UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned Israel for the tragic deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 25,000, with 178 people confirmed killed in the previous 24 hours alone. Guterres described Israel’s military operations as causing mass destruction and unprecedented civilian deaths.
The situation in Gaza has led to over 62,000 people being wounded and 85% of the population being displaced, with thousands living in UN-run camps in poor conditions. The UN has reported “famine-like” conditions in Gaza, with food shortages affecting one in four of the 2.3 million people living there.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on women and children, with the UN expressing concerns about the impact on the region as a whole. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated his intention to continue the offensive until the militant group Hamas is eradicated, raising fears of escalated tensions in the area.