Overview

• The UN chief calls for an immediate, permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and full humanitarian access while urging a renewed two-state effort.
• He says Gaza’s devastation is the worst he has witnessed and declines to rule on genocide allegations, noting that legal determinations are outside his mandate.
• Warning of a “creeping” annexation in the West Bank, he urges Israel to change course and recognize Palestinian statehood to reduce the risk of wider instability.
• As Israel’s new ground assault pushes residents to move south, many Palestinians report they cannot safely or affordably relocate.
• Ahead of high‑level UN meetings, reports say about ten countries plan to recognize Palestine despite Israeli warnings, and Guterres says the UN is cutting costs under “UN80” as aid funding dries up.