(VOVWORLD) - UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called the violence that has killed nearly 200 people in the Gaza Strip over the past week "utterly appalling."
 A building is hit after a series of Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip on May 15, 2021 (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
He called for an immediate ceasefire before the fighting plunges the region into an "uncontainable" crisis.
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the US is ready to help if Israel and Palestine seek a ceasefire, adding that the US has been tirelessly engaged in diplomatic efforts to settle the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Pope Francis said it is unacceptable that too many innocent people, including children, have died, and called for Israel and Palestine to stop fighting.
EU foreign ministers have planned an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, said Sunday that Vietnam condemns the attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure,
Mr. Quy told a UN Security Council emergency meeting that he is deeply concerned over the escalating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and the growing casualties.
He urged all parties to immediately stop violence and exercise self-restraint to minimize damage and avoid more civilian casualties.
Mr. Quy said the only path to sustainable peace is a two-state solution with internationally recognized borders based on pre-1967 boundaries and negotiated agreements, in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UN resolutions.
The UN Security Council has held 3 emergency meetings in a week to discuss the fighting between Israel and Palestine.