As fighting escalates in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has declared the region a "killing field," highlighting the dire humanitarian conditions as Israel tightens its blockade. UN agencies demand urgent global intervention to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians, amidst claims from Israel of no aid shortage in the territory.
Gaza Faces Humanitarian Crisis Amid Renewed Conflict, Says UN Chief
Gaza Faces Humanitarian Crisis Amid Renewed Conflict, Says UN Chief
UN Secretary-General calls Gaza a "killing field" as international agencies press for immediate humanitarian action against Israel's blockade.
In the article text:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the Gaza Strip as a "killing field," warning that civilians are facing a relentless cycle of death. His remarks were prompted by a recent blockade imposed by Israel, which has halted all goods from entering Gaza for over a month. Guterres noted that "aid has dried up" as the conflict against Hamas escalates. In a joint statement, the heads of six UN agencies have urged world leaders to act swiftly to enable critical food and medical supplies to reach Palestinians.
Israel's foreign ministry has countered Guterres's statements, arguing that there is no shortage of aid, claiming more than 25,000 trucks have entered the Strip during the previous ceasefire. However, Guterres emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, has international legal obligations to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. He criticized the current situation, stating, "The current path is a dead end – totally intolerable in the eyes of international law and history."
According to the UN statement, Gazans have been repeatedly “trapped, bombed, and starved.” As the blockade continues, health facilities struggle with depleted medical supplies, and bakeries remain shut. Markets are reportedly void of fresh produce, and the health system in Gaza is under extreme strain.
Following an uptick in hostilities, the Gaza health ministry reported a spike in casualties with over 58 individuals losing their lives in a single day. The latest wave of violence includes fatal strikes in areas such as Deir al-Balah and Beit Lahia, bringing further despair to a region already reeling from the aftermath of a brutal conflict that began with Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023.
The UN has called for urgent action, urging leaders worldwide to uphold the principles of international humanitarian law, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid. As calls for humanitarian relief grow louder, the situation in Gaza remains precarious with the international community watching closely.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the Gaza Strip as a "killing field," warning that civilians are facing a relentless cycle of death. His remarks were prompted by a recent blockade imposed by Israel, which has halted all goods from entering Gaza for over a month. Guterres noted that "aid has dried up" as the conflict against Hamas escalates. In a joint statement, the heads of six UN agencies have urged world leaders to act swiftly to enable critical food and medical supplies to reach Palestinians.
Israel's foreign ministry has countered Guterres's statements, arguing that there is no shortage of aid, claiming more than 25,000 trucks have entered the Strip during the previous ceasefire. However, Guterres emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, has international legal obligations to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. He criticized the current situation, stating, "The current path is a dead end – totally intolerable in the eyes of international law and history."
According to the UN statement, Gazans have been repeatedly “trapped, bombed, and starved.” As the blockade continues, health facilities struggle with depleted medical supplies, and bakeries remain shut. Markets are reportedly void of fresh produce, and the health system in Gaza is under extreme strain.
Following an uptick in hostilities, the Gaza health ministry reported a spike in casualties with over 58 individuals losing their lives in a single day. The latest wave of violence includes fatal strikes in areas such as Deir al-Balah and Beit Lahia, bringing further despair to a region already reeling from the aftermath of a brutal conflict that began with Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023.
The UN has called for urgent action, urging leaders worldwide to uphold the principles of international humanitarian law, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid. As calls for humanitarian relief grow louder, the situation in Gaza remains precarious with the international community watching closely.
