Palestinians lining up for a meal in Rafah, in southern Gaza | Photo: Fatima Shbair/Associated Press
During a visit to Cairo on Sunday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of Israel removing obstacles to facilitate the delivery of aid to famine-threatened Gaza.
Guterres reiterated his plea for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to address the dire situation faced by Palestinians in Gaza, particularly children, women, and men who are struggling to survive amidst ongoing conflict.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Guterres highlighted the urgent need for action, stating, "Delivering the necessary aid to Gaza requires Israel removing the remaining obstacles and chokepoints to relief." He emphasized the severity of the situation in Gaza, where months of war and siege have displaced the majority of the population and devastated civilian infrastructure, reported AFP.
Guterres, who visited the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Saturday, described the grim reality facing the territory, stating, "Looking at Gaza, it almost appears that the four horsemen of war, famine, conquest, and death are galloping across it." He stressed the global consensus on the necessity of silencing the guns and implementing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to address the escalating crisis.
The Israeli government is facing mounting international pressure to ease its bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties. The war, sparked by militant attacks on Israel, has led to a devastating loss of life and widespread destruction in Gaza.
Guterres highlighted the importance of key access points for aid delivery into Gaza, including the Rafah border crossing and Egypt's El-Arish airport. However, he noted that these arteries for life-saving aid are currently congested, hindering the flow of essential humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
Calls for Israel to relax restrictions on aid and open more crossings into Gaza have intensified, as Palestinians in the territory face urgent humanitarian needs. Guterres emphasized the critical need for substantial aid delivery to Gaza, stating, "Palestinians in Gaza desperately need what has been promised - a flood of aid. Not trickles. Not drops." The UN has warned of the risk of famine in Gaza, particularly in areas that have been cut off from aid deliveries.