UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday renewed his call for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel reached its 100th day. Guterres emphasized the need for a cease-fire to address the escalating civilian casualties, dire humanitarian conditions, fate of hostages, and regional tensions.
The occupied West Bank is also witnessing heightened violence, exacerbating the Palestinian Authority’s severe fiscal crisis. Guterres warned of escalating tensions in the Red Sea region, highlighting the urgency of containment.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached an unprecedented level of suffering, with civilians facing danger everywhere. Traumatized individuals are being confined to increasingly congested areas in the south, posing intolerable risks, stated the UN chief.
Despite some efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, life-saving relief falls short of meeting the extensive needs of those enduring months of relentless attacks. Starvation, disease, malnutrition, and other health threats loom large over Gaza’s population, with obstacles hindering the effective delivery of aid.
Gaza’s current state, marked by heavy bombardment, prevents the United Nations and its partners from delivering humanitarian aid effectively. Since the conflict erupted in October 2023, 152 UN staff members have lost their lives in Gaza, marking the largest single loss of life in the organization’s history.
Obstructions at the Gaza border, including the rejection of vital materials, disrupt the flow of critical supplies, impacting essential services. Distribution within Gaza faces significant impediments, demanding respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
Guterres emphasized the need for an immediate and substantial increase in the commercial supply of essential goods. While condemning the violence by Hamas, he also criticized the Israeli forces’ onslaught on Gaza, citing unprecedented destruction and civilian casualties, particularly among women and children. The UN chief denounced the collective punishment imposed on the Palestinian people.
(Inputs from Reuters)