UN Chief Says Gaza Operation “Fundamentally Wrong” as Concerns Over War Crimes Grow

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said there was “something fundamentally wrong” with Israel’s military operation in Gaza, arguing that the campaign showed “total neglect” for civilian lives and widespread destruction. Speaking at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York, Guterres emphasized that despite Israel’s stated goal of eliminating Hamas, Gaza has been devastated while the group “is not yet destroyed,” raising questions about the operation’s conduct and effectiveness.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 70,000 people have been killed during the two-year conflict that began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. When asked whether war crimes may have been committed, Guterres said there are “strong reasons to believe” that the possibility “might be a reality.” Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon rejected the criticism, accusing Guterres of consistently condemning Israel while failing to visit the country after the 2023 attacks—though former Foreign Minister Israel Katz had previously barred the U.N. chief from entering.

Despite a fragile truce in place since October 10, Israeli strikes and demolitions have continued, as both sides accuse each other of violating the U.S.-backed agreement. Guterres praised the United States for helping expand humanitarian access in Gaza, where hunger and infrastructure collapse have intensified. The U.N. has reported persistent blockages and insecurity hindering aid delivery, while Israel claims Hamas steals aid—allegations the group denies.

On Ukraine, Guterres warned that negotiations to end Russia’s invasion remain stalled, stressing that any resolution should respect international law and territorial integrity, even if achieving that outcome “will not be easy.” He also commented on strained U.S.–U.N. relations under President Donald Trump, saying the organization must defend its values without unnecessary confrontation.

Guterres also criticized recent U.S. military strikes on vessels near Venezuela, saying they violate international law, while reaffirming that a military approach will not solve the country’s political crisis.