Guterres calls on Israel, Hamas to ‘show political courage’ and ensure a ceasefire
At the southern tip of the Gaza Strip, bordering Egypt, the town of Rafah hosts hundreds of thousands of Palestinians driven from elsewhere in the enclave by ongoing Israeli military operations.
There are also deep concerns that humanitarian aid across the war-torn Strip is rapidly running out and that fuel reserves will be depleted by the end of the day.
“The closure of both Rafah and Karem Shalom border crossings is particularly damaging to an already dire humanitarian situation. They must be reopened immediately,” Secretary General António Guterres said at a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
He called on the Israeli Government to stop any escalation and engage constructively in the ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
“After more than 1,100 Israelis died in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, after more than 34,000 Palestinians died in Gaza, haven’t we seen enough?”
Necessary agreement
Mr. Guterres emphasized the need for an agreement between the Israeli government and the leadership of Hamas to end the “unbearable suffering” of both Palestinians in Gaza as well as Israeli hostages and their families.
“It would be tragic if weeks of intense diplomacy for peace in Gaza do not bring about a ceasefire. Do not release hostages. And a devastating attack in Rafah,” he said, emphasizing:
“I reiterate my call for both sides to show political courage and make every effort to reach an agreement now.”
Human disaster
The UN chief further emphasized that a full-scale attack on Rafah would be a “human disaster”.
“Countless more civilian casualties. Countless families were forced to flee again – with nowhere safe to go. Because there is no safe place in Gaza,” Mr. Guterres said.
“Strike against Rafah will further enhance our efforts to assist people facing severe humanitarian hardship as famine looms.”
Calling ‘influencers’
Mr. Guterres also warned that the consequences of the attack on Rafah would reach far beyond the war-torn Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank and the wider Middle East.
“Even Israel’s best friends understand clearly: An attack on Rafah would be a strategic mistake, a political disaster and a humanitarian nightmare,” he said.
“I call on all those with influence over Israel to do everything in their power to help prevent further tragedy.”
