New York, Apr. 8, (dpa/GNA) – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep alarm over renewed violence in the Gaza Strip and warned of a further escalation in the Middle East, particularly in the occupied West Bank.

The risk of the occupied West Bank transforming into another Gaza makes it even worse,” Guterres said on Tuesday in New York.

He urged Israel and the international community to respect international law: “We must stick to our core principles. Member States of the United Nations must adhere to their obligations under international law. And there must be justice and accountability when they do not.”

Referring to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Guterres said: “The world may be running out of words to describe the situation in Gaza, but we will never run away from the truth.”

“The current path is a dead end – totally intolerable in the eyes of international law and history.”

“It is time to end the dehumanization, protect civilians, release the hostages, ensure lifesaving aid, and renew the ceasefire.”

GNA

PDC