ALBAWABA- UN Secretary-General António Guterres has declared the war in Gaza “morally, politically and legally intolerable,” warning that the devastation unfolding in Gaza City represents the systematic destruction of the enclave.
His remarks came as the Israeli military announced the expansion of its ground operation in Gaza City, claiming that its goal is to “destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure” and urging residents to flee south.
The announcement followed a night of heavy bombardment in northern Gaza that killed at least 20 people, according to local health officials.
Israel has long pressured famine-stricken residents to evacuate, but many say overcrowding in the south and soaring transport costs make escape impossible.
The escalation drew sharp rebukes from Europe. Germany called Israel’s assault “completely wrong,” urging negotiations instead of military escalation. “We reject this and have made this clear to the Israeli government,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the assault as “utterly reckless and appalling,” calling for an immediate ceasefire to save lives and secure the release of hostages.
The European Union also warned that Israel’s actions risk worsening an already “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis, marked by mass displacement and famine.
Meanwhile, Israel’s defense minister declared “Gaza is burning,” as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed Israel for Qatar amid anger over a recent Israeli strike that killed five Hamas officials and a local security officer.
In Geneva, UN investigators accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, citing evidence of four of the five genocidal acts outlined in the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Navi Pillay, chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry, said Israeli authorities had “intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group,” pointing to explicit statements by senior leaders and military conduct.
The report accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former defense minister Yoav Gallant of incitement to genocide and failing to prevent atrocity crimes. “The responsibility lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons,” Pillay said.
Since October 2023, the Israeli atrocities have killed nearly 65,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly the entire population, and pushed Gaza into full-blown famine, according to UN-verified figures.
