Israel’s war with Hamas has left the Middle East on the “verge of the abyss” as Benjamin Netanyahu prepares troops for a “fateful hour”.
Growing instability in the region forced United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres to issue urgent appeals to both Israel and Hamas.
He said: “The nation is united towards one goal, victory. We will triumph because it’s about our very existence in this region, which is fraught with dark forces. Hamas is part of the evil axis of Iran and Hezbollah. They aim to plunge the Middle East into an abyss of chaos
"Now, many around the world understand who Israel is facing. They comprehend that Hamas represents a new version of Nazism. Just as the world united to defeat the Nazis and ISIS, so it must unite to defeat Hamas
"We are committed to all the families. We will not relent in our efforts to bring our brothers and sisters back.
Guterres added: “To Hamas, the hostages must be released immediately without conditions.
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“To Israel, rapid and unimpeded aid must be granted for humanitarian supplies and workers for the sake of the civilians in Gaza.”
Israel this morning revealed the families of 199 people have been notified that their loved ones are being held hostage in the Gaza Strip by the terrorist organisation.
The figure was revised up from the initial 150 estimate after officials confirmed the identities of a number of bodies found at Hamas attack sites in southern Israel.
Israel's military also confirmed they were planning to evacuate civilians who live in towns up to two kilometers from the Lebanese border following repeated rocket and missile attacks by Hezbollah and allied Palestinian factions.
Netanyahu responded to Hamas' attack by cutting off electricity, food and water to Gaza.
The decision, which was followed by an evacuation order, was condemned by the UN last week.
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Soldiers of Israeli army patrol in Kfar Aza settlement of southern Israel near Gaza border
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The group said: “We condemn the withholding of essential supplies such as food, water, electricity and medicines.
“Such actions will precipitate a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where its population is now at inescapable risk of starvation. Intentional starvation is a crime against humanity.”
However, instability in the Middle East is expected to continue as Netanyahu prepares troops for an attack against Gaza.
Nearly 400,000 troops have now been preparing for battle in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Downing StreetPAIsrael’s Prime Minister said: “They are ready to take action to defeat the bloodthirsty monsters who have risen against us to destroy us.
“Hamas thought that we would come apart – we will demolish Hamas.”
US President Joe Biden warned "it would be a mistake for Israel to occupy Gaza again".
However, he also claimed it was a "necessary requirement" to remove "extremists".
Biden reaffirmed his commitment to a two-state solution, adding: “There needs to be a Palestinian authority, there needs to be a path to a Palestinian state.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to members of the media before leaving Cairo
REUTERS
American involvement in the conflict is expected to help lead to a ceasefire in southern Gaza as the Rafah border crossing is reopened.
Sources in Cairo suggested a deal had been brokered to facilitate further evacuations in exchange for humanitarian aid.
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi yesterday, also said: “Rafah will be reopened. We’re putting in place with the United Nations, with Egypt, with Israel, with others, a mechanism by which to get the assistance in and to get it to people who need it.”
However, details of any ceasefire have been minimal and Netanyahu appeared to pour damp water on any prospect.
In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister's office said: "There is currently no truce and humanitarian aid in Gaza in exchange for getting foreigners out."
It comes as the president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Rishi Sunak during a call on Monday that western countries should refrain from 'provocative steps'.
Erdoğan told Sunak that western powers must "remember the unkept promises to Palestine and do what is necessary".
