U.N. Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres renewed his appeal August 22, for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, warning that Israel’s latest military offensive to capture Gaza City would bring “massive death and destruction.”

According to reports, Gaza City home to more than one million Palestinians has already suffered days of intense bombardment. Local officials confirmed that thousands of residents are fleeing in desperation as Israeli forces advance, further deepening what humanitarian agencies describe as an already catastrophic crisis.

Vatican News noted that the U.N. chief’s call comes amid growing international alarm over the worsening situation in Gaza. The humanitarian toll is mounting rapidly, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Aid groups continue to stress that without an immediate ceasefire, the scale of suffering will only intensify.

Hamas has denounced the operation, accusing Israel of disregarding ongoing negotiations for a truce and the release of hostages. Meanwhile, several of Israel’s allies have expressed concern over the offensive. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the campaign “can only lead to disaster for both peoples and risks plunging the entire region into a cycle of permanent war.”

As Vatican News reported, the U.N. leader’s urgent appeal is not only a diplomatic plea but also a humanitarian cry, underscoring the desperate need to protect innocent lives and prevent the further collapse of Gaza’s fragile society. Guterres stressed that the violence must stop to allow for meaningful humanitarian access and to open the path toward dialogue.