UN Labels Israeli Gaza Attacks Ethnic Cleansing Amid Rising Death Toll

Amid escalating Israeli military operations in Gaza, the Arab League held a summit in Baghdad, condemning the Israeli offensive as a “genocidal war” and urging an immediate ceasefire and international intervention. Palestinian health authorities reported at least 146 deaths in Gaza over 24 hours, with UN officials, including Secretary-General António Guterres and Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, describing the intensified Israeli attacks and blockade as tantamount to ethnic cleansing. Türk emphasized the catastrophic humanitarian crisis, highlighting strikes on hospitals and denial of aid, and rejected alternative aid plans backed by the US and Israel, asserting the UN already has a credible delivery framework ready. Seven European nations demanded Israel lift its blockade and end what they called ongoing genocide against Palestinians. The summit and UN leaders called for a permanent ceasefire, stressing the urgency of humanitarian access and political efforts for peace, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi urged US President Donald Trump to pressure for a ceasefire and support an independent Palestinian state as a path to lasting peace.