United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a forceful condemnation of the Israeli government’s decision to seize control of Gaza City, warning that the move represents a blatant violation of international law and a dangerous escalation against the Palestinian people.

Guterres stressed that this aggressive step will worsen what he described as an already unimaginable humanitarian catastrophe caused by Israel’s ongoing military assault, blockade, and forced displacement of Gaza’s population.

“Palestinians in Gaza continue to endure a humanitarian catastrophe of horrific proportions,” his spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay stated. “This further escalation will result in more killings, mass destruction, and forced displacement — compounding the suffering of millions of Palestinians.”

The UN chief reiterated his urgent call for a permanent ceasefire, full and unhindered humanitarian access across the besieged Gaza Strip, and the immediate, unconditional release of all detainees and hostages.

He reminded Israel of its legal obligations, citing the International Court of Justice’s ruling of 19 July 2024, which declared Israel’s settlement activities and military presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory — including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem — as unlawful. The ICJ ordered Israel to halt all settlement expansion, evacuate settlers, and end its occupation “as rapidly as possible.”

Guterres emphasized that peace cannot be achieved without ending Israel’s decades-long occupation and ensuring the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state.

“There will be no sustainable solution to this conflict without ending this unlawful occupation,” Guterres stated. “Gaza is and must remain an inseparable part of a free and independent Palestinian state.” (ILKHA)