UN Chief Laments Gaza Siege and Condemns Violence in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced his deep concern over Israel’s complete siege of Gaza following the Hamas attack, as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalates.
At a press conference held at UN headquarters in New York on Monday, Guterres condemned the Hamas attack on Israel but expressed his distress at Israel’s imposition of a total siege on the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and warned that it would worsen significantly due to the recent hostilities.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant earlier announced the “complete siege” on Gaza, affecting its 2.3 million residents with no access to electricity, food, water, or gas.
Guterres acknowledged the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people and Israel’s security concerns while strongly rejecting acts of terrorism and emphasizing the need to protect civilians.
He condemned the attacks on Israeli towns and villages by Hamas and others, which have resulted in casualties and ongoing hostilities. He also expressed concern for over 100 Israelis, including civilians and military personnel, who have been captured by armed groups.
On the other side, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have launched indiscriminate rockets into central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Guterres reiterated his call for an immediate halt to these attacks and the release of hostages.
In response to the attacks, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Gaza, leading to civilian casualties. Guterres stressed the importance of military operations adhering to international humanitarian law and protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Reports have indicated that health facilities, residential buildings, and schools run by UNRWA in Gaza have been hit. Currently, approximately 137,000 people are seeking shelter in UNRWA facilities, with their numbers increasing.
The Secretary-General urged all parties to grant the United Nations access to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to the trapped Palestinian civilians in Gaza. He appealed to the international community to provide immediate humanitarian support.
Guterres emphasized that the recent violence is rooted in a longstanding conflict and called for an end to the cycle of bloodshed and hatred. He underscored the necessity of a negotiated peace that fulfills the national aspirations and security of both Palestinians and Israelis, highlighting the two-state solution in accordance with United Nations resolutions and international law as the path to long-term stability in the region.
