New York: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed shock over the recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that killed hundreds of Palestinians, including children and women. In a statement, deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said the UN chief strongly appealed for an immediate ceasefire, the restoration of unimpeded humanitarian assistance, and the release of the remaining hostages.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Gaza local authorities on Tuesday morning reported that over 322 Palestinians were killed and missing in a matter of five hours across the Gaza Strip as Israel resumed its attacks. The conflict follows an agreed ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas since January 19, with both sides in talks to extend the ceasefire to a second phase before the sudden escalation amid the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of more than 48,500 Palestinians since October 2023, with the majority being women and children, devastating the Gaza Strip. In response to these actions, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.