New York, August 8 (QNA) - UN Secretary-General António Guterres today called for a halt to the Israeli plan to reoccupy the Gaza Strip, expressing his grave concern over its security and humanitarian repercussions. In a statement, Stephane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stressed that this decision represents a dangerous escalation that risks deepening the already disastrous consequences for millions of Palestinians, indicating that it could further endanger more lives, including those of the remaining hostages. He warned that Palestinians in Gaza continue to endure a humanitarian catastrophe of horrific proportions, warning that this further escalation will lead to further forced displacement, killing, and massive destruction, compounding the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in the Strip. He also reiterated the Secretary-General's urgent appeal for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance throughout the Strip. He called on the occupying government to abide by its obligations under international law, recalling that the International Court of Justice, in its advisory opinion issued on 19 July 2024, stated, inter alia, that "Israel is under an obligation to cease all new settlement activities immediately, evacuate all settlers from the occupied Palestinian territories, and end its illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, comprising Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as soon as possible." He stressed that there can be no sustainable solution to this conflict without ending this illegal occupation and achieving a viable two-state solution, stating that "Gaza was and must remain an integral part of a Palestinian State." Earlier Friday, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a plan to reoccupy the Gaza Strip, expand military control over it, and displace its approximately 2.4 million residents, amid widespread international condemnation and rejection of this operation. (QNA)