UN Chief Condemns Israeli Bombardment in Gaza as Pressure Mounts for Humanitarian Aid

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his strong disapproval of the Israeli government’s bombardment of Gaza, calling it a “clear violation of international law.” His remarks came as the United States joined calls for a pause in the bombardment and urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the area.

In his address to the UN security council, Guterres emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, stating that “using them as human shields” is unacceptable. He also criticized the evacuation orders issued by Israel, which left over a million people without basic necessities such as shelter, food, water, medicine, and fuel.

Guterres acknowledged the recent attack by Hamas on southern Israel but highlighted that it did not occur in isolation. He pointed out the 56-year-long occupation faced by the Palestinian people, although he made it clear that such grievances do not justify the attacks.

Israel swiftly responded to Guterres’s comments, with its ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, calling them “shocking” and demanding the Secretary-General’s resignation. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, even canceled a planned meeting with Guterres in protest.

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, addressed the security council as well, blaming Hamas for using civilians as human shields. However, he also called for “humanitarian pauses” in Israel’s airstrikes to allow civilians to flee to safety.

European Union leaders are expected to appeal for a ceasefire this week, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and the release of hostages through negotiations mediated by Qatar.

UN officials have warned of a humanitarian disaster in Gaza due to Israel’s relentless bombardment and restrictions on essential supplies. Only a limited amount of aid has been allowed into the enclave from Egypt, leading to a dire situation for the people of Gaza.

Palestinian officials reported a significant increase in casualties, with 700 people killed in the past 24 hours alone. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated their attacks on Gaza, claiming it was the most significant blow they had inflicted so far.

French President Emmanuel Macron, visiting Jerusalem in solidarity with Israel, emphasized the importance of releasing all hostages held by Hamas. However, he cautioned against a full-scale ground invasion and advocated for targeted operations to minimize civilian casualties. He also called for an international coalition against Hamas, similar to the one formed against ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

Qatar’s ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, warned against giving Israel an unconditional green light in its war with Hamas, stating that the conflict poses a threat to regional and global security.

Hamas released two more hostages as a result of ongoing negotiations, citing humanitarian reasons. One of the freed hostages, Yocheved Lifshitz, spoke out about her harrowing experience and criticized the Israeli government and military for failing to heed warning signs ahead of the attack. The Israeli military continued its airstrikes, targeting rocket staging grounds and tunnels used by Hamas.

Despite calls for a ceasefire and negotiations, the Israeli government remains committed to its offensive, indicating that a ground invasion is imminent.