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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated his appeal to end the suffering in Gaza, cautioning that civilians still bear the heaviest impact of the conflict despite what he calls a “so-called ceasefire.”
In a post shared on X on Thursday night, Guterres said ordinary Palestinians were still being killed daily as Israel expands its control of the Gaza Strip, while humanitarian operations remain severely constrained.
“Despite the so-called ceasefire in Gaza, civilians continue to pay a heavy price every day,” Guterres wrote.
“People are being killed in their homes, in their communities, and while carrying out ordinary acts of daily life, as Israel increases its control of Gaza.”
The UN chief also painted a grim picture of the humanitarian situation, saying living conditions had become “intolerable” and warning of worsening public health conditions.
Calling for an end to the conflict’s human toll, Guterres concluded: “The prolonged suffering must end.”
The latest remarks add to repeated warnings from the United Nations over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, where aid agencies have reported severe shortages of food, medicine, clean water and fuel, alongside growing concerns about disease outbreaks and the collapse of essential services.
The UN has consistently urged unhindered humanitarian access, the protection of civilians and a lasting ceasefire.
The war in Gaza began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel in 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking hundreds of hostages, according to reports.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza to dismantle Hamas.
The conflict has since devastated much of the territory, displaced most of its population and triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
International efforts have sought to secure ceasefires, facilitate hostage releases and expand humanitarian aid, but fighting and humanitarian concerns have persisted.
Guterres has repeatedly described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as unacceptable, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and ensure the unrestricted delivery of lifesaving assistance.
Despite the so-called ceasefire in Gaza, civilians continue to pay a heavy price every day.
People are being killed in their homes, in their communities, and while carrying out ordinary acts of daily life – as Israel increases its control of Gaza.
Living conditions remain…
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 23, 2026
