UN chief warns of Humanitarian catastrophe as Israel expands Gaza offensive

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed alarm over Israel’s decision to intensify its military campaign in Gaza, warning that the move could trigger a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe. According to The Times of Israel, the Israeli security cabinet has approved plans for a broader ground offensive, which includes the capture and control of Gaza.

“I am especially alarmed by reports that the Israeli military intends to focus next on Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been squeezed in a desperate search for safety.”

Guterres cautioned that such a military operation would exponentially worsen the already dire humanitarian conditions and potentially destabilize the broader region.

The concerns were echoed by UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, who warned that the escalation is likely to result in many more civilian deaths and may lead to a collapse of public order within Gaza. Voice of America reports that Haq emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and societal breakdown.

Meanwhile, hopes for renewed negotiations have dwindled. As reported by The Guardian, senior Hamas official Basem Naim stated that the group is no longer interested in truce talks with Israel. He urged the international community to intervene and stop what he described as Israel’s “hunger war” against Gaza, saying, “The world must pressure Netanyahu’s government to end these crimes of hunger, thirst, and killings.”

Displaced Palestinians, including children, try to survive under difficult conditions in the makeshift tents they set up in the empty area near the Egyptian border in Rafah, Gaza on 22 January 2024.

The Guardian also reported that more than 52,000 Palestinians have been reported killed since the conflict escalated in October 2023. Humanitarian agencies warn of catastrophic conditions due to Israel’s blockade, which has limited access to food, water, and medical aid. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice is currently investigating Israel for possible genocide in Gaza.