United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned Israel’s latest airstrikes on Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages. His statement comes in response to renewed Israeli attacks on Monday, which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, have resulted in over 400 deaths.
“I am outraged by the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza,” Guterres stated. “I strongly appeal for the ceasefire to be respected, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be re-established, and for the remaining hostages to be released unconditionally.”
Israel resumed its military operations after talks to extend the previous ceasefire failed. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have defended the strikes, stating they are necessary in response to Hamas’s refusal to release hostages and rejection of ceasefire extension proposals. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared that Israel will now “act against Hamas with increasing military strength.”
The ceasefire, which ended on March 1, 2025, had initially facilitated the release of 33 hostages by Hamas in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Israel had allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza during this period. However, the second phase of negotiations—aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces—collapsed, leading to renewed hostilities.
Israel claims that at least 59 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an advocacy group, has accused the Israeli government of deception, arguing that a viable deal to bring all captives home was abandoned.
Hamas, on the other hand, has blamed Israel for violating the ceasefire and targeting defenseless civilians. The group insists that mediators should hold Israel “fully responsible” for the resumption of violence.
The ongoing hostilities have worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where residents face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The UN has called for unrestricted humanitarian aid access, but with violence escalating, the prospect of a renewed ceasefire remains uncertain.
