Humanitarian Catastrophe Taking Place Before Our Eyes: Guterres

AFP/APP

Kathmandu: The situation in Gaza is growing more desperate by the hour. I regret that instead of a critically needed humanitarian pause, supported by the international community, Israel has intensified its military operations, said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

During a visit to Nepal’s capital Kathmandu on Sunday, Guterres warned the situation in Hamas-ruled Gaza is declining rapidly as he repeated desperate appeals for a ceasefire to end the “nightmare” of bloodshed.

The UN’s top diplomat arrived in Nepal on a four-day visit following talks in Qatar.

I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief at a scale that meets the needs of the people of Gaza:UNSG Antonio Guterres

According to Israeli officials, Israel unleashed its massive retaliation after Hamas gunmen stormed across the border on October 7, killing 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 230 hostages.

After weeks of heavy bombardment of Gaza, which the Palestinian health ministry said has claimed over 8,000 lives, the Israeli army stated that“ stage two” of the war started with ground incursions since late Friday.

The world is witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe taking place before our eyes, Guterres added.

Panic and fear have surged inside Gaza, where over one million people are displaced and where communications went dark for days after Israel cut internet lines, although connectivity had gradually returned early Sunday.

“I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief at a scale that meets the needs of the people of Gaza,” Antonio added.

Ten Nepali students were killed in Israel during the Hamas attack on October 7 and one Nepali citizen is missing.