UN chief expresses worry over reports of Israel employing AI to pinpoint targets in Gaza
United Nations, April 6 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed alarm over the Israeli military’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its recent bombing campaign in Gaza. Reports have revealed that AI technology was utilized to identify targets, particularly in densely populated residential areas, leading to a significant number of civilian casualties.
During a press briefing, Guterres stated, “No part of life-and-death decisions, which impact entire families, should be delegated to the cold calculation of algorithms.” As the conflict between Hamas and Israel approaches six months, the Secretary-General raised concerns about the ethical implications of using AI in warfare.
According to Xinhua news agency, the Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of over 32,000 individuals and injuries to more than 75,000 others, with the majority being women and children. Guterres emphasized that more than one million people in Gaza, comprising over half of the population, are facing severe hunger, leading to fatalities among children due to lack of essential resources.
“Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people,” affirmed the UN chief, condemning the harsh conditions imposed on Gaza residents. The humanitarian crisis in the region has been exacerbated by the military actions, prompting Guterres to call for an end to the violence and a renewed focus on achieving peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
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