Ashraf AboArafe
New York, August 28, 2025 — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning to the Security Council and the international community, describing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a “present-day catastrophe” and urging immediate action to prevent further devastation.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a Security Council briefing on Haiti, the Secretary-General shifted his focus to the “unfolding tragedy” in Gaza, where Israel’s military operations are escalating. He cautioned that Israel’s move to take over Gaza City marks “a new and dangerous phase” with devastating consequences for hundreds of thousands of civilians already traumatized and displaced.
“Gaza is piled with rubble, piled with bodies, and piled with examples of what may be serious violations of international law,” Guterres declared.
The UN chief strongly condemned recent Israeli airstrikes, including one that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, killing civilians, medical staff, and journalists. He emphasized that such attacks are occurring “with the world watching” and called for accountability.
At the same time, he reiterated that hostages held by Hamas and other groups must be released immediately and treated humanely.
“A Catastrophe, Not a Looming Possibility”
Guterres underlined the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, stressing that famine is no longer a risk but a present reality.
“People are dying from hunger. Families are being torn apart by displacement and despair. Pregnant women are facing unimaginable risks,” he said. Essential systems for survival — food, water, and healthcare — have been “systematically dismantled,” he added, describing this as the result of “deliberate decisions that defy basic humanity.”
Binding Obligations Ignored
The Secretary-General reminded Israel of its responsibilities as the occupying power to ensure the provision of food, water, and medicine, as well as to protect civilians and infrastructure. He stressed that Israel must comply with binding provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice, including allowing unfettered humanitarian and medical access throughout Gaza.
“Day after day, our efforts are being blocked, delayed, and denied,” he said, noting that 366 UN personnel have already been killed while attempting to deliver aid. “This is unacceptable.”
West Bank Alarm
Turning to the West Bank, Guterres voiced deep concern over military operations, settler violence, demolitions, and the expansion of Israeli settlements. He warned that the newly approved settlement plans in the sensitive E1 area threaten to split the West Bank in two, calling it “an existential threat to the two-state solution.”
“I repeat: the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have been established – and are being maintained – in violation of international law,” he said.
Call for Ceasefire
Concluding his remarks, Guterres reiterated his appeal for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire,” the unconditional release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza.
“Starvation of the civilian population must never be used as a method of warfare. Civilians must be protected. Humanitarian access must be unimpeded. No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies.”
