United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made an impassioned plea for immediate humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza, highlighting the dire situation faced by its residents. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Guterres stressed the urgent need for safety and security measures to ensure the safe delivery of aid.
“Palestinians in Gaza are enduring what may be the cruelest phase of this cruel conflict,” he stated. For nearly 80 days, the entry of life-saving international aid had been blocked. While Israel has recently permitted some aid into Gaza, Guterres described it as “a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required.”
In the past few days, approximately 400 trucks were cleared for entry through the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, supplies from only 115 trucks have been collected, with nothing reaching the besieged northern Gaza. The UN chief warned that the entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine. “Families are being starved and denied the very basics—all with the world watching in real time,” he said.
Guterres highlighted the massive needs and staggering obstacles on the ground. “Strict quotas are being imposed on the goods we distribute, along with unnecessary delays. Essentials like fuel, shelter, cooking gas, and water purification supplies are prohibited,” he explained.
Expressing deep concern for UN staff and aid workers, he added, “Our staff’s lives are at risk if we continue to be prevented from distributing food parcels and wheat flour directly to people in desperate need. The risk of security incidents and looting remains high.”
The Secretary-General reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law. “Israel must treat civilians humanely, with respect for their inherent dignity. It must not forcibly transport, deport, or displace the civilian population of an occupied territory. As the occupying power, it must agree to allow and facilitate the aid that is needed,” he asserted.
Guterres noted that 80% of Gaza has been designated either as an Israeli-militarized zone or as areas where people have been ordered to leave. “Without rapid, reliable, safe, and sustained aid access, more people will die—and the long-term consequences on the entire population will be profound,” he warned.
He renewed his call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and full humanitarian access. “The United Nations and its partners have a detailed, principled, operationally sound five-stage plan to get aid to Gaza,” Guterres said. “We have the personnel, the distribution networks, the systems, and community relationships in place to act. The supplies—160,000 pallets, enough to fill nearly 9,000 trucks—are waiting. This is my appeal for life-saving aid for the long-suffering people of Gaza: Let’s do it right. And let’s do it right away.”
