In an alarming statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation in Gaza as a "killing field," amid reports of severe humanitarian crises due to Israel's blockade of the region for over a month. Guterres highlighted that “aid has dried up [and] the floodgates of horror have re-opened,” following Israel’s decision to halt the entry of goods and intensify military actions against Hamas. He emphasized that civilians are trapped in an "endless death loop."
This urgent call comes as the leaders of six UN agencies urged global powers to act immediately to ensure the delivery of essential supplies and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population struggling under the blockade. However, Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the criticisms, asserting that there is no shortage of food and claiming Guterres was spreading "slander" against Israel.
The blockade, re-imposed on March 2 after a ceasefire expired, led to a resurgence of hostilities beginning March 18, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,449 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Israel maintains that its military actions are not aimed at civilians. Guterres reiterated Israel's obligations as an occupying power under international law to allow passage of food and medical supplies.
A joint statement by the UN agencies warned that Gazans are “trapped, bombed, and starved,” with critical shortages of food and medical supplies affecting the beleaguered population. The humanitarian situation is dire, as bakeries close due to lack of ingredients and hospitals struggle to provide necessary care due to dwindling supplies.
The UN agencies, which include the World Food Programme and UNICEF, highlighted the need for international leaders to uphold humanitarian law by protecting civilians, facilitating aid, releasing hostages, and renewing ceasefire agreements. They noted that the earlier ceasefire enabled a significant influx of humanitarian aid, drastically improving access compared to the previous lengthy fighting period.
As tensions rise, recent airstrikes in Gaza have reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities, including both children and journalists. The ongoing conflict, ignited by Hamas's unexpected attacks on Israel in early October 2023, has led to significant human losses on both sides, with over 50,000 Palestinian deaths reported within the ongoing Israeli operations.
With the situation evolving, humanitarian advocates call for immediate attention and action from the international community to address the severe plight of Gazans affected by months of blockade and renewed military aggression.
This urgent call comes as the leaders of six UN agencies urged global powers to act immediately to ensure the delivery of essential supplies and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population struggling under the blockade. However, Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the criticisms, asserting that there is no shortage of food and claiming Guterres was spreading "slander" against Israel.
The blockade, re-imposed on March 2 after a ceasefire expired, led to a resurgence of hostilities beginning March 18, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,449 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Israel maintains that its military actions are not aimed at civilians. Guterres reiterated Israel's obligations as an occupying power under international law to allow passage of food and medical supplies.
A joint statement by the UN agencies warned that Gazans are “trapped, bombed, and starved,” with critical shortages of food and medical supplies affecting the beleaguered population. The humanitarian situation is dire, as bakeries close due to lack of ingredients and hospitals struggle to provide necessary care due to dwindling supplies.
The UN agencies, which include the World Food Programme and UNICEF, highlighted the need for international leaders to uphold humanitarian law by protecting civilians, facilitating aid, releasing hostages, and renewing ceasefire agreements. They noted that the earlier ceasefire enabled a significant influx of humanitarian aid, drastically improving access compared to the previous lengthy fighting period.
As tensions rise, recent airstrikes in Gaza have reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities, including both children and journalists. The ongoing conflict, ignited by Hamas's unexpected attacks on Israel in early October 2023, has led to significant human losses on both sides, with over 50,000 Palestinian deaths reported within the ongoing Israeli operations.
With the situation evolving, humanitarian advocates call for immediate attention and action from the international community to address the severe plight of Gazans affected by months of blockade and renewed military aggression.
