UN Condemns Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the situation as "frightening and apocalyptic." Speaking at a ministerial conference in Cairo, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for international action to address the dire conditions faced by Palestinians, which he characterized as a total collapse of common humanity.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in catastrophic consequences, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 44,000 fatalities in the past 14 months. Guterres highlighted the alarming rates of malnutrition and the imminent threat of famine, stating, "Malnutrition is rampant... Famine is imminent. Meanwhile, the health system has collapsed." He called for the international community to lay the foundations for lasting peace in the region, urging immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.
Guterres also pointed out the tragic reality that Gaza now has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world, with many children undergoing surgeries without anesthesia. He warned that the ongoing violence and humanitarian neglect could amount to some of the most serious international crimes.
UK Increases Humanitarian Aid Amid Criticism of Israel
In response to the escalating crisis, the British government has announced an increase of £18 million (approximately €23 million) in humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population in Gaza. Anneliese Dodds, the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation, made the announcement following a donor conference in Cairo, stressing the urgent need for food and shelter as winter approaches.
Dodds criticized Israel for the restrictions hindering humanitarian access, stating, "Israel must act immediately to ensure unobstructed access for humanitarian aid." This call comes amid the forced suspension of aid flows by UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for assisting Palestinian refugees, which has faced challenges due to security concerns in the region. Philippe Lazzarini, the agency's director, accused Israel of failing to guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers and convoys, complicating efforts to deliver aid to those in need.
