(UNITED NATIONS) – Melih Göğebakan – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that Israel’s decision to expand its offensive in Gaza will have catastrophic consequences. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are once again at risk of displacement, Guterres said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said ahead of the Security Council meeting at UN Headquarters in New York that Israel’s military actions to seize Gaza City signal a new and dangerous process.
“The expansion of military operations into Gaza City will have devastating consequences. Hundreds of thousands of already exhausted and traumatized civilians will once again be forced to flee, placing families in even greater danger.”
“Attacks are becoming increasingly unconscionable”
Recalling the Israeli attack on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Guterres said that the Tel Aviv administration’s attacks have become increasingly unconscionable. “Civilians, including medical personnel, and journalists are being killed in the eyes of the world while doing their duty. These attacks must stop immediately,” Guterres said, drawing attention to Israel’s international obligations.
“Israel has clear obligations”
Recalling that Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to ensure that food, water, medicine and other basic needs are delivered to Gaza, Guterres said: “It must accept and facilitate access to much more humanitarian assistance. It must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and end the destruction of a health system that is essential for the survival of the civilian population.”
“UN efforts are being thwarted”
The UN Secretary-General stated that Israel is obstructing the aid activities of UN staff. Reminding that 366 UN personnel were killed in Gaza as a result of Israeli military attacks, Guterres said, “Our efforts are being blocked, delayed and rejected.”
Warning for the West Bank: “A threat to the two-state solution”
Addressing the situation in the West Bank in his speech, Guterres stated that military operations, settler violence, demolitions and discriminatory policies have increased displacement.
“This step would effectively separate the north and south of the West Bank and pose an existential threat to the two-state solution,” Guterres said, expressing his disapproval of the recent approval of thousands of new settlements.
“No more excuses”
“No more excuses, no more obstacles. No more lies.” He called on Israel to fulfill its international obligations.
