ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his concern over the Israeli government’s decision to ‘take control of Gaza City.’
Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General in a statement issued from New York on Friday said this decision marks a dangerous escalation and risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians, and could further endanger more lives, including those of the remaining hostages.
The spokesman said Palestinians in Gaza continue to endure a humanitarian catastrophe of horrific proportions.
The Secretary-General warned that this further escalation will result in additional forced displacement, killings, and massive destruction, compounding the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza.
The Secretary-General reiterated his urgent appeal for a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza, and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
He strongly urged the Government of Israel to abide by its obligations under international law.
António Guterres recalled that the International Court of Justice, in its Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024, declared, that the State of Israel was under an obligation to immediately cease all new settlement activities, evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory — which encompassed Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem — as rapidly as possible.
He emphasised that there had been no sustainable solution to the conflict without an end to the unlawful occupation and the achievement of a viable two-State solution.
He affirmed that Gaza was, and must remain, an integral part of a Palestinian State.
Israel’s security cabinet approved on August 8 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to deploy military forces to occupy Gaza City, the first step toward Netanyahu’s previous statements on occupying all of Gaza.
A statement said the Israeli Defence Forces would prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones.
Meanwhile, Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, took the extraordinary step of halting military exports over concerns they could be used in Gaza — a move that Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned as a reward for Hamas.
