The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has vehemently called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in Rafah. This demand comes swiftly after the Israeli Defense Forces initiated a campaign aimed at neutralizing the remaining Hamas battalions in the Gaza Strip.
“I am disturbed & distressed by the renewed military activity in Rafah by the Israeli Defence Forces,” Guterres wrote on X today. “I urge the Government of Israel to stop any escalation, and engage constructively in the ongoing diplomatic talks.”
In a subsequent tweet, Guterres wrote, “I reiterate my appeal for Israel & Hamas to show political courage & spare no effort to secure an agreement now. To stop the bloodshed. To free the hostages. To help stabilize the region. This is a crucial opportunity that we cannot afford to miss.”
Criticism has been directed at Guterres for his attempts to draw an equivalency between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group.
In the aftermath of October 7th, Guterres made remarks acknowledging the broader context in which the attack occurred. He pointed out that the Palestinian population has endured decades of oppressive occupation, marked by the expansion of settlements, persistent violence, economic hardships, displacement, and the demolition of homes. The dwindling prospects for a political resolution to their plight further compound their suffering.
Despite the severity of the situation and the outcry from various quarters, the United Nations has refrained from explicitly condemning Hamas in the seven months since the massacre. Instead, the General Assembly has advocated for a ceasefire that would effectively leave Hamas in a position of power, enabling it to pursue its stated objectives, including the perpetration of further atrocities akin to those witnessed on October 7.
{Matzav.com Israel}