Cease Fire In Gaza Or Risk ‘greater War’, Warns Un Chief

In a stark statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza after more than 100 days of escalating violence. Emphasizing the need to “tamp down the flames of wider war,” he highlights the risks of prolonged conflict and urges an end to hostilities to ensure emergency aid supply and facilitate prisoner release.

Guterres condemns the extensive destruction and civilian casualties, particularly affecting women and children, stressing that collective punishment of the Palestinian people is unjustifiable. The Secretary-General warns against playing with fire across the Israel-Lebanon Blue Line, emphasizing the potential broader impact on regional stability.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is described as beyond words, with tens of thousands displaced in northern Israel and southern Lebanon. Guterres also condemns recent raids by Hamas and calls for the release of Israeli prisoners, underlining the challenges faced by aid workers due to ongoing bombardment and border restrictions. The article outlines the pressing need for de-escalation and the profound consequences of the current crisis.