United Nations chief António Guterres emphasized that “the levels of death and destruction in Gaza are without parallel in recent times.”

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Guterres said, “famine is no longer a looming possibility - it is a present-day catastrophe," and he reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel is on the brink of launching another major offensive, this time in famine-stricken Gaza City and other heavily populated areas.

Guterres highlighted that people are dying from hunger, even as Gaza’s food, water, and healthcare systems have been systematically dismantled.

"We have seen yet more unconscionable Israeli strikes – including earlier this week at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis," Guterres stated.

"These attacks are part of an endless catalogue of horrors. There must be accountability."

"The levels of death and destruction in Gaza are without parallel in recent times."

The international community, along with nearly all Palestinians and many Israelis, wanted the war to end a long time ago — and a ceasefire seemed possible as recently as last month.

So why is the conflict poised to become even bloodier, nearly two years after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack? Critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuse him of prolonging the war for political reasons.

Netanyahu blames Hamas, which still holds around 20 living hostages, and says criticism of Israel's wartime conduct is only making the militant group more intransigent.