United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday that the potential Israeli operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah would lead to "unbearable escalation" in the tensions between Israel and Hamas, as well as its proxies.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media.

"A military assault on Rafah would be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. It would have a devastating impact on Palestinians in Gaza, with serious repercussions on the occupied West Bank and across the wider region," Guterres posted on X, expressing hope for the success of the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

He further urged both parties to reach an agreement for the sake of "the people of Gaza, the hostages and their families, the region and the wider world."