UN Chief Guterres Slams Israel's Gaza Operation, Citing 'Fundamental' Flaws and War Crimes Concerns
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip, describing its conduct as 'fundamentally wrong' and expressing concerns that war crimes may have been committed. Guterres made these comments during an interview with Reuters at the Reuters Next conference in New York, where he also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the United Nations' relationships with key world powers. In Gaza, more than 70,000 people have been killed in the two-year conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, according to the enclave's health ministry. The war was sparked by a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Guterres acknowledged a fragile truce has been in place since October 10, but Israel has continued to strike Gaza and conduct demolitions against what it says is Hamas infrastructure. The U.N. chief praised the United States for its efforts to improve aid access in Gaza, where famine has taken hold, but expressed concerns about obstacles to delivering and distributing aid. In Ukraine, Guterres said negotiations to end Russia's war appeared stuck, and that the solution should abide by international law and the territorial integrity of states. He warned that violating these rules could have far-reaching consequences and undermine global stability. Guterres also addressed the United Nations' relationship with the Trump administration, describing the U.S. president's views on the organization as 'misguided.' He emphasized the importance of preserving the values of the U.N. and working towards a more equitable world. The U.N. chief's comments come as the international community continues to grapple with these complex and pressing issues. As the world's top diplomat, Guterres will play a crucial role in shaping the global response to these challenges and promoting peace and stability in the years to come.
