UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday condemned the worsening crisis in Gaza, describing it as “an endless catalog of horrors” and warning of catastrophic humanitarian consequences if the conflict continues.
Guterres said civilians were enduring another deadly escalation as Israel signals plans for a military takeover of Gaza City, which he called a “new and dangerous phase” with devastating consequences, including mass displacement of an already traumatized population. He stressed that Gaza is now “piled with rubble, piled with bodies, and piled with examples of what may be serious violations of international law.”
He cited recent Israeli strikes, including a double attack on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis that killed 20 people, among them medical workers and five journalists from international outlets. Guterres also condemned Hamas and other armed groups for taking hostages, demanding their immediate release.
Warning that famine in Gaza is no longer a looming threat but a present-day catastrophe, he said civilians are dying of hunger, women are giving birth in extreme conditions, and essential services have been dismantled. He reminded Israel of its obligations under international law as the occupying power to ensure access to food, water and medical aid, and called for full humanitarian access in line with International Court of Justice rulings.
The Secretary-General noted that 366 UN workers have been killed since the conflict escalated, accusing Israel of blocking and delaying aid. He also highlighted rising violence in the West Bank, warning that settlement expansion poses an “existential threat” to a two-state solution.
“There is no military solution to this conflict,” Guterres said, renewing his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access, and the release of all hostages. “Starvation must never be used as a method of warfare. No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies.”
Guterres said civilians were enduring another deadly escalation as Israel signals plans for a military takeover of Gaza City, which he called a “new and dangerous phase” with devastating consequences, including mass displacement of an already traumatized population. He stressed that Gaza is now “piled with rubble, piled with bodies, and piled with examples of what may be serious violations of international law.”
He cited recent Israeli strikes, including a double attack on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis that killed 20 people, among them medical workers and five journalists from international outlets. Guterres also condemned Hamas and other armed groups for taking hostages, demanding their immediate release.
Warning that famine in Gaza is no longer a looming threat but a present-day catastrophe, he said civilians are dying of hunger, women are giving birth in extreme conditions, and essential services have been dismantled. He reminded Israel of its obligations under international law as the occupying power to ensure access to food, water and medical aid, and called for full humanitarian access in line with International Court of Justice rulings.
The Secretary-General noted that 366 UN workers have been killed since the conflict escalated, accusing Israel of blocking and delaying aid. He also highlighted rising violence in the West Bank, warning that settlement expansion poses an “existential threat” to a two-state solution.
“There is no military solution to this conflict,” Guterres said, renewing his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access, and the release of all hostages. “Starvation must never be used as a method of warfare. No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies.”
