Tue Mar 18 16:57:20 UTC 2025: ## UN Condemns Renewed Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza, Hundreds Killed
**Geneva, March 18, 2025** – The United Nations has strongly condemned the renewed Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 413 Palestinians. The attacks, the most intense since a January ceasefire, prompted widespread international outrage.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed shock at the violence, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and the unconditional release of remaining hostages. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini described the resumption of fighting as fueling “hell on Earth,” highlighting the horrific scenes of civilian casualties, including children.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the strikes as a war crime, citing Israel’s transfer of its own civilians into occupied territory. He stressed that a political settlement, not military action, is the only path to resolving the conflict and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees.
The Israeli government vowed to continue its offensive until all hostages are returned. Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of restarting the war after a deadlock in truce negotiations. The initial ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, took effect on January 19th, but efforts to secure a lasting peace have failed. The escalating violence raises serious concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the prospects for a lasting peace.
First Piper 