UN Chief's Remarks on Hamas Attacks Spark Israeli Outrage

Israeli officials expressed outrage after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres suggested that the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel was a result of Israel's control of Palestinian territories. Guterres acknowledged the grievances of the Palestinian people but condemned the attacks by Hamas and called for the release of hostages. Israel criticized Guterres's comments, with UN envoy Gilad Erdan calling them "shocking" and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen canceling a meeting with Guterres. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and has launched airstrikes in Gaza, while Hamas has fired rockets at Israel. The conflict has resulted in a high number of civilian casualties and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.