The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in the tragic loss of 25,000 Palestinian lives, according to the health ministry in the territory.
The United Nations chief has expressed sadness and condemned the significant number of civilian casualties as both heartbreaking and completely unacceptable.
UN Chief Decries 'Utterly Unacceptable' Killings in Gaza
Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres conducts a press conference following the opening session of the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China (G77+China) in Kampala on January 21, 2024. The G77+China is a coalition of developing countries designed to promote its member states economic interest and create negotiating capacity in the United Nations.
According to the ministry, a significant number of casualties were women and children, with the possibility of numerous bodies still unaccounted for beneath the rubble throughout Gaza.
Addressing a global summit in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, the UN secretary general, António Guterres, strongly criticized Israel's three-month assault.
In a statement on Sunday, Guterres expressed strong disapproval of the lack of progress towards a two-state solution in the Middle East, deeming it completely unacceptable. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has consistently refused to consider a two-state solution, with his most recent rejection occurring last week in response to pressure from the United States.
Israeli officials on Saturday strongly disagreed with remarks made by US President Joe Biden, suggesting that a two-state solution may still be possible during Netanyahu's tenure.
In a statement on Sunday, Guterres emphasized the importance of recognizing the right to statehood for the Palestinian people. He warned that failing to do so would only serve to perpetuate a conflict that poses a significant risk to global peace and security.
Israel has faced increasing pressure from the EU to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Last week, the European Parliament urged for a lasting end to the conflict in Gaza. Per Politico, they emphasized the importance of Hamas releasing the hostages taken during the October attacks and the complete demilitarization of Gaza.
According to Guterres, the military operations in Israel have caused extensive destruction and loss of civilian lives, which he considers to be unprecedented in his experience as secretary general. He made these remarks during the opening of the G77+China, a coalition of 135 developing countries.
Israel has faced criticism for its offensive in Gaza, which was launched in response to Hamas's attack into southern Israel. The offensive resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, many of whom were civilians in their homes and at a music festival.
There are still 132 hostages in Gaza, with reports suggesting that at least 27 have lost their lives, following the seizure by Hamas.Israeli forces are making progress in the southern areas of Gaza, which are currently housing a large number of people who have been displaced due to ongoing conflict.
It is estimated that a significant number of displaced individuals have found shelter in the town of Rafah, located on the border with Egypt. They are currently residing in temporary camps, shelters managed by the United Nations, and private apartments.
Read Also: Israeli Tanks Push into Khan Younis as Fighting Rages On
Gaza Conflict Update
On Sunday morning, thick plumes of smoke filled the sky above Khan Younis, the main southern city. The Israeli army reported that they had taken action to neutralize a group of individuals they deemed as threats.
There were additional accounts of ongoing clashes in the northern region, where Israeli forces are facing challenges in eliminating Hamas militants who employ an extensive tunnel system to carry out unexpected assaults.In the past 24 hours, Gaza's hospitals have received a staggering number of bodies - at least 178 - along with nearly 300 wounded individuals, as reported by Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesperson for the health ministry.
According to the media office of the Hamas government, the casualties were unable to be taken to hospitals due to the ongoing artillery shelling in Khan Younis, Tal al-Hawa area in Gaza City, and the northern region. During a briefing on Saturday evening, Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, announced the discovery of a tunnel in Khan Younis. This tunnel had been used to hold hostages in the past.
Throughout the war, the Israeli military has acknowledged civilian casualties while alleging that Hamas operates in densely populated areas and uses civilians as shields, a claim that the group denies, as per The Guardian.
Related Article: Israeli Officials Conflicted Over War in Gaza
