UN chief urges Israel to re-open crossings
United Nations, United States – AFP
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday demanded that Israel re-open crossings into Gaza immediately to allow essential aid in, and urged it to “stop any escalation” after it sent tanks into Rafah.
“Things are moving in the wrong direction. I am disturbed and distressed by the renewed military activity in Rafah by the Israel Defense Forces,” he said.
“The closure of both the Rafah and Karem Shalom crossings is especially damaging to an already dire humanitarian situation. They must be re-opened immediately.”
The Israeli military’s thrust into the eastern sector of Rafah packed with displaced Palestinians came a day after Israel warned people in the area to evacuate ahead of a long-threatened ground operation.
“I urge the Government of Israel to stop any escalation, and engage constructively in the ongoing diplomatic talks,” Guterres said.
“After more than 1,100 Israelis killed in the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October … after more than 34,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, haven’t we seen enough?” he said.
“Haven’t civilians suffered enough death and destruction? Make no mistake –- a full-scale assault on Rafah will be a human catastrophe.”
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