After the 12-day war between Israel and Iran was suspended, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a truce in Gaza.
Guterres stated that although the Israeli-Iranian confrontation has taken center stage, the suffering of Gaza’s Palestinians must not be ignored. “There is optimism in the ceasefire that Israel and Iran have reached. And now more than ever, we need hope. Therefore, it is time to muster the political will to implement a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Israeli military operations have created a humanitarian crisis of horrific proportions—more dire today than at any point in this long and brutal crisis,” he told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
Families are now restricted to fewer than one-fifth of Gaza’s land after being repeatedly relocated. Even these dwindling areas are under danger. Bombs are dropping on families, tents, and people who have nowhere else to go. He pointed out that many are dying just to provide for their family.
Xinhua news agency claimed that UN-led humanitarian activities are still being stifled. “Let me be clear: Israel, as the occupying power, is required by international law to agree to and to facilitate humanitarian relief,” he added.
Fuel and shelter supplies for essential services have been stalled for more than three months. Physicians are compelled to decide who will receive the final medication vial or ventilator. He claimed that the aid workers themselves are famished. “This cannot be normalized.”
Earlier last week, the first medical supplies to enter Gaza from the United Nations in months arrived. However, this simply serves to highlight the crisis’s enormous scope. He stated that a trickle of aid is insufficient. “A surge is now required; the trickle needs to turn into an ocean. To ensure that relief reaches everyone quickly, efficiently, and wherever they are, we need to take tangible steps.
Referring to the assistance work of the US-run, Israel-approved Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, he warned that any effort that directs desperate individuals into areas under military control is dangerous by nature. “It is killing people.”
Humanitarian aid distribution is an issue that needs to be resolved. “Dangerous schemes don’t need to be invented,” he stated. “The United Nations has the answer—a comprehensive strategy based on the humanitarian ideals of independence, impartiality, neutrality, and humanism. The supplies are here. We’ve been there before. We base our plan on what individuals need. It is based on the confidence of member states, contributors, and communities. And during the most recent truce, it was effective. It needs to be permitted to function once more.
He declared that a truce in Gaza, the unconditional and prompt release of all hostages, and complete, secure, and ongoing humanitarian access are all urgently needed.
“As required by international humanitarian law, I implore those in authority to facilitate our efforts. I advise people having power to make use of it. Guterres stated, “I say to all member states: uphold the UN Charter you recommitted to just yesterday for the 80th anniversary.” “Let’s bring in the goods that can save lives. Let’s meet individuals where they are. And let’s acknowledge that politics will ultimately be the answer to this issue.
Opening the door to the two-state solution is the only long-term approach to restore hope. He asserted that human dignity and diplomacy must win out.
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