(VIDEO & PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres on Wednesday flew by helicopter from Jerusalem to the border with the Gaza Strip. There, he received a briefing from Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon and IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. During the flight, Ambassador Danon explained the security challenges endured by the residents in the South of Israel as a result of the threats emanating from Hamas-controlled Gaza.

“Hamas continues to arm itself in order to harm Israel as it exploits the generous humanitarian aid provided by the international community,” Ambassador Danon told the Secretary General. “Instead of working to ensure a better future for their children, Hamas has turned the residents of Gaza into hostages, and is investing its resources into digging murderous terror tunnels,” the Ambassador continued.

Later on Wednesday, the Secretary General visited a terror tunnel and then met residents of the border communities.

Later today, the Secretary General is expected to visit UN facilities in the Gaza Strip.

Photo Credit: Shlomi Amsalem