In a scathing rebuke, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Israel’s “collective punishment” of Palestinians, labeling it “appalling and inexcusable”.
The UN Chief’s strong statement comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure over its brutal treatment of Palestinians, including a genocide case at the International Court of Justice and arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli leaders.
According to reports, nearly 44,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel’s deadly war on Gaza. The humanitarian crisis has left millions of Palestinians in dire need of aid, with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) facing a severe funding crisis.
World leaders have joined the UN Chief in condemning Israel’s actions, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories.
“The international community cannot stand idly by while Israel continues to commit atrocities against the Palestinian people,” said a spokesperson for the European Union. “We urge Israel to respect international law and human rights, and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”
The United States, a key ally of Israel, has also expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the State Department calling for a “sustainable solution” to the conflict.
As the international community continues to pressure Israel to end its brutal treatment of Palestinians, the people of Gaza remain in dire need of aid and support.
