United Nations secretary-general honors fallen UN staff, urges cease-fire and accountability in Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General paid tribute to colleagues killed while serving the organization and called for an immediate cease-fire, the unconditional release of hostages and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.

At a memorial ceremony in New York, the secretary-general said the United Nations would "not grow numb to suffering" and that "there must be no room for impunity," after describing losses of UN staff in 2024 and during the Gaza crisis. He told reporters the international community must keep alive a two-state solution and asked what alternative there would be if that option were abandoned.

The ceremony, the secretary-general said, honored colleagues who died in 2024 and staff killed in Gaza. He said the event recognized "68 of our colleagues who lost their lives in 2024," and that the ceremony included recognition of "126 of our colleagues killed there, 125 of them serving with UNRWA." He also referred to "the sacrifice of all 168 of our fallen colleagues everywhere." He called those losses "the highest staff death toll in United Nations history" and said some were killed while delivering aid, others while shielding the vulnerable.

The secretary-general said UN personnel work under difficult conditions to "make a difference," delivering aid, seeking peace and speaking out when rights are violated. He told the world: "We will not accept the killing of UN personnel. We will not accept the killing of humanitarians, journalists, medical workers, or civilians as the new normal anywhere and under any circumstances. There must be no room for impunity."

When asked about a recent United Nations Security Council draft resolution that was vetoed by the United States, the secretary-general said the U.N. can be effective in supporting people in Gaza only if there is "a permanent ceasefire," "the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages," and "unlimited access for humanitarian aid." He described the Security Council result as a disappointment, saying: "Of course. As I said, we are always disappointed when ceasefire does not materialize, releases are not hostages, and humanitarian aid is not distributed or is distributed in a way that puts at risk the life of so many Palestinians."

On the two-state solution, replying to a question from a reporter, the secretary-general said it is "absolutely essential to keep alive the two-state solution perspective" and asked rhetorically what the alternative would be if it were abandoned, warning that a one-state outcome in which Palestinians are expelled or forced to live without rights would be "totally unacceptable."

Reporters at the event included Efraim Khosafi of Arab News Daily, a reporter identified as Deji of China Central Television, and Gabriel Elizondo of Al Jazeera English. Their questions focused on the significance of an upcoming summit on the two-state solution, the Security Council veto, and whether the secretary-general believed there has been impunity for attacks on civilians and aid workers.

The secretary-general reiterated support for multilateral cooperation and said that despite strains on international cooperation and uncertain financial contributions, the dedication of UN staff remains constant. He closed by reaffirming the United Nations' values: "We will not waver in our principles. We will not abandon our values, and we will never ever give up."