UN Chief Guterres Warns Netanyahu: Blocking UNRWA in Gaza a 'Catastrophe'

Oct 8, 2024, 04:38 PM

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. Guterres criticized the conduct of Israel's war in Gaza, stating that ordering civilians to evacuate without providing a safe place does not ensure their safety. He strongly condemned all violations of international humanitarian law in the region and called for the release of captives held by Hamas. Additionally, Guterres warned that proposed Israeli legislation to sever ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) would violate the UN Charter and Israel's obligations under international law. He emphasized that blocking UNRWA's operations would 'suffocate efforts to ease human suffering and tensions in Gaza' and lead to a 'catastrophe'. He has written to Netanyahu to express these concerns.