\n
<\/p>\n
Speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters, Ant\u00f3nio Guterres also repeated his call for a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and the release of all hostages still being held inside the shattered enclave.<\/p>\n
No food, fuel, medicine and commercial items have entered Gaza since 2 March following the Israeli blockade, and supplies are piling up at crossing points.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the ceasefire announced in January following 15 months of war has collapsed, amid airstrikes, renewed ground operations and rocket launches into Israel by Palestinian militants.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAs aid has dried up, the floodgates of horror have re-opened,\u201d Mr. Guterres said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGaza is a killing field \u2013 and civilians are in an endless death loop<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n He noted that \u201ccertain truths are clear since the atrocious October 7 attacks by Hamas,\u201d chiefly that ceasefires work.<\/p>\n The truce allowed for the release of hostages, as well as the distribution of lifesaving aid, and proved that the humanitarian community can deliver.<\/p>\n He recalled that \u201cfor weeks, guns fell silent, obstacles were removed, looting ended \u2013 and we were able to deliver lifesaving supplies to virtually every part of the Gaza Strip,\u201d which ended with the \u201cshattering\u201d of the deal.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHope sank for Palestinian families in Gaza and families of hostages in Israel \u2013 as I was reminded when I met again with hostage families yesterday<\/strong>,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n For this reason, the Secretary-General has consistently been pushing for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and full humanitarian access to the territory.<\/p>\n \u201cIn times like this, we must be crystal clear,\u201d he said, noting that with crossing points shut and aid blockaded, there is no effective security and the ability to deliver assistance has been strangled.<\/p>\n He also cited a joint statement by UN humanitarian chiefs, issued on Monday, which refuted assertions that there is enough food in Gaza to feed everyone there.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe must also be clear about the obligations,\u201d Mr. Guterres continued, emphasizing the \u201cunequivocal obligations\u201d of Israel, as the occupying power, in line with international law<\/strong>.<\/p>\n He pointed to the Fourth Geneva Convention, which outlines the duty to ensure food and medical supplies for the population, as well as ensuring and maintaining medical and hospital establishments and services, public health and hygiene.<\/p>\n Additionally, medical personnel shall be allowed to carry out their duties.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Article 59, paragraph 1, of the Fourth Geneva Convention provides that \u2018if the whole or part of the population of an occupied territory is inadequately supplied, the Occupying Power shall agree to relief schemes on behalf of the said population, and shall facilitate them by all means at its disposal,\u2019\u201d he quoted.<\/p>\n International humanitarian law also includes the obligation to respect humanitarian relief personnel, he added, paying tribute to the \u201chumanitarian heroes\u201d under fire in Gaza.\u00a0<\/p>\n While UN agencies and partners stand ready and determined to deliver, \u201cthe Israeli authorities newly proposed \u2018authorization mechanisms\u2019 for aid delivery risk further controlling and callously limiting aid<\/strong> down to the last calorie and grain of flour,\u201d the Secretary-General said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cLet me be clear: We will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality<\/strong>.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Mr. Guterres said unimpeded humanitarian access must be guaranteed, and\u00a0humanitarian personnel must be given protection, in line with international law.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n He stressed that \u201cthe inviolability of United Nations premises and assets must be respected,\u201d and again called for an independent investigation into the killing of humanitarians, including UN personnel.<\/p>\nShattered hope<\/strong><\/h2>\n
International obligations\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Against new \u2018authorization mechanisms\u2019\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Dead end ahead\u00a0<\/h2>\n