UN Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed his urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, warning that Israel’s expanded military operations in Gaza City are ushering in what he described as a new and dangerous phase of the conflict.
He told journalists in New York on Thursday that “Israel’s initial steps to militarily takeover Gaza City signals a new and dangerous phase.”
“Expanded military operations in Gaza City will have devastating consequences. Hundreds of thousands of civilians – already exhausted and traumatized – would be forced to flee yet again, plunging families into even deeper peril. This must stop.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Mr. Guterres was speaking ahead of a UN Security Council meeting on Haiti, but paused to address what he called the “unfolding tragedy that is Gaza”, pointing to “yet more unconscionable Israeli strikes”.
He cited recent airstrikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which killed civilians, medical workers, and journalists, stressing that these actions happened “all with the world watching.”
The Secretary-General condemned the violence, saying such strikes are “part of an endless catalogue of horrors” and demanded accountability.
He described the dire situation in the enclave: “Gaza is piled with rubble, piled with bodies, and piled with examples of what may be serious violations of international law.”
Ceasefire, Hostages, And Humanitarian Access
Mr. Guterres reiterated the urgent need for the release of hostages, saying “hostages taken by Hamas and other groups must be released and the atrocious treatment they have been forced to endure must stop. Civilians must be protected.”
He emphasized that the “levels of death and destruction in Gaza are without parallel in recent times,” adding that famine is no longer a looming threat but “a present-day catastrophe.”
People are dying of hunger, he noted, as Gaza’s food, water, and healthcare systems are being dismantled. “These are the facts on the ground. And they are the result of deliberate decisions that defy basic humanity,” he said.
As the occupying power, Israel has obligations, he stressed, including ensuring food, water, medicine, and essentials for civilians. He called on Israel to allow far greater humanitarian access and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
West Bank Situation ‘Profoundly Alarming’
The UN chief further highlighted the escalating tensions in the West Bank, where he described the situation as “profoundly alarming.” He said military operations, settler violence, demolitions, and discriminatory policies are worsening displacement and fueling vulnerability.
He also criticized the expansion of Israeli settlements, citing the recent approval of construction in the E1 area, warning it would effectively divide the West Bank. According to him, such moves represent “an existential threat to the two-state solution.”
“I repeat: the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem have been established – and are being maintained – in violation of international law. Israel must cease such actions and comply with its obligations.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Guterres rejected the idea of a military solution, appealing once more for peace: “I appeal once again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access across Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
He condemned the starvation of civilians as a weapon of war, declaring: “Starvation of the civilian population must never be used as a method of warfare. Civilians must be protected. Humanitarian access must be unimpeded.”
Ending with a direct plea, he said: “No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies.”
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