Cairo: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that death and destruction in Gaza are unprecedented in recent times, warning of the devastating consequences of expanding military operations in Gaza City.

According to Qatar News Agency, Guterres emphasized in a press statement that starvation of civilians must not be used as a weapon of war, and that the protection of civilians and the facilitation of humanitarian aid must be guaranteed. He urged an end to the excuses, obstacles, and falsehoods that have contributed to the dire situation, highlighting the renewed deadly escalation facing the civilian population of Gaza.

Guterres pointed to Israel's initial steps toward full military control of Gaza City as indicative of a new and dangerous phase. He condemned repeated Israeli bombardments, including a strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis earlier this week, which resulted in civilian casualties, including medical personnel and journalists performing their duties.

He emphasized that such attacks form part of an ongoing series of atrocities, underscoring the urgent need for accountability. The Secretary-General also voiced profound concern regarding the situation in the occupied West Bank, citing military operations, settler violence, demolitions, and discriminatory policies that are causing displacement and increasing vulnerabilities.

Guterres further highlighted that the continuous expansion of settlements is dismantling communities and restricting access to essential resources, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.