United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “appalling and apocalyptic” on Monday, warning that the conditions faced by Palestinians in the war-torn territory may amount to the “gravest international crimes.”
His remarks were delivered at a Cairo conference aimed at increasing humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
Guterres called on the international community to act decisively, stating, “We must build a foundation for sustainable peace in Gaza and across the Middle East.”
The ongoing war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel’s subsequent military response has led to the deaths of 44,429 people in Gaza, based on figures from the territory’s health ministry that the UN considers reliable.
Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation, Guterres said, “Malnutrition is rampant… Famine is imminent. Meanwhile, the health system has collapsed.” He also noted that Gaza now has “the highest number of children amputees per capita anywhere in the world,” with “many losing limbs and undergoing surgeries without even anesthesia.”
The UN chief criticised the significant restrictions on aid delivery to Gaza, describing the current levels as “grossly insufficient.” He contrasted the current average of 65 aid trucks entering Gaza daily with the pre-war average of 500 trucks, as reported by UNRWA (the UN agency for Palestinian refugees).
International aid organisations have consistently raised alarms over the deteriorating conditions, warning that civilians are on the brink of famine. These groups have noted that aid shipments reaching Gaza are at their lowest since the conflict began.
Guterres addressed the blockade, asserting that the issue is not logistical but political. “The blockade of aid to Gaza is not a crisis of logistics but rather a crisis of political will and of respect for fundamental principles of international humanitarian law,” he said.
Efforts by UNRWA to deliver aid to northern Gaza between October 6, 2024, and November 25 were repeatedly obstructed amid intense fighting in the area. The agency reported that all attempts to send aid were either “denied” or “impeded.”
The UN secretary-general underscored the vital role of UNRWA, calling it an “irreplaceable lifeline for millions of Palestinians.” He warned that if the agency were forced to shut down, the responsibility for replacing its essential services “would rest with Israel.”
The conflict has exacerbated already dire conditions in Gaza, with international organisations and the UN urging immediate action to address the unfolding humanitarian disaster. Guterres’s stark warnings place pressure on global powers to intervene and uphold international humanitarian principles as the region continues to grapple with violence and suffering.
