UN chief expresses shock over Israeli airstrikes on Gaza

ISTANBUL

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed shock over the recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that killed hundreds of Palestinians, including children and women.

In a statement, deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said the UN chief strongly appealed for an immediate ceasefire, the restoration of unimpeded humanitarian assistance, and the release of the remaining hostages.

The Gaza local authorities on Tuesday morning said that over 322 Palestinians were killed and missing in a matter of five hours across the Gaza Strip as Israel resumed its genocidal war.

Israel had agreed on a ceasefire with the Palestinian resistance group Hamas since Jan. 19, and the two sides were in talks on extending the ceasefire to the second phase before Tel Aviv suddenly launched a massive assault amid the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Israeli attacks have killed more than 48,500 Palestinians since October 2023, most of them women and children, and left Gaza in ruins.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.