Gaza crisis dominates UN as world leaders warn of regional fallout, demand ceasefire

The worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza reverberated through the chambers of the United Nations, as Secretary-General António Guterres and leaders from across the Arab world pressed for urgent international action to end the bloodshed and restore stability in the region.

Briefing the Security Council on Tuesday, Guterres described the conflict as “one of the darkest chapters of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” nearly two years after Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel killed more than 1,200 civilians, including foreign nationals, and led to over 250 hostages being taken. Israel’s subsequent military response, he said, has left Gaza in ruins.

According to UN estimates, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed and tens of thousands injured, while about 1.9 million people — nearly 90 percent of the population — have been displaced, many of them multiple times. “Violence and instability are spreading beyond Gaza, threatening to engulf the region,” the Secretary-General warned, while calling for renewed commitment to diplomacy and a two-State solution.

Qatar Condemns Israeli Strike, Warns of Regional Consequences

Taking the General Assembly floor, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sharply criticized a recent Israeli strike in Doha that allegedly targeted a Hamas negotiating team, calling it a violation of Qatari sovereignty and “an act of state terrorism.”

He warned that such actions “undermine any diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the genocide against the people in Gaza,” and stressed the need for coordinated mediation with Egypt and the United States to secure a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the release of hostages. “The international community must uphold UN legitimacy and collective security,” Sheikh Tamim urged.

Jordan Calls Gaza ‘Darkest Moment in UN’s History’

Jordan’s King Abdullah II echoed the urgency, telling world leaders that the conflict represents “one of the darkest moments in this institution’s history.”

He said Palestinians continue to be denied their rights and dignity “yet again,” and demanded a permanent ceasefire coupled with robust humanitarian aid. “Condemnations alone are not enough. The world must act,” King Abdullah said.

Lebanon Seeks Political Track, Two-State Solution

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun underscored that the crisis “cannot be viewed in isolation,” urging a revival of political efforts anchored in international legitimacy and the two-State solution.

“It is our moral, human and political obligation to call for an immediate end to the devastation taking place in Gaza,” Aoun told the Assembly. He pointed out that 142 nations had already endorsed the New York Declaration calling for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue.

Guterres Warns Against Missing ‘Fragile Moment’

Back at the Security Council, Guterres noted “a glimmer of hope” with the resumption of a high-level conference on a two-State solution and recent moves by countries including France and the United Kingdom to recognize Palestinian statehood.

“We cannot let this fragile moment slip away,” the UN chief emphasized, stressing that only diplomacy, adherence to international law, and respect for human dignity could pave the way toward a just and lasting peace.