UN Chief's Call for Ramadan: Ceasefire and Hostage Release in Gaza, Peace in Sudan

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Published Jun 22, 2024

On the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Secretary-General António Guterres today called for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages” in Gaza, as well as a cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

Guterres said, “today marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan – a period when Muslims around the world celebrate and spread the values of peace, reconciliation, and solidarity. Yet even though Ramadan has begun – the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza.”

Noting that the “catastrophic Israeli onslaught in Gaza” is now in its sixth month, he said, “my strongest appeal today is to honour the spirit of Ramadan by silencing the guns – and removing all obstacles to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid at the speed and massive scale required. At the same time – and in the Ramadan spirit of compassion -- I call for the immediate release of all hostages. The eyes of the world are watching. The eyes of history are watching. We cannot look away. We must act to avoid more preventable deaths. We have witnessed month after month of civilian killing and destruction at a level that is unprecedented in all my years as Secretary-General. Meanwhile, life-saving relief for Palestinians in Gaza is coming in trickles – if it comes at all.

Reiterating his call to the warring parties to halt the war, the Secretary-General highlighted the same compelling appeal from the families of victims who visited the UN in New York recently.

On Sudan, he said, “the fighting there must end for the sake of the Sudanese people who face hunger, horrors, and untold hardships. In Gaza, in Sudan, and beyond, it is time for peace. I call on political, religious and community leaders everywhere to do everything in their power to make this holy period a time for empathy, action, and peace.