In this file photo, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres delivers a speech. AFP
Speaking on the second anniversary of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, Antonio Guterres decried a "humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defies comprehension".
"End the suffering for all... Put an end to the hostilities in Gaza, Israel and the region now. Stop making civilians pay with their lives and their futures," he said in a statement.
"After two years of trauma, we must choose hope. Now."
His comments came as the world marked two years since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza
Israel's war on Gaza by air, land and sea has killed at least 67,160 people, mostly women and children.
Israel's blockade on the strip has resulted in widespread in famine in the strip killing at least 411 people, 108 children, and placed another 51.2 thousand Palestinian children in treatment for severe malnutrition.
The UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel also found that "Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip."
With global pressure mounting to end the war in Gaza, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point plan calling for a ceasefire, a release of all the hostages, Hamas's disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The UN secretary-general hailed the proposal as "an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end".
"A permanent ceasefire and a credible political process are essential to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for peace," Guterres said.
"International law must be respected."
*This story was edited by Ahram Online
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