UN Chief Feels Deeply Distressed by Israel's Plan for Gaza Siege

Gaza – The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday stated that he was deeply distressed by the decision of Israel to impose a complete siege on the Gaza Strip over the weekend. 

"I feel deeply distressed by Israel's announcement today that it will begin a total siege of the Gaza Strip, with no one allowed in – no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel, it's all closed," Guterres said.

Israel has vowed to lay total siege to the Gaza Strip on Monday, as its military scoured the country’s south for militants, guarded breaches in its border fence and pounded the impoverished, Hamas-ruled territory in the wake of an unprecedented weekend incursion.

More than two days after Hamas launched its surprise attack, the military said the fighting had largely died down for now. 

Israel's vaunted military and intelligence apparatus was caught completely off guard, bringing heavy battles to its streets for the first time in decades. 

"The humanitarian situation in Gaza was extremely dire before these hostilities. Now it will only deteriorate exponentially," Guterres expressed. 

The United Nations will continue efforts to provide aid to respond to needs in Gaza, Guterres said.

"Israel must see its legitimate needs for security materialized – and Palestinians must see a clear perspective for the establishment of their own state realized," Guterres continued. 

As information, Hamas attacks have killed 800 Israelis and injured more than 2,500 others, while Palestinians have been killed and more than 3,000 injured by Israeli airstrikes.