Guterres Sounds Alarm Over Israeli Plan to Seize Gaza City
United Nations, 9 August 2025 — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced grave concern over Israel’s reported intention to take control of Gaza City, warning that such a step could sharply intensify the conflict and deepen the humanitarian disaster already gripping the territory.
Calling the development a “dangerous escalation,” Guterres cautioned that millions of Palestinians, already enduring extreme hardship, could face even greater risks if the plan goes ahead. He noted that the move could also place the remaining hostages in heightened danger.
“The situation is already catastrophic. This action could push it into an even more tragic phase,” the UN chief said, urging a permanent cessation of hostilities, unrestricted humanitarian aid delivery across Gaza, and the swift, unconditional release of all hostages.
Reports indicate that military activity around Gaza City has intensified in recent days, prompting fears among aid agencies that relief efforts will be further obstructed. Humanitarian groups have warned that the population is suffering from severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies, with infrastructure on the verge of total collapse.
Guterres stressed that avoiding further escalation must be the global priority. “The people of Gaza cannot withstand another wave of violence,” he said, calling on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilian lives at all costs.
