United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a strong appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, warning of catastrophic human consequences as Israel begins the first phase of its military operation to seize Gaza City.
Speaking in Japan at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Guterres stressed the urgency of halting hostilities to prevent further bloodshed. “It is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza,” he said, cautioning that any large-scale assault on Gaza City would inevitably result in massive civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
The Secretary-General also reiterated his demand for the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas, describing their captivity as unacceptable under international law. At the same time, he urged Israel to reconsider its controversial decision to expand settlement construction in the occupied West Bank, labeling such moves “illegal” and detrimental to the prospects of peace.
Israel’s latest announcement of settlement expansion has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, with many governments and rights groups warning that such actions undermine the already fragile hopes for a two-state solution. The new military operation in Gaza further intensifies concerns that the region may spiral into an even deeper humanitarian crisis.
Guterres’s call comes amid mounting international pressure on both Israel and Hamas to curb escalating violence. Aid agencies have already sounded alarms about deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where shortages of food, medicine, and shelter are exacerbating the plight of civilians caught in the conflict.
While Israel maintains that its military campaign is necessary to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and ensure security, the UN chief cautioned that the human cost of such operations far outweighs the intended objectives. He emphasized that only through restraint, dialogue, and respect for international law can peace and stability be restored.
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