UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the actions of Israel in Gaza, describing the situation as a case of “collective punishment” that cannot be justified.
Speaking to AFP at the United Nations headquarters, Guterres criticized the ongoing conflict and the severe humanitarian impact it has had on the Palestinian population.
“The level of suffering in Gaza is unimaginable,” Guterres said, highlighting the extensive death toll and widespread destruction. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, the conflict has claimed at least 41,226 lives in Gaza. The violence, which erupted following a major Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has also resulted in the deaths of more than 200 humanitarian workers, many of whom were UN staff.
Guterres underscored that while the UN condemns the violence committed by Hamas, including hostage-taking, nothing can justify the collective punishment being inflicted on the people of Gaza. He called for accountability for civilian casualties and an immediate ceasefire, but acknowledged that efforts to mediate the conflict have so far been unsuccessful.
The UN Secretary-General criticized the ongoing negotiations overseen by the US, Egypt, and Qatar as “endless” and expressed doubts about reaching a compromise. With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu having refused to meet with him since October, Guterres said he did not expect any breakthrough during the upcoming General Assembly sessions.
Guterres also addressed criticisms of the UN’s effectiveness in managing conflicts and highlighted the dysfunctionality of the Security Council and international financial institutions. He stressed the need for reforms to better address and resolve global conflicts.
Amid the crisis, Guterres continues to push for a resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures a sustainable and just solution for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Speaking to AFP at the United Nations headquarters, Guterres criticized the ongoing conflict and the severe humanitarian impact it has had on the Palestinian population.
“The level of suffering in Gaza is unimaginable,” Guterres said, highlighting the extensive death toll and widespread destruction. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, the conflict has claimed at least 41,226 lives in Gaza. The violence, which erupted following a major Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has also resulted in the deaths of more than 200 humanitarian workers, many of whom were UN staff.
Guterres underscored that while the UN condemns the violence committed by Hamas, including hostage-taking, nothing can justify the collective punishment being inflicted on the people of Gaza. He called for accountability for civilian casualties and an immediate ceasefire, but acknowledged that efforts to mediate the conflict have so far been unsuccessful.
The UN Secretary-General criticized the ongoing negotiations overseen by the US, Egypt, and Qatar as “endless” and expressed doubts about reaching a compromise. With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu having refused to meet with him since October, Guterres said he did not expect any breakthrough during the upcoming General Assembly sessions.
Guterres also addressed criticisms of the UN’s effectiveness in managing conflicts and highlighted the dysfunctionality of the Security Council and international financial institutions. He stressed the need for reforms to better address and resolve global conflicts.
Amid the crisis, Guterres continues to push for a resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures a sustainable and just solution for both Israelis and Palestinians.
