UN Secretary-General Urges Immediate Ceasefire Amid Gaza Crisis
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Deepens
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has voiced significant concern regarding the escalating humanitarian situation in Gaza, condemning the ongoing civilian casualties. He has reiterated the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson on Thursday, Guterres condemned the recent attacks that have targeted areas housing displaced individuals and food-seeking civilians, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities among Palestinians.
Call for Humanitarian Access
The statement emphasized, "The Secretary-General strongly condemns the loss of civilian life. This week alone, orders for relocation forced nearly 30,000 individuals to flee once more, with no safe refuge and insufficient supplies of food, medicine, or shelter. International humanitarian law clearly mandates the protection of civilians and the fulfillment of their needs."
Guterres has demanded "full, safe, and sustained humanitarian access" to ensure that aid reaches those deprived of essential resources for an extended period. He stressed that all involved parties must adhere to their responsibilities under international law, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
Concerns Over Fuel Shortages
He expressed alarm that Gaza's last remaining lifelines are being severed, highlighting that no fuel has entered the region for over 17 weeks. Guterres warned that without immediate fuel supplies, the humanitarian situation would worsen, leading to more loss of life.
He pointed out that the lack of fuel would result in incubators shutting down, ambulances being unable to reach the injured, and water purification systems failing.
The statement concluded, "The delivery of the limited humanitarian aid remaining in Gaza by the United Nations and its partners will also come to a standstill."
Ceasefire Negotiations
In related news, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the necessary terms to establish a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. On his social media platform, Trump cautioned Hamas against rejecting the ceasefire, warning that the situation would only deteriorate.
"My representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today regarding Gaza. Israel has consented to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-Day CEASEFIRE, during which we will collaborate with all parties to conclude the conflict," Trump stated.
He added, "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked diligently to promote peace, will present this final proposal. I hope, for the sake of the Middle East, that Hamas accepts this deal, as the situation will not improve—it will only worsen."
Hostage Situation
According to reports, Hamas is currently holding 50 hostages, including 49 of the 251 individuals abducted on October 7, along with the body of a soldier killed in 2014.