United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned about the harrowing humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israel has blocked the flow of aid and reignited its offensive against Hamas, Al Jazeera reported on April 8th.
“As aid has dried up, the floodgates of horror have re-opened, Gaza is a killing field – and civilians are in an endless death loop” Guterres said.
“Let me be clear: We will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality,” Guterres also said.
Guterres’ calls come amid heads of six United Nations agencies asking world leaders to act to ensure that food and supplies can reach the Palestinian Strip, BBC News reported on April 8th.
Israel imposed a blockade when the first stage of the ceasefire concluded and no food, goods, fuel or medicine have been allowed into the enclave.
Last week, COGAT, an Israeli military group, spoke with UN agencies and international aid groups about an idea for “a structured monitoring and aid entry mechanism” for Gaza after it alleged that humanitaran supplies were being redirected away from Palestinians by Hamas, Al Jazeera reported on April 8th.
Jonathan Whittall, the senior UN aid official for Gaza and the West Bank said there was a lack of proof of humanitarian supplies being redirected.
Guterres said in his statement, that Israel as the occupying power was required under international law to guarantee access for food and medical supplies to the civilian population.
Al Jazeera, BBC
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