Leaders at UNGA gravely concerned with Middle East violence, slam Israel for 'genocide'

UNITED NATIONS - Leaders addressing the General Debate of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday called for cessation of the violence that has ravaged the Middle East for months, and some of them directly pointed their fingers at Israel for the "genocide" it committed against the Palestinians.

UNGA President Philemon Yang noted the various conflicts raging from the Middle East to Ukraine, and from Haiti to South Sudan. "I call for an immediate ceasefire in all these conflict settings," he said, adding that the people of Gaza and Israel "have been caught in a spiraling cycle of conflict and retribution" for nearly a year.

"I take this opportunity to call for an immediate ceasefire for the Hamas-Israel war, the unconditional release of hostages and for all parties to abide by international law, including international humanitarian law, and work towards a just and lasting solution grounded in the United Nations Charter, relevant resolutions and international law, ensuring dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis," he said.

Delivering his 2024 report on the UN's work ahead of the General Debate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that world leaders are gathering in the shadow of raging conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere, and rising uncertainty over climate change, ending poverty and reigning in artificial intelligence.

"Our world is in a whirlwind. We are in an era of epic transformation -- facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen -- challenges that demand global solutions," the UN chief said.

He warned that geopolitical divisions are deepening, temperatures around the world are rising, wars are raging, without any end in sight, and nuclear posturing and new weapons are "casting a dark shadow."

"We are edging towards the unimaginable -- a powder keg that risks engulfing the world," he noted.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said his nation has benefited from a wave of international solidarity in the battle to end apartheid and usher in a new democratic era. "We will not remain silent and watch as apartheid is perpetrated against others" in Gaza as Israel continues its collective punishment of the Palestinians, he added.

He called for a collective effort through the UN system and other multinational institutions to end civilian suffering and for South Africa's legal action taken against Israel through the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevail.