UN chief says it’s ‘clear’ neither side of Gaza war are interested in ceasefire

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Sunday that it was “clear” neither side of the grinding war in Gaza was interested in a halt to fighting.

“It is for me clear that both sides are not interested in a ceasefire. And that is a tragedy, because this is a war that must stop,” Guterres told US broadcaster CNN, adding that “neither the government of Israel nor Hamas really want the ceasefire.”

Guterres also warned of the risk of transforming Lebanon into “another Gaza,” as hostilities flare between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Hezbollah fighters have traded cross-border fire with Israel for nearly a year in stated support of Palestinian ally Hamas, whose October 7 attack on Israel triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.

But the exchanges have escalated in recent weeks, as Israel turns its attention to its northern border after significantly weakening Hamas.

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Israel on Friday struck the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, killing at least 16 Hezbollah members, including a senior commander. Lebanon’s health ministry put the death toll at 45 including civilians.

Raising fears of all-out war, Israel and Hezbollah traded heavy fire over the weekend.

Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said Sunday his group was in a “new phase” in its battle against Israel, vowing an open confrontation.

With AFP