Guterres disturbed by reports of Israeli army's focus on Rafah

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that he is deeply concerned about reports indicating that the Israeli army intends to focus on Rafah in southern Gaza in the next phase of its assault on the Palestinian territory.

Addressing the 193-member General Assembly, he stated, "Such action would exacerbate what is already a humanitarian nightmare, with indescribable regional consequences."

He stated, "The situation in Gaza is an open wound in our collective conscience, threatening the entire region. Nothing justifies the horrific terrorist attacks launched by Hamas against Israel on October 7. Nor is there any justification for the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Nevertheless, Israeli military operations have resulted in unprecedented destruction and loss of life in Gaza since I became Secretary-General."

He once again called for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons and the unconditional release of hostages.

He said, "The time has come for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian reasons and the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages. This should rapidly lead to irreversible steps towards a two-state solution based on United Nations resolutions, international law, and previous agreements."

Reuters