UN secretary general reiterates call for humanitarian cease-fire

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that “the world is witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe taking place before our eyes” in Gaza, with over two million people denied the essentials of life and subjected to relentless bombardment.

“I urge all those with responsibility to step back from the brink,” he told reporters at a meeting with Nepal's prime minister in Kathmandu on Sunday.

“We must join forces to end this nightmare for the people of Gaza, Israel and all those affected around the world.” The UN chief reiterated his appeal for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, the unconditional release of all hostages and delivery of aid at scale to Gaza.

Guterres again condemned Hamas' “appalling attacks” on Israel on Oct 7, stressing that “there is no justification, ever, for the killing, injuring and abduction of civilians”.

The secretary-general reiterated that all parties to conflict are required under international humanitarian laws to protect civilians and provide them with food, water, medicine and other essentials, stressing that “those laws cannot be contorted for the sake of expedience”.

“The number of civilians who have been killed and injured is totally unacceptable,” Guterres said. (AP)