UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned Israel’s blockade of Gaza, calling the region a “killing field” where civilians are suffering immensely. Since March 2, Israel has blocked all aid to Gaza, citing the need for Hamas to release hostages. Guterres criticized a new Israeli proposal to monitor aid deliveries, stating it could limit humanitarian support and violate core humanitarian principles.
The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The blockade has caused severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access, stressing Israel’s responsibility under international law to ensure essential services in Gaza.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the goal of dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages, despite internal and international pressure to negotiate. The situation remains dire, with international agencies urging immediate action to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population.
