Doha: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued one of his strongest condemnations yet of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, describing the situation as systematic destruction and mass killing of civilians under conditions of famine, medical collapse, and forced displacement. Speaking at his annual press conference ahead of the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, Guterres painted a grim picture of life in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

According to Qatar News Agency, Guterres highlighted the systematic destruction of Gaza City and the mass killing of civilians, not seen in any conflict during his time as Secretary-General. At times, humanitarian aid has come to a complete halt, leaving civilians to suffer famine, a total collapse of healthcare, and the constant threat of death, he added.

Guterres called on world leaders gathering in New York to make the High-Level Week a week of solutions, with a renewed push for peace in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and other conflict zones. He also emphasized the need for progress on climate action, responsible innovation, gender equality, development financing, and reform of the UN itself.

With the UN marking its 80th anniversary, Guterres described the current moment as a critical opportunity for diplomacy and mediation. He added that history will remember that the UN was on the front lines defending the rights of the Palestinian people. It will remember that 400 UN staff were killed in Gaza and that the UN condemned ongoing violations of international law.

His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny following a recent report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which concluded that Israel has committed acts of genocide in Gaza. While Guterres stopped short of endorsing that legal conclusion, he noted that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is already reviewing a case brought under the Genocide Convention concerning the situation in Gaza.