The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday that more access points are urgently needed in Gaza to allow aid into the besieged enclave.
Speaking in Jordan on Tuesday, Guterres welcomed the Security Council’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza but also pointed out that the humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly in the north, remains extremely dire with many children dying of hunger.
He called for additional crossings to be opened to ensure humanitarian supplies can enter Gaza “without obstacles and limitations” imposed by Israel.
The UN chief stressed that a sustained ceasefire is needed to allow aid to reach those most in need and avert the worsening of humanitarian crisis.
“In relation to the northern part of Gaza, it is absolutely essential to have a massive supply of humanitarian aid now. And this means opening more entry points, this means a concentration of efforts of all entities without obstacles, without limitations from the Israeli side, in order to be able to rescue the people of northern Gaza of an imminent risk of famine. But we must face facts: there will be no sustainable solution with an ongoing war as bloody as this,” he said.
Guterres also voiced concern over dwindling funds for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. He urged the U.S. to reverse its decision to halt funding and called on others not to follow suit.
On allegations some UNRWA staff were involved in Hamas attacks last October, Guterres said the UN will publish any independent reports once reviews are complete.
(Reuters)