In a profound critique of Israel's blockade on Gaza, U.N. Secretary General António Guterres has drawn attention to the dire humanitarian situation, stating that civilians are caught in a relentless death cycle.
Guterres Criticizes Israel's Gaza Aid Blockade Amid Growing Desperation
Guterres Criticizes Israel's Gaza Aid Blockade Amid Growing Desperation
U.N. Secretary General denounces Israel's actions as a violation of international law, igniting global debate.
The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has expressed severe criticism of Israel's renewed blockade of aid to Gaza, referring to it as a breach of international law that has led to an escalation of humanitarian crises in the region. Speaking to journalists at UN headquarters in New York, he condemned the blockade as having "opened the floodgates of horror" for Palestinians since the collapse of a temporary cease-fire.
Guterres declared that for over a month, Gaza has received no humanitarian aid, emphasizing that the situation has devolved into a "killing field." He highlighted the absence of essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine and conveyed mounting frustration from U.N. officials regarding the ineffectiveness of the international community in curtailing Israel's military actions in Gaza, questioning the role of Israel's traditional ally, the United States.
Israel's government swiftly rejected Guterres's claims, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein asserting that the blockade is unfounded, claiming that over 25,000 aid trucks entered Gaza during the preceding cease-fire period. He accused Hamas of misappropriating humanitarian supplies to strengthen its military capabilities, calling for accountability from Hamas for the ongoing conflict.
As an occupier in Gaza, Guterres insisted that Israel bears responsibility under the Geneva Conventions for ensuring the delivery of necessary medical and food aid as well as maintaining essential services, which intensifies the urgency for action as the humanitarian disaster unfolds.
Guterres declared that for over a month, Gaza has received no humanitarian aid, emphasizing that the situation has devolved into a "killing field." He highlighted the absence of essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine and conveyed mounting frustration from U.N. officials regarding the ineffectiveness of the international community in curtailing Israel's military actions in Gaza, questioning the role of Israel's traditional ally, the United States.
Israel's government swiftly rejected Guterres's claims, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein asserting that the blockade is unfounded, claiming that over 25,000 aid trucks entered Gaza during the preceding cease-fire period. He accused Hamas of misappropriating humanitarian supplies to strengthen its military capabilities, calling for accountability from Hamas for the ongoing conflict.
As an occupier in Gaza, Guterres insisted that Israel bears responsibility under the Geneva Conventions for ensuring the delivery of necessary medical and food aid as well as maintaining essential services, which intensifies the urgency for action as the humanitarian disaster unfolds.
