Gaza: Secretary-General condemns killing and wounding of civilians amid rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation

The UN Secretary-General expressed alarm at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where “the last lifelines keeping people alive are collapsing.” He expressed his dismay at the increasing reports of children and adults suffering from malnutrition.

The Secretary-General strongly condemned the ongoing violence, including the shooting, killing, and wounding of people trying to get food for their families.

In a statement attributable to his spokesperson, Guterres emphasized the need to protect and respect civilians, and to never target them. He noted that the people of Gaza continue to suffer from a severe shortage of basic necessities.

The Secretary-General said that Israel has an obligation to allow and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid provided by the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations by all means at its disposal, noting that the escalation of hostilities in recent days comes at a time when the humanitarian system is being obstructed, undermined, and threatened.