What's happened
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza, citing potential war crimes and flawed conduct. He highlighted ongoing violations of a fragile ceasefire, praised US aid efforts, and called for a reassessment of strategies amid rising civilian casualties and destruction. The story is current as of December 7, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Guterres' critique exposes a fundamental flaw in Israel's military strategy in Gaza, where destruction has outpaced the goal of eradicating Hamas. His suggestion that war crimes may have been committed will likely intensify international pressure on Israel and its allies. The UN's condemnation, coupled with US praise for aid efforts, underscores a growing divide: while some nations seek accountability, others prioritize strategic alliances and arms sales. This divergence risks undermining the rules-based international order, as powerful states selectively enforce international law based on geopolitical interests. The ongoing violations of the ceasefire and the potential for further war crimes suggest that the conflict will persist, with no clear resolution in sight. The international community faces a critical choice: uphold legal standards or accept a double standard that favors certain actors, which could erode global trust in justice mechanisms and fuel further instability.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that Guterres criticized Israel's conduct, calling it 'fundamentally wrong' and suggesting war crimes may have occurred, amid ongoing violations of the Gaza ceasefire. The UN Secretary-General also praised US efforts in facilitating aid access, despite restrictions by Israel. Reuters highlights Guterres' belief that the conflict remains unresolved and his concerns over the conduct of Israeli military operations, which he says have caused disproportionate civilian harm. The same agency notes Israel's accusations of bias against Guterres, with Israel's UN ambassador criticizing him for condemning Israel and not visiting the country. The New Arab emphasizes Guterres' assertion that the operation's conduct was flawed and that there are strong reasons to believe war crimes have been committed, amid continued Israeli strikes and demolitions. These contrasting perspectives reflect the deep international divide over accountability and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
How we got here
The conflict in Gaza escalated after Israel launched a military operation in response to Hamas attacks, leading to over 70,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction. The UN has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and investigations into possible war crimes, while Western countries continue arms transfers despite allegations of violations. Guterres has criticized the conduct of the operation and the international response, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved aid access.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Are the UN's Concerns About Gaza Military Tactics?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has drawn international attention, especially regarding the tactics used by military forces. The UN has expressed serious concerns about civilian casualties and potential war crimes, raising questions about the legality and morality of current military operations. As the situation develops, many are wondering what the international community is doing to respond and how these tactics might impact future peace efforts. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding Gaza's military tactics and the global response.
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What Are the Latest International Reactions to the Gaza Conflict?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has drawn widespread international attention and concern. Leaders and organizations worldwide are responding with criticism, aid efforts, and calls for peace. If you're wondering how global powers are reacting, what the consequences might be, and how civilians are affected, this page provides clear answers to your most pressing questions about the current situation in Gaza.
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Why Did Guterres Criticize Israel's Gaza Military Operations?
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has recently voiced strong criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza, raising concerns about potential war crimes and the conduct of the ongoing conflict. Many are wondering what prompted these remarks, what the implications are, and how the international community is responding. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Guterres' criticism and the current situation in Gaza.
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What Are World Leaders Saying About the Gaza Conflict?
The Gaza conflict has sparked widespread international reactions, with world leaders voicing their concerns, condemnations, and calls for action. Understanding what global leaders are saying helps clarify the current diplomatic landscape and the potential for future peace efforts. Below, we explore the key statements from prominent figures and what they mean for the ongoing crisis.
More on these topics
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.