Gaza: A Killing Field, Says UN Chief As Agencies Urge Action On Israel's Blockade
The United Nations' Secretary-General, António Guterres, has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, labeling it a "killing field" where civilians are trapped in an "endless death loop". This statement comes after six UN agencies appealed to world leaders to take urgent action to ensure food and supplies reach Palestinians in the Strip.
The crisis in Gaza began when Israel blockaded the region on March 2, following the expiration of a ceasefire. Hamas refused to extend the truce, accusing Israel of reneging on its commitments. Israel then resumed its aerial bombardment and ground offensive on March 18, resulting in the deaths of 1,449 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with the UN-supported bakeries closed, markets empty of fresh vegetables, and hospitals rationing painkillers and antibiotics. The partially functional health system is overwhelmed, and essential medical and trauma supplies are rapidly depleting. The UN agencies have warned that the blockade has led to a severe shortage of food, with at least 60,000 children malnourished.
Guterres emphasized Israel's obligations as the occupying power to ensure food and medical supplies reach the population under international law. "The current path is a dead end – totally intolerable in the eyes of international law and history," he stated.
However, Israel's foreign ministry disputes this, claiming there is no aid shortage in Gaza. "Over 25,000 aid trucks have entered the Gaza Strip in the 42 days of the ceasefire," said spokesman Oren Marmorstein.
The UN agencies are calling for immediate action to protect civilians, facilitate aid, release hostages, and renew a ceasefire. The situation is growing more desperate by the hour, with the health ministry reporting at least 58 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Palestinian journalist Ahmad Mansour died after an Israeli strike on a media tent in Khan Younis, killing his colleague Helmi al-Faqaawi. Hospitals are struggling to treat the wounded due to a shortage of medical supplies and personnel. The international community is urging restraint and a return to negotiations to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. The international community must take immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis, ensure aid reaches those in need, and work towards a lasting solution to the conflict. The UN's warning that Gaza is a "killing field" is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
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