UN chief 'gravely alarmed' by Israel's Gaza occupation plans
'Gaza is and must remain an integral part of a Palestinian State,' says Antonio Guterres
HAMILTON, Canada
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday voiced grave alarm over Israel's decision to "take control of Gaza City," warning that this marks a "dangerous escalation" that could deepen the catastrophe for Palestinians.
"This decision marks a dangerous escalation and risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians, and could further endanger more lives, including of the remaining hostages," according to a statement conveyed on Guterres' behalf by spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay.
Highlighting the "humanitarian catastrophe of horrific proportions" that Palestinians face in the Gaza Strip, Guterres warned: "This further escalation will result in additional forced displacement, killings and massive destruction, compounding the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza."
The UN chief reiterated "his urgent appeal for a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza, and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages."
He "once again strongly urges the Government of Israel to abide by its obligations under international law," citing the International Court of Justice's 2024 advisory opinion that Israel must "cease immediately all new settlement activities."
In the statement, Guterres also urged Israel to "bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – which encompasses Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem – as rapidly as possible."
"There will be no sustainable solution to this conflict without an end to this unlawful occupation and the achievement of a viable two-State solution," the statement said.
"Gaza is and must remain an integral part of a Palestinian State," he added.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the plan to fully occupy Gaza City early Friday.
Israel has already been facing mounting outrage over its war on Gaza, where it has killed more than 61,000 people since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave and led to deaths by hunger and starvation.
