UN secretary Guterres condemns Int’l violations of humanitarian law in Gaza

UN chief António Guterres has condemned what he termed “clear violations of international law” as Israel continues to bombard Gaza.

The UN Chief told UN security council on Tuesday that he is “deeply concerned of what is being witnessed in Gaza adding that safety of civilians was paramount.

Mr Guterres condemned both the use of civilians as “human shields” and the bombing of Southern Gaza after an evacuation order.

Guterres also said that the deadly assault by Palestinian militant group Hamas on southern Israel on October 7 “did not happen in a vacuum”.

He said, “The Palestinian people have endured 56 years of oppressive occupation,” but he insisted that their complaints could not excuse the “appalling attacks.”

Israel reacted with indignation to his statements. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, asked for Guterres to step down after calling Guterres’ remarks “shocking.”

Over 200 hostages abducted by Hamas continue to be held in Gaza with four persons freed so far.

Israel has continued its heavy bombing of Gaza.

Gaza Health Ministry says almost 5,800 people have been killed since 7 October.