United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an “independent and transparent” investigation into the deaths and injuries caused by clashes during the so-called “Great March of Return” on Friday (March 30).
The statement was delivered during the emergency session of the UN Security Council, convened despite fierce opposition and requests submitted by the United States and Israel to postpone the meeting until after the Jewish holiday of Passover. Instead, the session was held during the first holy night of the holiday, during the time of the Passover seder, making it impossible for any observant Jew to attend — including all members of Israel’s Permanent Mission to the UN.
“He (Guterres) also appeals to those concerned to refrain from any act that could lead to further casualties and in particular any measures that could place civilians in harm’s way,” Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs on the situation in the Middle East,Tayé-Brook Zerihoun said in a statement.
“This tragedy underlines the urgency of revitalizing the peace process aiming at creating the conditions for a return to meaningful negotiations for a peaceful solution that will allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side peacefully and in security,” he added.