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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to ongoing conflicts around the world, including in the occupied Palestinian territories, and for international law to be respected. The appeal came in a statement at UN Headquarters.

Guterres linked street protests over the cost of living to the climate crisis and to wars whose effects now spread through energy markets, shipping routes, supply chains and financial systems, and announced a visit to Egypt tomorrow to push for a halt to the widening war.

Protests and the rising cost of living

Guterres said people across the world are trying to make their voices heard, pointing to continuing protests in Europe. "In Europe and far beyond, many people have taken to the streets out of frustration over the rising cost of living," Guterres said. "In large parts of the developing world, ordinary people are suffering, and everywhere the pressure on the prices of food, fuel and other essential goods is growing."

At the same time, Guterres said the violence and destruction seen in the streets are unacceptable and that those responsible must be held to account. Violence must not be allowed to overshadow the legitimate and real grievances of many peaceful protesters, Guterres added, calling for the links between events to be drawn together so that street grievances are understood in relation to wider unrest.

Wars spread beyond their borders

Guterres drew attention to the climate crisis and to conflicts continuing around the world. "These conflicts must end," Guterres said, adding that war no longer stays confined to the area where it is fought but spreads through energy markets, shipping routes, supply chains and financial systems.

With conflicts widening in the Middle East, Guterres said: "Conflicts must stop everywhere. International law must be respected. Civilians must be protected. International navigation rights and freedoms must be protected, and diplomacy must be given the space to succeed."

Situation in the occupied Palestinian territories

Guterres stressed that the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories must not be overlooked, saying humanitarian aid in Gaza remains severely restricted by Israel ahead of the approaching winter, while Palestinians in the West Bank face daily attacks by Israelis seeking to seize their land. "The open goal is to push communities off their land. Journalists are being attacked, diplomats are being attacked. The situation is completely out of control," Guterres said.

Guterres also pointed to a shortfall in funding for the occupied territories. "The people of Gaza and the West Bank urgently need $450 million to be fed over the next six months. That is the equivalent of what the world's armies spend in about 90 minutes," Guterres said, calling for a solution that ends the Israeli occupation, allows two states to live side by side in peace and security, and provides a credible political path to lasting peace.

Visit to Egypt planned for tomorrow

Guterres said a visit to Egypt was planned for tomorrow, telling reporters: "I will carry with me the messages that the widening war must stop, that civilians must be protected, and that political space must be created for diplomacy and peace."

Guterres described Egypt as an important country for the defence of Palestinian rights and for addressing developments in neighbouring Sudan and Libya, as well as tensions between the United States and Iran.

Key takeaways

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to conflicts worldwide and respect for international law.
• Guterres said humanitarian aid to Gaza remains severely restricted by Israel ahead of winter and that violence in the West Bank is out of control.
• People in Gaza and the West Bank urgently need $450 million for food over the next six months, Guterres said.
• Guterres will visit Egypt tomorrow to press for a halt to the widening war and protection of civilians.