Guterres Calls Death, Destruction in Gaza The Worst He’s Seen

On Monday, the U.N. chief revealed that the United Nations has offered to monitor any ceasefire in Gaza and demanded an end to the worst death and destruction he has seen in his more than seven-year tenure.

Speaking to The Associated Press (AP), Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed that it seems unrealistic for the U.N. to play a role in Gaza's future, such as administering the territory or providing a peacekeeping force, because Israel is unlikely to accept a U.N. role. However, he emphasized that "the U.N. will be available to support any cease-fire."

The United Nations has maintained a military monitoring mission in the Middle East, known as UNTSO, since 1948. Guterres expressed that the U.N. is prepared to support any initiative that the international community may request. 

However, the crucial question remains whether the involved parties, particularly Israel, would consent to these efforts. Israel's military offensive in Gaza, which began in response to attacks by Hamas in southern Israel on Oct. 7, has lasted for 11 months. Despite recent cease-fire negotiations, no breakthrough has been reached, and violence in the West Bank has escalated.