UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke of the tragic humanitarian situation unfolding in the besieged Gaza Strip, banning the ban on Israeli bombing and much-needed aid invasion, saying, “Civilians are in an endless loop of death.”
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Guterres rejected the new Israeli proposal to control the delivery of aid in Gaza, saying it would “have more control over aid and mercilessly restrict it to flour grain.”
“Let’s be clear. We will not participate in arrangements that do not fully respect humanitarian principles, humanity, equity, independence and neutrality,” Guterres said.
Aid has not been delivered to the 2.3 million enclaves since March 2, as Israel continues to seal off essential border crossings, with the exception of all intrusions, from food to medical supplies and fuel.
“Over a month passed without assistance to Gaza. No food. No fuel. No medicine. No commercial supplies,” Guterres said in New York.
“When aid runs out, the terrifying floodgates have been reopened. Gaza is a killing field and civilians are in an endless loop of death,” he added.
Cogat, an Israeli military force responsible for civil affairs on the occupied Palestinian territory, said it had proposed a “structured surveillance and aid invasion mechanism” in Gaza after meeting with UN agencies and international aid groups last week to assert that aid was being circumvented by Hamas from civilians.
Jonathan Whittal, senior UN aid officer in Gaza and the West Bank, said last week there was no evidence that aid was being diverted.
Israel resumed artillery fire in Gaza last month, ending a two-month fragile ceasefire. They are also trying to send their troops back to the enclave and seize territory, including part of Rafa in southern Gaza.
“On the other hand, at the intersections, food, medicine and shelter supplies are stacked, and critical equipment is stuck,” Guterres said.
“Clear obligation”
Reported from the United Nations headquarters in New York, Gabriel Elizondo of Al Jazeera, said it was the first time Guterres has used such a powerful language in his remarks about Gaza, signaling that he is “offended at how bad the situation is.”
“He laid out a very specific way in which Israel violates international law.”
Guterres concluded his remarks once again, calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, full humanitarian access and the release of Israeli prisoners of war held in Gaza.
“The closure points and aid lockdown in Gaza have put security in a hellish scene and our ability to deliver has been strangled,” he said.
“As a right of occupation, Israel has a clear obligation under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” Guterres said.
In other words, Israel needs to promote relief programs and ensure food, health, hygiene and public health standards in Gaza, he said. “It’s not happening today,” he added.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Egypt’s El Arish, a key transport for aid bound by Gaza, and called on Israel to lift the blockade of aid.
Alongside Egyptian host President Abdel Fatta Elsi, Macron toured the hospital in the port city 50km (30 miles) west of the Gaza Strip, where he met medical professionals and sick and injured Palestinians who had evacuated from Gaza.
Carrying a bouquet of red roses to give to patients, the French president visited several wards and playgrounds for children.
His office said the trip was intended to put pressure on Israel to “reopen the intersection to deliver humanitarian goods to Gaza.”
Emergency department doctor Mahmoud Mohammad Elshea said the hospital has treated about 1,200 Palestinian patients since Israel’s attacks on Gaza began in October 2023.
“There are days when we can receive 100 patients, but the others are 50,” Elshaer said, adding that many people had amputated or eye or brain injuries.
In Cairo, King Abdullah II of Macron, Elssi and Jordan called for an “immediate return” to the ceasefire.
The three leaders met on Monday to discuss war and humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
Over 50,000 Palestinians were killed in Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Large-scale land buildings and infrastructure were destroyed, causing the health care system to collapse.
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