Antonio Guterres, the head of the UN, stated on Friday that as Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza, Palestinians are “enduring what may be the cruelest phase of this cruel conflict.”
“For nearly 80 days, Israel blocked the entry of life-saving international aid,” he said in a statement. “The entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine.
“The Israeli military offensive is intensifying with atrocious levels of death and destruction.”
After a two-month pause, Israel began massive operations in Gaza again on March 18.
For the first time in almost two months, aid started to enter the Gaza Strip this week, as the Israeli siege that caused acute food and medication shortages was denounced.
However, Guterres cautioned that just 115 of the nearly 400 trucks that were authorized for entry into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing had their goods picked up.
“The needs are massive — and the obstacles are staggering,” he said. “Strict quotas are being imposed on the goods we distribute — along with unnecessary delay procedures.”
“Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law,” Guterres added. “As the occupying power, it must agree to allow and facilitate the aid that is needed.”
