UN chief says Gaza killing could require independent investigation

[March 01, 2024]  (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday said the killing of over 100 people seeking humanitarian aid in Gaza was a situation that would require an effective independent investigation.

Speaking in St. Vincent and the Grenadines ahead of a regional summit, Guterres said he was "shocked" by the latest episode in the war with Israel, in which Palestinian authorities say over 30,000 civilians have been killed since Oct. 7.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks during a stake out at the Human Rights Council at the U.N. in Geneva, Switzerland, February 26, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

Responding to questions on the failure of a recent Security Council resolution seeking a ceasefire, Guterres said worsening geopolitical divides have "transformed the veto power into an effective instrument of paralysis of the action of the Security Council."

"I am totally convinced that we need a humanitarian ceasefire and we need the unconditional and immediate release of hostages and that we should have a Security Council able to achieve these objectives," Guterres said.

(Reporting by Robertson S. Henry in Kingstown; Editing by Sandra Maler)

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