MWE Correspondent
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urgently called on Israel to halt its military plans to seize control of Gaza City, warning that the operation could trigger a catastrophic humanitarian disaster.
Millions of civilians, including women and children, are at risk of displacement, starvation, and injury amid escalating hostilities.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Guterres described Israel’s announcement to assert control over Gaza as a “new and dangerous phase” of the conflict. He reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing that civilians must be protected at all times and humanitarian aid must be allowed unimpeded access. “There is no military solution to this conflict. Hunger must never be used as a weapon, and humanitarian assistance must reach all those in need,” he said.
Reports from international media outlets indicate that preparations for civilian evacuations are underway in Gaza, a city home to an estimated one million people. More than two million residents have already fled conflict zones, with many seeking safety in overcrowded shelters. Humanitarian organizations have warned of acute shortages of food, medicine, and clean water, heightening the risk of a public health crisis.
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Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has proposed a plan to annex parts of Gaza should the Palestinian militant group Hamas refuse to disarm. Smotrich’s plan envisions Israel asserting territorial control in stages, aiming to secure Gaza by the end of 2025. Hamas has strongly condemned the proposal, calling it a direct threat to Palestinian sovereignty.
The UN and global leaders have expressed concern over the escalating violence, highlighting that civilian protection and access to humanitarian aid are paramount. Guterres has also demanded the unconditional release of all hostages and urged both parties to engage in dialogue to prevent further suffering.
With the humanitarian situation worsening by the day, international observers emphasize that immediate action is needed to prevent a full-scale disaster, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain a path toward peaceful resolution in the region.
