UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that Gaza is and must remain an integral part of a Palestinian State.

"The Secretary-General is gravely alarmed by the decision of the Israeli government to 'take control of Gaza City,'" said a statement issued by Stephanie Tremblay, associate spokesperson for the UN chief.

The decision marks a dangerous escalation and risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians, and could further endanger more lives, including those of the remaining hostages, the statement said.

Palestinians in Gaza continue to endure a humanitarian catastrophe of horrific proportions, and Guterres warns that this further escalation will result in additional forced displacement, killings and massive destruction, it said.

The statement noted that the UN chief reiterated his urgent appeal for a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza, and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Strongly urging the Israeli government to abide by its obligations under international law, Guterres recalled that the International Court of Justice declared in its advisory opinion in 2024 that Israel is under an obligation to cease immediately all new settlement activities, to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which encompasses Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as rapidly as possible, the statement said.

"There will be no sustainable solution to this conflict without an end to this unlawful occupation and the achievement of a viable two-State solution. Gaza is and must remain an integral part of a Palestinian State," it added. ■