UN chief expresses shock at devastation in northern Gaza

2024-10-27 16:46:14Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
UN chief expresses shock at devastation in northern Gaza
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed shock Sunday at the horrific levels of deaths, injuries and destruction in northern Gaza, criticizing Israeli authorities for continuing to deny humanitarian aid shipments with some exceptions.

He warned that conditions for Palestinian civilians trapped in the region have become unstable due to Israeli military operations in northern Gaza, according to a statement issued by Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

The U.N. chief highlighted the critical situation in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, where civilians are trapped under rubble without access to essential medical care, food or shelter, and stated that Israeli authorities continue to deny humanitarian aid shipments with "some exceptions." .”

Of particular worry is the postponement of the polio vaccination campaign, which thousands of children are at risk.

The postponement of the polio vaccination campaign is particularly worrying as it puts thousands of children at risk, the statement said.

Stressing that the conflict is unfolding with "little respect for international humanitarian law," Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and responsibility "on behalf of humanity."

The Secretary-General also stressed the urgent need to protect humanitarian workers and first responders in the region, whose vital work must be facilitated and protected.

The Israeli military has continued a devastating offensive on the Gaza Strip since hamas' attack last year, despite a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.

Nearly 43,000 people have been killed since then, mostly women and children, and over 100,000 others have been injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli attack has displaced nearly the territory's entire population amid a continuing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.


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