UN Secretary-General António Guterres has made a fervent appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing the alarming rise in civilian deaths and the collapse of basic humanitarian systems in the besieged enclave. As Israel’s military operations intensify, Guterres warned that continued violence would only worsen the already dire situation for Palestinian civilians.
Addressing the press, Guterres emphasized that the “unrelenting bombardment and ground operations” have devastated hospitals, displaced families, and severely restricted access to food, water, and medical supplies. He reiterated the UN’s position that international humanitarian law must be upheld by all parties and that civilians must never be targeted.
The Secretary-General stressed that the only viable path to peace lies in diplomacy, not destruction, and called on all influential nations to support efforts toward an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
Global calls for a ceasefire have grown louder in recent weeks, with numerous governments, human rights organizations, and faith leaders urging Israel and Hamas to stop hostilities and return to negotiations. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with over a million people displaced and basic services in ruins.
