António Guterres Instagram – I reiterate my appeal for Israel and Hamas to show political courage and spare no effort to secure an agreement now.
To stop the bloodshed. To free the hostages. To help stabilize a region which is still at risk of explosion.
This is a crucial opportunity that the region – and indeed the world – cannot afford to miss.
After more than 1,100 Israelis were killed in the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October, after more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, haven’t we seen enough? Haven’t civilians suffered enough death and destruction?
A full-scale assault on Rafah will be a human catastrophe. Countless more civilian casualties. Countless more families forced to flee yet again – with nowhere safe to go.
Meanwhile, the repercussions will be felt far beyond, in the occupied West Bank, and across the region.
Even the best friends of Israel are clear:
An assault on Rafah would be a strategic mistake, a political calamity, and a humanitarian nightmare.
I appeal to all those with influence over Israel to do everything in their power to help avert even more tragedy.
The international community has a shared responsibility to promote a humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a massive surge in life-saving aid. | Posted on 07/May/2024 21:00:39
