UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the large-scale, unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, warning that Palestinians continue to endure intolerable conditions.

In a statement issued Monday evening, Guterres said the continuing hostilities had caused “unspeakable suffering” among Palestinians in Gaza, stressing that civilians were living under harsh and unbearable conditions.

“The suffering of the Palestinian people must end,” Guterres said, urging all parties to take immediate steps to protect civilians and address the humanitarian crisis.

Citing data from UN agencies, the secretary-general said Israeli attacks had killed more than 74,000 Palestinians, including around 20,000 children, and wounded more than 100,000 others.

He said Gaza’s entire population of approximately 2.1 million people had been displaced during the conflict, while vast areas of the territory had been destroyed.

Guterres noted that the ceasefire that began in October 2025 had helped reduce some of the suffering in Gaza but had not yet delivered lasting security, sufficient humanitarian assistance or a credible path toward recovery and peace.

He called on all parties to fully meet their obligations under the ceasefire agreement and to move forward with its next phase in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

The UN chief also stressed the need for sustained humanitarian access, saying aid must be allowed to reach civilians on a large scale and without obstruction.

Guterres has repeatedly called for an end to the violence in Gaza, the protection of civilians and the establishment of conditions that would allow humanitarian agencies to respond effectively to the territory’s immense needs.

He said the ultimate objective should be a lasting cessation of hostilities and a credible political process capable of delivering durable peace and recovery for Palestinians and Israelis. (ILKHA)