Victims' Association Supports Guterres: Peace is not impossible, but it requires understanding

(Patria) - The Association of Victims and Witnesses of Genocide sent a letter to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressing their support for his efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.

"Unfortunately, the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues, leaving a deep mark of immense suffering and loss.

Recent statements by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Israeli UN envoy Gilad Erdan indicate a deeply divided opinion on the causes and solutions to this long-standing conflict.

First and foremost, we must emphasize that every lost human life, regardless of the side, represents a tragedy and an inestimable loss. Civilian lives should never be collateral damage in these conflicts.

The United Nations was founded after the horrors of the Holocaust to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities. This is the essence of their role – protecting human rights and peacefully resolving conflicts.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the importance of considering the deep roots of this conflict.

He recognized that the violent attacks by Hamas are not isolated acts, but part of a longer period of insecurity and occupation to which the Palestinian people have been subjected. This is a history that dates back 56 years, and we cannot ignore this reality.

It is important to note that the UN Secretary-General clearly condemns Hamas attacks as well. His statements do not represent an excuse for terrorism and killing, but rather an attempt to provide context for why these conflicts are happening.

Mr. Erdan's criticisms seem to ignore this essence. The call for the resignation of the UN Secretary-General is drastic and unproductive.

The UN is a forum for dialogue and diplomatic conflict resolution, and any discussion about it should be welcomed. Instead of calls for resignation, we should use this opportunity to open dialogue and seek solutions that will end the suffering of the Palestinian people.

We support UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his efforts to promote peace and truth in this long-standing conflict.

His courage to highlight uncomfortable truths is crucial for progress towards peace and stability in the Middle East.

We hope that the international community will continue to work together to achieve a just and sustainable peace in the region.

We also hope that a war crimes tribunal will be established in the Palestinian territories, as was done for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, to ensure accountability for the crimes committed during this conflict.

Peace is not impossible, but it requires understanding, compassion, and dialogue. This is our shared responsibility towards future generations," stated the letter signed by the President of the Association of Victims and Witnesses of Genocide, Murat Tahirović.