HAMILTON (Canada), May 1 – In a strong warning against a military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on “those with influence over Israel” to prevent further civilian casualties and displacement.
“A military assault on Rafah would be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee,” Guterres said at a news conference, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the UN chief stressed that a military assault would not only have a “devastating impact on Palestinians in Gaza” but also significant repercussions across the region.
The UN chief stressed the worsening situation in Gaza after Oct 7 and said his consistent calls for “a humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and a massive surge in humanitarian aid” remain unheard.
“For the sake of the people of Gaza, for the sake of the hostages and their families in Israel, and for the sake of the region and the wider world, I strongly encourage the government of Israel and the Hamas leadership to reach an agreement,” he said.
Guterres expressed concern about the disturbing reports emerging from Gaza, where hospitals are now being likened to cemeteries amidst the discovery of mass graves.
“I am deeply alarmed by reports that mass graves have been discovered in several locations in Gaza, including Al Shifa Medical Complex and Nasser Medical Complex,” said Guterres.
Emphasizing the urgency of an independent international investigation into the mass graves, Guterres said, “It is imperative that independent international investigators, with forensic expertise, are allowed immediate access to the sites of these mass graves, to establish the precise circumstances under which hundreds of Palestinians lost their lives and were buried, or reburied.”
He noted that children and disabled individuals are dying from hunger and disease in northern Gaza and urged everyone to “do everything possible to avert an entirely preventable, human-made famine.”
Noting the importance of applying all kinds of pressure to prevent a horrific tragedy, Guterres said the greatest obstacle to aid to Gaza is the lack of safety for humanitarian workers.
