UN Chief Condemns Increasing Violence in Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Antonio Guterres describes the ongoing war in Gaza as entering its 'cruelest phase,' while aid truck looting raises concerns over humanitarian access.
UNITED NATIONS: The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, expressed grave concern on Friday regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that the Palestinian population is experiencing 'the cruelest phase' of the ongoing conflict.
This announcement follows reports of more than a dozen food trucks being looted shortly after a slight easing of the Israeli blockade that has severely restricted aid.
As the Israeli military intensifies its operations aimed at dismantling Hamas, aid shipments to Gaza began to resume earlier this week, marking the first deliveries since March 2. However, an official from Gaza's civil defense agency, Mohammed Al-Mughayyir, reported that at least 71 individuals died the same day due to Israeli airstrikes, with numerous injuries and many more feared missing under the rubble.
Guterres criticized the slow pace of humanitarian aid, noting that out of nearly 400 trucks cleared for entry, only 115 were reported to have made it into Gaza.
He conveyed a sense of urgency, stating that the amount of aid provided thus far is inadequate against the overwhelming needs of the population.
The World Food Programme reported that 15 of its trucks were looted while delivering supplies to bakeries in southern Gaza, emphasizing the rising insecurity amid pervasive hunger and desperation.
The agency called for the rapid increase of food assistance into Gaza, highlighting the dire situation faced by residents.
Humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza have faced extensive challenges, particularly given the Israeli blockade, which has contributed to critical shortages of food and medical supplies.
Sobhi Ghattas, a displaced Palestinian, appealed for assistance, describing the dire circumstances faced by families without basic necessities such as food.
According to COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry agency managing civilian affairs, 107 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza on Thursday.
In contrast, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), referenced the previous three-month ceasefire period during which an average of 500 to 600 aid trucks per day were allowed entry, stressing the enormous gap in current aid levels.
On the military front, the Israeli Defense Forces reported conducting strikes on various targets within Gaza, including military compounds and weapons storage sites.
The army indicated that its operations were aimed at dismantling Hamas's operational capabilities and that air raid sirens had been activated in regions bordering Gaza.
Additionally, a projectile entering Israeli territory was intercepted by the air force on Friday.
Reports from Gaza indicated that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with the health ministry stating that at least 3,673 people have been killed since operations resumed on March 18. Overall, the conflict has resulted in 53,822 fatalities since it began, with the majority being civilian casualties.
The October 2023 attack by Hamas that initiated the current war resulted in 1,218 deaths in Israel, predominantly among civilians, and left 251 hostages in captivity, with 57 individuals still believed to be held in Gaza.
As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, both local and international calls for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of Gazans increase, citing the need for substantial and sustained humanitarian access.
This announcement follows reports of more than a dozen food trucks being looted shortly after a slight easing of the Israeli blockade that has severely restricted aid.
As the Israeli military intensifies its operations aimed at dismantling Hamas, aid shipments to Gaza began to resume earlier this week, marking the first deliveries since March 2. However, an official from Gaza's civil defense agency, Mohammed Al-Mughayyir, reported that at least 71 individuals died the same day due to Israeli airstrikes, with numerous injuries and many more feared missing under the rubble.
Guterres criticized the slow pace of humanitarian aid, noting that out of nearly 400 trucks cleared for entry, only 115 were reported to have made it into Gaza.
He conveyed a sense of urgency, stating that the amount of aid provided thus far is inadequate against the overwhelming needs of the population.
The World Food Programme reported that 15 of its trucks were looted while delivering supplies to bakeries in southern Gaza, emphasizing the rising insecurity amid pervasive hunger and desperation.
The agency called for the rapid increase of food assistance into Gaza, highlighting the dire situation faced by residents.
Humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza have faced extensive challenges, particularly given the Israeli blockade, which has contributed to critical shortages of food and medical supplies.
Sobhi Ghattas, a displaced Palestinian, appealed for assistance, describing the dire circumstances faced by families without basic necessities such as food.
According to COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry agency managing civilian affairs, 107 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza on Thursday.
In contrast, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), referenced the previous three-month ceasefire period during which an average of 500 to 600 aid trucks per day were allowed entry, stressing the enormous gap in current aid levels.
On the military front, the Israeli Defense Forces reported conducting strikes on various targets within Gaza, including military compounds and weapons storage sites.
The army indicated that its operations were aimed at dismantling Hamas's operational capabilities and that air raid sirens had been activated in regions bordering Gaza.
Additionally, a projectile entering Israeli territory was intercepted by the air force on Friday.
Reports from Gaza indicated that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with the health ministry stating that at least 3,673 people have been killed since operations resumed on March 18. Overall, the conflict has resulted in 53,822 fatalities since it began, with the majority being civilian casualties.
The October 2023 attack by Hamas that initiated the current war resulted in 1,218 deaths in Israel, predominantly among civilians, and left 251 hostages in captivity, with 57 individuals still believed to be held in Gaza.
As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, both local and international calls for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of Gazans increase, citing the need for substantial and sustained humanitarian access.
