Speaking today from a Civil Society conference in Nairobi, UN Secretary General António Guterres warned that a massive ground attack in Rafah in southern Gaza would lead to an “epic humanitarian disaster” and “pull the plug on our efforts to support people as famine looms,” CNN reported him saying. “The fate of Palestinians, Israelis and the entire region hangs in the balance. I reiterate my appeal for the government of Israel and the leadership of Hamas to demonstrate political courage and spare no effort to reach agreement to stop the bloodshed and to free the hostages,” he further stated.
Guterres repeated his call for an immediate ceasefire and an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. “We are actively engaged with all involved for the resumption of the entry of life-saving supplies—including desperately needed fuel—through Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings,” he said.