Guterres: The Situation in Gaza is Catastrophic and Israeli Violations in the West Bank are at Their Worst

SadaNews - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is catastrophic, emphasizing that more than 80% of residential and public buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged.

Guterres stated in a report issued by the United Nations that the repeated Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip continue to result in a large number of civilian casualties and cause severe damage to infrastructure.

The Secretary-General expressed deep concern regarding the fragility of the security situation and the ongoing violence that threatens the ceasefire agreement.

He pointed out that the improvement in the entry of food supplies into the region has not reflected sufficiently on living conditions, noting that basic protein sources remain out of reach for most of the population.

The Secretary-General stressed the necessity of ensuring full accountability for any "atrocious crimes or serious violations of international law," affirming that the absence of accountability undermines opportunities for achieving justice and stability.

As winter approaches, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are living in tragic conditions, lacking essential life resources inside tents, while the occupation army continues to prevent the entry of mobile homes and necessary supplies to equip shelter areas.

The "ceasefire" agreement, in effect since October 11, stipulates the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip estimated at 600 trucks daily; however, the Israeli occupation has not adhered to the agreement, allowing only a maximum of 200 trucks per day.

Regarding the West Bank, Guterres condemned Israeli colonial expansion, asserting that all settlements are "illegal, void, and constitute a flagrant violation of international law."

He clarified that the year 2025 witnessed the largest expansion of colonial plans since the start of UN monitoring.

He also warned of the alarming rise in settler violence in the West Bank, particularly during the olive-picking season, which exacerbates tensions and undermines peace opportunities, according to his statements.

Guterres confirmed that the continuation of these policies and violations poses a direct threat to regional stability, calling for effective international action to stop the violence and ensure the protection of civilians and respect for international law.