New York: UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres has urged an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The secretary-general stated that Gaza was becoming a “graveyard for children,” with more than 4,100 killed since the fighting began, according to the Ministry of Health in the enclave.
“Hundreds of girls and boys are reportedly being killed and injured every day. More journalists have reportedly been killed over a four-week period than in any conflict in at least three decades. More UN aid workers have been killed than in any comparable period in the history of our organization. The unfolding catastrophe makes the need for a humanitarian ceasefire more urgent with every passing hour,” Mr. Guterres remarked.
The UN Chief added that, “The parties to the conflict – and, indeed, the international community face an immediate and fundamental responsibility: to stop this inhuman collective suffering and dramatically expand humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
In addition to calling for the release of captives still detained in Gaza, Mr. Guterres criticized the Palestinian militant group Hamas for using people as “shields” and for continuing to “launch rockets indiscriminately towards Israel.”
Palestinian group Hamas’ operatives attacked Israel on October 7, killing some 1,400 people, mostly civilians, including targeting homes and revellers at a music festival.
Although most people condemned that attack, Israel’s campaign of constant air strikes on the besieged strip of more than 2.3 million people has also come under criticism.
In addition, Israel has placed Gaza under a siege, cutting off access to necessities such as fuel, food, and electricity, while its bombardment has displaced more than 1.5 million people with few options for seeking refuge.
Mr. Guterres commented that “clear violations of international law were being committed in the fighting. The nightmare in Gaza is more than a humanitarian crisis. It is a crisis of humanity.”
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