In a fervent appeal, UN Secretary-General António Guterres demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing a ‘moral outrage’ over the humanitarian crisis, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a fervent call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid an escalating humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Guterres described the situation as a “moral outrage” and highlighted the dire need for humanitarian aid in the region, particularly stressing the catastrophic hunger affecting over a million people in Gaza. He criticized the UN Security Council’s inability to reach a consensus on a ceasefire resolution and underscored the necessity of allowing humanitarian goods access into Gaza, as well as the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The Secretary-General’s remarks came during a period of intensified violence, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu determined to continue military operations in Gaza. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned against an Israeli ground assault on Rafah, emphasizing the importance of civilian protection. Gazan hospitals, such as the largest, al-Shifa, have been overwhelmed, with significant casualties reported due to the conflict. Over the past 24 hours, 72 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, while access to essential services and medical care has been severely hampered.

In response to the crisis, the United Kingdom has opened a field hospital near Rafah, operated by UK-Med. The facility, covering an area equivalent to two football fields, is designed to provide medical treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, including those resulting from the conflict. Despite challenges in staffing and logistics, the hospital aims to treat around 100 outpatients daily and is also conducting mobile clinics to combat acute malnutrition among young children.

Guterres’ plea for peace and humanitarian intervention has come at a critical moment, with Russia and China recently blocking a US-drafted resolution for a ceasefire at the UN. The international community remains divided over how to address the conflict, even as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates further. The UN Secretary-General has reiterated the need for unrestricted aid access and an immediate cessation of violence to prevent further casualties and suffering among Gazan civilians.

Share.
Leave A Reply

Exit mobile version