Guterres expressed concern about the expansion of the Zionist regime's ground operation

Antonio Guterres is “deeply alarmed by the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian factions in Gaza.” The UN chief is concerned, among other things, by the expansion of IDF (Israel Defense Forces) ground operations, accompanied by intense air strikes, and the continued rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip. According to him, from the very beginning of the escalation, the civilian population bore the brunt. Guterres condemned the killing of civilians in Gaza and expressed concern that two-thirds of the victims were women and children. two thirds of the victims are women and children “I mourn and honor the memory of United Nations colleagues who have tragically lost their lives in the bombing of Gaza over the past three weeks. “My heart goes out to the families of our colleagues who died in the line of duty,” the UN Secretary General emphasized. He recalled that international humanitarian law sets clear rules that cannot be ignored. “This is not an a la carte menu and cannot be used selectively,” Guterres said. All parties must comply with international law, including the principles of proportionality and precaution, he said. Given that too many Israelis and Palestinians have already died, this escalation only increases the enormous suffering of civilians, the UN Secretary-General emphasized. He warned that a “humanitarian tragedy” was unfolding in Gaza as the sector was not getting enough aid. “I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for continued unimpeded humanitarian access,” the UN chief said in a statement. He reiterated his concern about the potential for dangerous escalation and called on all leaders to exercise utmost restraint to avoid wider conflict.