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Guterres condemns Ben Gvir’s remarks as ‘inhumane’

Cyprus Mail · 2026-08-19

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's remarks advocating for the killing of “30 or 40” people in Gaza each night, labeling them as “inhumane and dangerous.” • Why it matters: Guterres' strong condemnation highlights the potential for increased violence and humanitarian crises in the already volatile Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising concerns among international observers and human rights organizations. • What to watch next: The international community will be monitoring the situation closely for any escalation in violence and the response from both Israeli authorities and Palestinian groups, as well as any diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.

**Guterres Condemns Ben Gvir’s Remarks as ‘Inhumane’**

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly criticized recent statements made by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who suggested that Israel should kill “30 or 40” individuals in Gaza each night. Guterres described these remarks as “inhumane and dangerous,” highlighting the potential consequences of such rhetoric in an already volatile region.

The condemnation was articulated by Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, during a press briefing on Wednesday. Dujarric emphasized the severity of the comments, labeling them as “abhorrent” and “scandalous.” He conveyed the UN chief’s concerns over the implications of advocating violence and the impact it could have on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Ben Gvir, a far-right politician known for his hardline stance towards Palestinians, made these remarks during an interview on a local podcast. His history of advocating aggressive measures against Palestinians has raised alarms among various international observers and human rights organizations, who fear that such statements could incite further violence in the region.

The UN has consistently called for restraint and dialogue as a means to resolve the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Guterres’ condemnation reflects a broader concern within the international community regarding the escalation of hostilities and the humanitarian impact on civilians in Gaza.

As tensions continue to rise, the UN Secretary-General's remarks serve as a reminder of the urgent need for diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region. The international community is watching closely as the situation develops, hoping for a de-escalation of violence and a renewed commitment to negotiations.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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