Tokyo: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, following Israel’s announcement of the initial steps of an operation aimed at taking over Gaza City. Guterres emphasized the urgency of reaching a ceasefire to prevent the death and destruction that would result from a military operation against the city.

According to Qatar News Agency, Guterres, speaking from Japan while attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, highlighted the necessity of halting hostilities to avert further humanitarian crises. He also urged Israel to reconsider its decision to expand settlement construction in the West Bank, labeling the settlements as illegal.