UN General Assembly President calls for humanitarian corridor to Gaza Strip

In his opening remarks, UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis called on all parties to the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law and immediately create the necessary conditions to allow the opening of a humanitarian corridor to the Gaza Strip.

Mr Francis stressed the need to ensure that emergency assistance “reaches those in need – from basic food supplies to safe passage for humanitarian and medical personnel”, adding that any action “to deprive the Gaza people of unhindered access to essential livelihood supplies” would be considered a “flagrant violation of human rights” and “international humanitarian law”.

The President of the UN General Assembly stated that “the violence must end and further bloodshed must be prevented”. He also urged the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; an immediate and unconditional humanitarian ceasefire; and the immediate and unconditional opening of humanitarian assistance and relief corridors.

According to President Francis, the only path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace is a two-state solution in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions. This is a solution that meets Israel's legitimate security needs and is consistent with Palestine's legitimate aspirations for an independent state. The head of the UN General Assembly also called on all parties to the conflict to put aside hostility and focus on preventing war.

The 10th emergency special session of the UN General Assembly is scheduled to last until October 27. According to the plan, the resolution submitted by Jordan will also be put to a vote.

To date, the UN Security Council has not yet reached a consensus on a resolution related to the Hamas-Israel conflict.