Guterres warns of the devastating consequences of Israel expanding its operations in Gaza City.

Arab Sea Newspaper - News Updates

Arab Sea - Follow-ups: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the "devastating consequences" of Israel's decision to "expand its military operations" in Gaza City, while also condemning settlement policies in the West Bank. Guterres indicated that the initial steps taken by Israel towards seizing Gaza City herald a "new and dangerous phase." In statements to reporters on Thursday, ahead of a meeting of the UN Security Council at the United Nations headquarters in New York, he affirmed that "expanding military operations in Gaza City will have devastating consequences." Guterres explained that this "will force hundreds of thousands of civilians, already exhausted and traumatized, to flee again, putting families at greater risk." He touched on the Israeli bombing of Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, earlier this week, noting that civilians, including journalists and healthcare workers, are being killed while performing their duties under the eyes of the world. Guterres continued, "As the occupying power, Israel has clear obligations. It must ensure the provision of food, water, medicine, and other basic necessities, and it must receive and facilitate the arrival of more humanitarian aid, and it must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and it must put an end to the destruction of the health system that is indispensable for the survival of civilians." Guterres said that Israel is not cooperating with UN relief workers in assisting the people of Gaza. He pointed to the killing of 366 UN employees by the Israeli army in Gaza, adding, "Our efforts are being hampered, delayed, and rejected."