People inspect the damage following Israeli bombardment in Rafah on the southern Gaza Strip on Dec 29, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and Hamas. (PHOTO / AFP)

UNITED NATIONS/GAZA – The UN secretary-general on Friday expressed grave concern about the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

"As the hostilities between Israel and Hamas and other groups in Gaza intensify, the secretary-general remains gravely concerned about the further spillover of this conflict, which could have devastating consequences for the entire region,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Antonio Guterres.

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The UN chief emphasized the increasing risk of a wider regional conflagration, cautioning that the longer the conflict in Gaza continues, the greater the chance of escalation and miscalculation by multiple actors.

The daily exchanges of fire across the Blue Line risk triggering a broader escalation between Israel and Lebanon and affecting regional stability.

Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General

The escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, including intensified Israeli security forces operations, high numbers of fatalities, settler violence, and attacks on Israelis by Palestinians, was described as "extremely alarming."

"The daily exchanges of fire across the Blue Line risk triggering a broader escalation between Israel and Lebanon and affecting regional stability," warned Guterres.

Furthermore, the secretary-general expressed growing concern about the spillover effects of continuing attacks by armed groups in Iraq and Syria, as well as Houthi attacks against vessels in the Red Sea, which have escalated in recent days.

In response to these concerning developments, he urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and take urgent steps to de-escalate tensions in the region.

He also called upon the international community to utilize their influence to prevent a further escalation of the situation.

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"The secretary-general reiterates his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," said Dujarric.

A picture taken from a position in southern Israel along the border with the Gaza Strip on Dec 29, 2023 shows an Israeli military helicopter firing a missile towards Gaza amid continuing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas. (PHOTO / AFP)

Meanwhile, Qatar has proposed a new deal to end Israel's offensive on the Gaza Strip and formulated a Palestinian consensus government that did not directly involve the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), a Palestinian source said on Friday.

Qatar suggests a permanent ceasefire to pave the way for an extensive prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said Doha has presented the proposal to Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and influential Arab and international entities on the Palestinian issue.

In the proposal, Qatar suggests a permanent ceasefire to pave the way for an extensive prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel to resolve the issue of hostages held in Gaza, the source said.

The proposal seeks to provide guarantees against the recurrence of Oct 7 when Hamas launched a surprising attack on southern Israel, and aims at securing a sustainable ceasefire, it added.

So far, Israel has not made any official response to the proposal, the source added.

Meanwhile, Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi said the group is open to all initiatives and efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Dec 29, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Any talk not based on a permanent ceasefire or a halt to displace Gaza residents is not suitable and cannot be discussed, he said, reiterating that ending the aggression on Gaza and ensuring a complete ceasefire is the premise of negotiations regarding other issues, including a prisoner exchange plan.

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So far, the basic Palestinian demands for a permanent ceasefire to resume negotiations have not been met, but communications are ongoing with all parties, especially with Egypt and Qatar, said Mardawi.