Gaza Operations Intensify, UN Secretary-General Urges Israel Not to Be “Intimidated”
GAZA CITY/UNITED NATIONS – Israeli military operations in Gaza are expanding, resulting in nearly one hundred Palestinian deaths reported on Saturday alone, according to reports from the enclave. The escalating conflict coincides with growing international discussion regarding Palestinian statehood, including anticipated recognitions at a United nations summit on Monday.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly criticized Israeli government policies, stating, “There has been a constant progression of the Israeli government measures to entirely destroy Gaza and set up an insidious annexation of the West bank.” He dismissed potential israeli retaliatory measures against countries recognizing a Palestinian state as a pretext for ongoing policies aimed at preventing Palestinian statehood.
“So we must not feel intimidated by the risk of reprisals, because, whatever we do, these actions will continue,” Guterres asserted. “I think it is indeed crucial that [Israel] feels more and more isolated to be able to change.”
A staunch advocate for a two-state solution, Guterres described potential further recognitions of Palestine as “an extremely important symbol for the Palestinian people.” He rejected alternatives, stating, “What is the alternative? A solution to a state, where millions of Palestinians will either be expelled or subject to occupation, subjugation, discrimination, without rights on their own land? It is totally unacceptable to the XXIst century.”
Guterres also reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, describing the situation as “terrible” and “the worst level of death and destruction that I have seen as I was secretary general, probably in my whole life.” He added, “I firmly think that it is indeed morally, politically and legally intolerable,” while stopping short of using the term “genocide,” explaining he is awaiting a court decision on the matter.
Israel has occupied the West Bank as 1967. The current escalation follows open threats from israeli officials against France and other nations considering recognizing a Palestinian state, including potential annexation of the West Bank.
