India, Aug. 9 -- United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres on Friday condemned Israel's decision to control Gaza City, a decision cleared by the country's security cabinet in a meeting late Thursday night.

According to a statement issued through the secretary general's spokesperson, the fresh Israeli action "risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians, and could further endanger more lives, including those of the remaining hostages".

Associate spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay added that Guterres has also warned that an Israeli offensive will result in additional forced displacement, killings and massive destruction, "compounding the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaz...