UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his astonishment at what he described as an unexpected and significant increase in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
This escalation surprised him, especially considering the apparent global consensus that had been emerging in favor of a humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
Guterres stated, “I had been encouraged in recent days by the growing consensus within the international community, emphasizing the urgent need for a humanitarian pause in the hostilities.”
However, instead of witnessing a pause in the conflict, he was taken aback by the unparalleled intensification of the bombardments and their devastating consequences, which counteracted the humanitarian goals that had been referenced.
On a related note, the UN General Assembly, on Friday, issued a resounding call for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas to facilitate the delivery of much-needed aid to Gaza. Regrettably, Israel dismissed this resolution with strong objections.
