UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, labelling the level of death and destruction as unprecedented during his seven-year tenure.
Speaking in an interview with The Associated Press, Guterres said the United Nations is ready to monitor any ceasefire deal but emphasized that Israel is unlikely to accept a UN-administered solution.
“The suffering in Gaza is at a level I have never seen before as Secretary-General of the UN,” Guterres said, expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence, which has killed over 40,900 Palestinians according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel in October last year, has displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million.
Israel continues to resist ceasefire talks, citing the presence of hostages taken in the early days of the conflict.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticized Guterres’ call for a ceasefire, insisting no such deal could happen without the release of all hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has similarly rejected outside intervention, maintaining that Israel will not rely on external peacekeeping forces.
Despite the challenges, Guterres reaffirmed his belief that the only long-term solution remains a two-state solution.
He compared the current situation to apartheid, asking if it’s sustainable for millions of Palestinians to live without rights under Israeli control.
