UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ Call

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, “An attack on prosperity would be a strategic mistake, a political disaster, and a humanitarian nightmare,” calling on everyone with influence on Israel to do everything they can to prevent a greater tragedy,”

As Israel continues its attacks on the Gaza Strip, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made statements. Guterres emphasized that a decisive moment is being faced for the future of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and the entire region, stating that “An agreement between the Israeli government and Hamas is essential to end the unbearable suffering of Palestinians, hostages, and families in Gaza.”

Call from Guterres to Israel and Hamas

Guterres warned that if the intensive diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip do not yield results, tragic consequences will follow, with hostages not being released and a destructive attack on prosperity. He called on the parties to show political courage, stating, “I reiterate my call for them not to spare any effort to reach an agreement now. To stop the bloodshed, to release the hostages, and to help stabilize a region still at risk of explosions.”

“Things are going in the wrong direction”

Guterres highlighted that a ceasefire agreement is a crucial opportunity that the region and even the world cannot afford to miss, expressing concern over the resumption of military activities by the Israeli Defense Forces in Rafah. He emphasized the need to reopen the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, which are exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation, stating, “For example, tonight we risk running out of fuel.”

“Have civilians not been subjected to enough death and destruction?”

Guterres called on the Israeli government to refrain from escalating tensions and to constructively engage in ongoing diplomatic talks, asking, “Have civilians not been subjected to enough death and destruction? Make no mistake, a large-scale attack on prosperity would be a humanitarian disaster. Countless civilians would be lost. Countless families with no safe place to go would once again have to flee because there is no safe haven in Gaza. Meanwhile, the repercussions will be felt far beyond, in the occupied West Bank and throughout the region. Rafah is the hub of humanitarian aid operations in Gaza. Attacks on Rafah would further disrupt our efforts to support people at risk of famine.”

“Whether they leave Rafah or stay in the city, civilians must be protected”

Guterres underscored the clarity of international humanitarian law, stating, “Whether they leave Rafah or stay in the city, civilians must be protected. Both sides must respect international humanitarian law. Additionally, I remind Israel of its obligation to facilitate safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and personnel to Gaza. Even Israel’s best friends are clear on this: An attack on prosperity would be a strategic mistake, a political disaster, and a humanitarian nightmare.”

“It is time for the parties to secure an agreement for the good of their own people”

Guterres called on everyone with influence on Israel to do everything in their power to prevent a greater tragedy, stating, “The international community has a shared responsibility to promote a humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a significant increase in life-saving assistance. It is time for the parties to seize this opportunity and secure an agreement for the good of their own people.”