary-General stressed the ongoing necessity for peace and stability efforts.

"While this mission has concluded, our collective pursuit of peace must persist and intensify," he declared during a Security Council meeting, acknowledging the significant challenges ahead.

Sudan, a nation ravaged by conflict, stands at the epicenter of one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Alarming statistics reveal the dire situation: approximately half of the population, around 25 million people, are in urgent need of vital assistance, according to the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Furthermore, the conflict has internally displaced a staggering 6.3 million people within Sudan, constituting the world's largest internal displacement crisis.

Adding to the regional humanitarian strain, an additional 1.7 million Sudanese have sought refuge in neighboring countries, exacerbating the already precarious situation.

In Gaza, the toll of the Israeli occupation's campaign has been equally devastating, with at least 30,960 Palestinians killed and 72,524 wounded since October 7.

Guterres' impassioned plea for ceasefires during Ramadan holds the promise of providing much-needed relief for the suffering populations of Sudan and Gaza, allowing humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. As Muslims around the world embark on a month of fasting, prayer, and introspection, the Secretary-General's call resonates with the core values of Ramadan: a time for peace, solidarity, and compassion.