Guterres: Gaza is Dying Slowly... and Israel Must Allow Aid Immediately

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has issued a stark warning about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, saying that "the last lifelines keeping the population alive are on the verge of collapse", at a time when the region is witnessing alarming military escalation and severe restrictions on aid delivery.

His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement released yesterday evening, that the Secretary-General "was shocked by the extent of suffering experienced by civilians in Gaza", and strongly condemned "the ongoing violence, including shooting and killing people as they try to get food for their families".

Dujarric pointed out that Guterres is deeply concerned about the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation, noting increasing reports of malnutrition among children and adults, amidst a near complete collapse of the food and health system.

Amidst escalating military activities, Guterres stated that "the escalating hostilities in recent days are exacerbating the suffering of the population", highlighting that the humanitarian system is facing "systematic obstruction, ongoing undermining, and serious threats".

The statement also addressed the new evacuation orders issued by the Israeli army in central Gaza areas, especially in Deir al-Balah, where tens of thousands of residents are crowded.

Guterres considered these orders as "pushing civilians towards further displacement and despair, severely hindering the ability of the United Nations and partner organizations to deliver urgent humanitarian aid".

Guterres, through his spokesperson, emphasized the need for "Israel to facilitate the work of relief agencies, and to fully and unconditionally allow the delivery of humanitarian aid provided by the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations through all possible means".

Earlier, Britain, along with 24 other countries, condemned the aid distribution mechanism followed by Israel, expressing deep concern over the increasing number of civilian casualties during aid delivery operations inside Gaza.

It is worth mentioning that recently circulated images show Palestinian citizens lining up in front of charity kitchens in the Nuseirat camp in the middle of the Strip, reflecting the worsening food crisis day by day, amid declining aid and absence of security.