UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the situation in Gaza as a “horror show” of unparalleled devastation, warning of mounting civilian suffering and repeated violations of international humanitarian law, including direct attacks on United Nations facilities.

“The cost is staggering – measured in human lives, shattered communities and lost futures,” Guterres said. “We need look no further than the horror show in Gaza – with a level of death and destruction without parallel in recent times.”

With famine looming and aid operations crippled, Guterres decried the denial of safe access to humanitarian agencies. He confirmed that critical UN facilities, including the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the World Health Organization’s main warehouse, have been struck despite all parties being formally notified of their locations.

“These premises are inviolable and must be protected under international humanitarian law – without exception,” he insisted, reiterating the legal obligation of all parties to spare civilian infrastructure and ensure humanitarian space.

The Secretary-General's remarks came as Gaza endures relentless Israeli bombardment and ground operations, displacing hundreds of thousands and destroying already scarce medical and humanitarian infrastructure.

Guterres called on states to honour the principles of the UN Charter and international law. “As conflicts rage and the law is violated with impunity, we must revive the UN’s founding tools—negotiation, mediation, and arbitration—as lifelines for peace,” he said.

Marking the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, Guterres concluded with a plea for global unity and diplomacy. “We must renew our commitment to the multilateral spirit of peace through diplomacy,” he said. “Only then can we end the suffering in Gaza and deliver the peace and security the people of the world need and deserve.”