United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, warning that an Israeli operation to seize Gaza City would bring "death and destruction" to civilians. Speaking from Japan at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, he said: "It is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza … to avoid the death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause."
Guterres also condemned a decision by Israel's Higher Planning Committee to approve 3,753 housing units in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, with 3,401 units cleared for final approval. According to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, "Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are a violation of international law and run directly counter to UN resolutions."
The E1 project aims to link Maale Adumim settlements into a contiguous stretch, severing the northern and southern West Bank and isolating East Jerusalem. Analysts warn that this move could fracture the territorial contiguity of the occupied Palestinian Territory and deal a severe blow to the two-State solution.
With roughly 3.2 million residents in the West Bank, such expansion could disrupt daily life for hundreds of thousands, hindering access to basic services and mobility. Observers say this may fuel further unrest at a time when Gaza faces escalating humanitarian challenges.
Global leaders and human rights advocates are urging renewed diplomatic efforts, calling on all parties to de-escalate tensions, prioritize civilian protection, and recommit to international law as the only path toward lasting peace.
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UN chief urges ceasefire in Gaza, condemns new West Bank settlements
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