CAIRO, Egypt - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of the 'alarming situation' unfolding in the West Bank, and says the resumption of hostilities in Gaza must be avoided at all costs.

Guterres was addressing an Extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo, convened by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, to discuss the reconstruction and future of the Gaza Strip.

"Since the horrific attacks by Hamas in Israel on October 7, the ensuing Israeli military operations have unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction in Gaza, generating an immense trauma," the UN chief told the summit on Tuesday.

"Palestinians in Gaza have suffered beyond measure. And the risk of even greater devastation looms"

"This Summit is an important signal that the world has a collective responsibility to support efforts to end this war, relieve profound human suffering and secure lasting peace," he said.

"I urge the parties to uphold their commitments and implement them in full, and Member States to use all the leverage they have to support this, especially as we start the Holy Month of Ramadan."

"We must avoid at all costs the resumption of hostilities that would plunge the millions back into an abyss of suffering and further destabilize the region. And simultaneously, the territorial integrity of Lebanon and Syria must be respected.," the UN chief said

"Serious negotiations for the ceasefire in all its facets must be resumed without delay."

"All hostages must be released — immediately, unconditionally and in a dignified manner," Guterres said

"The release of Palestinian detainees must be carried out per the terms of the deal and also in a dignified way."

Commenting on Israel's blocking of all humanitarian aid from this week in response to Hamas not agreeing to extend the first phase of the ceasefire negotiations, the UN secretary-general said: "Humanitarian aid is not negotiable. It must flow without impediment. The response needs to be adequately funded, and civilians, including humanitarians, must be protected."

The top United Nations official also addressed the way forward. "Ending the immediate crisis is not enough," he said. "We need a clear political framework that lays the foundation for Gaza's recovery, reconstruction and lasting stability." 

"That framework must be based on principles and respect for international law," he said.

"Israel's legitimate security concerns must be addressed, but that should not be through a long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza."

The UN chief also turned his attention to the West Bank.

"Finally, as we widen the lens beyond Gaza, we see an alarming situation unfolding in the West Bank," he said.

"Israeli security forces have launched large-scale operations, including airstrikes and also the deployment of tanks for the first time in over two decades."

"Over 40,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced in the last month, the largest displacement in the West Bank in decades," Guterres said.

"Meanwhile, demolitions, evictions and settlement expansions continue, with settler violence is on the rise."

"All of this is further weakening the Palestinian Authority at a time when its role is more crucial than ever," the UN chief said as he called for "urgent de-escalation."

"Unilateral actions, including settlement expansion and threats of annexation, must stop," the UN chief said. "The attacks and mounting violence must end."

Summary of UN secretary-general's address to summit:

• Ceasefire and Hostage Releases: Guterres acknowledged the recent ceasefire and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas as positive developments, emphasizing the need for all parties to uphold their commitments, especially with the onset of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

• Humanitarian Aid: He stressed the importance of unobstructed humanitarian assistance to Gaza, noting that aid is non-negotiable and must flow without impediment.

• Gaza Reconstruction: The Secretary-General called for a clear political framework for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction, based on international law, and cautioned against a prolonged Israeli military presence in the enclave.

• West Bank Concerns: Guterres expressed alarm over the situation in the West Bank, highlighting large-scale Israeli operations, significant Palestinian displacement, and the weakening of the Palestinian Authority. He called for urgent de-escalation and an end to unilateral actions, including settlement expansions.

• Two-State Solution: Reaffirming the UN's stance, Guterres advocated for irreversible steps toward a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

The summit also discussed Egypt's $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming for completion by 2030, which includes clearing unexploded ordnance, building temporary housing, recycling rubble, and developing sustainable urban areas with facilities like an airport and commercial port.