UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged for more humanitarian aid into Gaza and for safety and security mitigation measures for delivery as the entire population, more than two million people, is at risk of famine.
Palestinians in the enclave are enduring what may be the cruelest phase of this cruel conflict. For nearly 80 days, Israel blocked the entry of life-saving international aid, Guterres noted.
Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to treat civilians humanely, with respect for their inherent dignity. It must not forcibly transport, deport or displace the civilian population of an occupied territory. And as the occupying power, it must agree to allow and facilitate the much-need aid, he said.
Under mounting international pressure, Israel announced this week it would begin allowing aid into Gaza after 11 weeks of a complete blockade of food and supplies imposed on March 2.
Guterres said at long last, a few bakeries in southern and central Gaza are operating, but this is just a glimmer of hope in the large-scale military operation and utterly insufficient to meet the basic needs of the Gazan people.
"In recent days, almost 400 trucks were cleared for entry to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. But supplies from only 115 trucks have been able to be collected. And nothing has reached the besieged north. We are working around the clock to get whatever aid we can to people in needs," he said.
As the world's leading hunger assessment found, the entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine. Families are being starved and denied the very basics -- all with the world watching in real time, Guterres said.
"In any case, all the aid authorized until now amounts to a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required. The needs are massive and the obstacles are staggering. Strict quotas are being imposed on the goods we distribute along with unnecessary delay procedures. Other essentials, including fuel, shelter, cooking gas, and water purification supplies, are prohibited," he said.
He noted that the Israeli military offensive is intensifying with atrocious levels of death and destruction. Today, 80 percent of Gaza has been either designated an Israeli-militarized zone or an area where people have been ordered to leave. In other words, four-fifths of the territory of Gaza is a no-go zone for the people of Gaza.
Without rapid, reliable, safe and sustained aid access, more people will die and the long-term consequences on the entire population will be profound, he warned.
The UN chief again called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza between Israeli forces and Hamas militants, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and full humanitarian access.
More than 53,800 people have been killed in Gaza by Israel’s bombing and ground campaign since October 7, 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities.
UN chief calls for more aid to be safely delivered to starving Gazans
UN chief calls for more aid to be safely delivered to starving Gazans
