UN Chief Condemns Violations of International Law in Gaza as Pressure Mounts on Israel

UN chief Antonio Guterres condemns Israeli bombardment of Gaza and calls for a pause in hostilities to allow for more aid to enter the region. Guterres emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and criticized the use of human shields. He also acknowledged the grievances of the Palestinian people but condemned the “appalling attacks” carried out by Hamas. Israel’s ambassador to the UN describes Guterres’ comments as shocking and calls for his resignation. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, blamed Hamas for using civilians as human shields but also called for humanitarian pauses in Israel’s air strikes. EU leaders are expected to call for a pause in hostilities to allow more aid to enter Gaza. UN officials warn of a catastrophic humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza as Israel cuts off supplies of water, fuel, and power. Israeli forces are blocking the entry of aid until a mechanism for inspections can be put into place. Palestinian officials report a high daily death toll, with 700 people killed in the past 24 hours. French President Emmanuel Macron calls for the release of all hostages seized by Hamas and advises against a full-scale ground invasion of Gaza. Macron also calls for an international coalition against Hamas. Qatar’s ruler warns against giving Israel an “unconditional greenlight” in its war with Hamas, stating that it threatens the security of the region and the world. Hamas releases two more hostages, citing humanitarian reasons, and one of the freed hostages criticizes the Israeli government and army. The Israeli military continues its airstrikes, targeting additional staging grounds for rocket attacks and a tunnel leading to the Mediterranean Sea. Israel indicates that a ground offensive is imminent. Back-channel hostage negotiations by Qatar complicate Israel’s plans for a swift ground operation.