U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the dire need for a sustained cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
He pointed out the catastrophic conditions faced by Gaza’s population and praised the aid and fuel that have been delivered there during the current cease-fire, which started last Friday. During this break in hostilities, 60 hostages held by Hamas and 180 Palestinian prisoners have been released.
Guterres underscored the necessity for much more extensive humanitarian assistance for Gaza’s 2.2 million residents. He called for Israel to open additional border crossings and for the resumption of commercial activities by the private sector.
The article notes the heavy toll of the conflict, citing Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties. It also reports ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas on Israeli towns.
Conversely, the Palestinian death toll, primarily comprising women and children, has exceeded 15,000 according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. Local health officials reported the recovery of 160 bodies from the rubble over two days.
Guterres made a poignant comparison, stating that more children have been killed in recent Israeli military operations in Gaza than in any year since he became Secretary-General in 2017.
The article also touches upon the U.N.’s International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki spoke about the ongoing impact of the “Nakba,” the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and mourned the loss of numerous Palestinians killed since October 7.
