Antonio Guterres of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned Israel for only providing minimal humanitarian aid into Gaza, characterizing it as only providing “teaspoons of aid” when there is an urgent humanitarian crisis to be dealt with. United Nations Media +7 and Reuters plus YouTube. Guterres noted that, despite Israel’s recent authorization of aid trucks through Kerem Shalom crossing, only about one third have reached Gaza warehouses due to ongoing insecurity. He stressed the risk of famine for Gaza’s entire population while acknowledging their enormous needs and enormous challenges posed by obstacles. The Guardian; Reuters; Sky News and Al Jazeera all report it regularly while Middle East Monitor offers its take. +5 The UN chief’s comments follow reports of widespread malnutrition, with over 9,000 children treated for related conditions; as well as reports that 94% of hospitals have been damaged or destroyed, prompting many healthcare systems worldwide to almost implode. As part of its response, a U.S.-backed distribution model called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) will soon launch operations with private security ensuring delivery. However, the UN does not support this plan due to concerns over impartiality and adhering to humanitarian principles and thus refuses participation. AP News +3 Reuters +3 Wikipedia. Guterres called for immediate and proper implementation of aid deliveries to Gaza to avert further loss of life and long-term effects on its population. He announced that UN and its partners stand ready with 160,000 pallets of supplies ready for distribution. As Gaza’s situation deteriorates, international leaders and humanitarian organizations are calling for increased aid access as well as an end to hostilities that prevents life-saving assistance from being provided. The UN issued a strong warning about how important it is that immediate steps be taken in response to a potential humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
