Will There Be Peace During The Coronavirus? UN Secretary General Calls For Global Ceasefire To Fight Pandemic

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a global ceasefire Monday as a measure to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives,” Guterres said. He said that individuals involved in global conflicts “are also at the highest risk of suffering devastating losses from COVID-19.”

“End the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging our world,” Guterres declared.

He added that "the fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war.”

The comments come as various countries have been involved in armed conflict, which include Iran, Libya and Syria.

Syria, a nation ravaged by war for a decade, announced on Sunday its first case of coronavirus, state-run media reported. Gaza, which has often seen conflict with Israel, also reported its first case Sunday.

Both Syria and Gaza have underdeveloped medical systems, making them more vulnerable to the virus. Gaza has also been subject to a blockade from both Egypt and Israel, limiting the supplies which can enter the territory. In addition, peace negotiations in Afghanistan between the Taliban and the Afghan government could be undermined by the coronavirus, as both sides will not be able to meet in person.

Group of 20 countries will hold a virtual meeting this week about the coronavirus, with Guterres expected to attend.

According to Johns Hopkins University, there are at least 372,563 cases of coronavirus around the world. More than 16,380 people worldwide have died from the virus.