Guterres calls for sufficient quantities of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza
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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on Saturday for sufficient humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Gaza Strip, stressing that such supplies are “essential to save lives” given the catastrophic conditions faced by the population.
His remarks came in a message marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed annually on November 29. This day was established by the United Nations in 1977 to reaffirm the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination, independence, and the return of refugees to their homes.
Guterres said that this year’s observance comes “after two years of horrific suffering in the Gaza Strip,” and as the latest ceasefire, which he described as “absolutely necessary,” has come into effect.
He noted that survivors in Gaza are “mourning tens of thousands of victims, nearly a third of whom are children,” while the Strip faces critical levels of hunger, disease, and trauma, amid widespread destruction of schools, homes, and hospitals.
The Secretary-General stressed the need for Israel to abide by the terms of the ceasefire agreement signed on October 10, which stipulates the entry of 600 truckloads of aid daily, pointing out that, at best, only 200 truckloads are actually entering.
Guterres also called on the international community to continue supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which he described as “an indispensable lifeline for millions of Palestinians.”
