UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the international community not to be intimidated by Israel as nations move to respond to the war in Gaza and advance plans to recognise a Palestinian state.
Speaking to the AFP news agency ahead of the UN’s annual high-level week, Guterres described the situation in Gaza as “horrendous” and unprecedented in scale.
“It is the worst level of death and destruction that I’ve seen in my time as secretary-general, probably in my life,” he said. “The suffering of the Palestinian people cannot be described – famine, total lack of effective healthcare, people living without adequate shelters in huge concentration areas.”
The UN chief’s remarks come as at least 10 countries are expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state during the upcoming General Assembly session, despite strong Israeli opposition. Reports indicate that Israel has threatened to annex parts of the occupied West Bank if Western nations proceed with the recognition plan.
But Guterres urged world leaders to resist pressure. “We should not feel intimidated by the risk of retaliation,” he said. “With or without doing what we are doing, these actions would go on. At least there is a chance to mobilise the international community to put pressure on them not to happen.”
Israel’s war on Gaza, now in its twelfth month, has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and displaced the vast majority of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, and aid agencies warn that famine is imminent, with healthcare systems on the brink of collapse.
The push for Palestinian state recognition has gained momentum as frustration grows over Israel’s continued occupation and military actions. While many countries in the Global South already recognise Palestine, the anticipated endorsements from additional states at the UN General Assembly mark a significant diplomatic shift.
Israel has strongly condemned the initiative, warning of severe political consequences for countries supporting it.
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