UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urgently called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, describing the current level of death and destruction as unparalleled in his seven-year tenure. In an interview with The Associated Press, Guterres expressed grave concern over the violence, which has resulted in over 40,900 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel last October, has displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Despite the UN’s readiness to monitor a ceasefire, Israel remains resistant to such a deal, citing the continued presence of hostages taken early in the conflict.
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both rejected external peacekeeping efforts, with Netanyahu insisting on no outside intervention.
Guterres reaffirmed his belief in a two-state solution as the only viable long-term resolution, questioning the sustainability of a situation where millions of Palestinians live without rights under Israeli control.
