UN Chief urges ceasefire amid deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza

WASHINGTON, DC — AS Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced mounting concern over the worsening humanitarian situation facing Palestinians in the region.

According to Al Jazeera, at least 101 people were killed on Thursday (Jul. 3) in the latest wave of Israeli bombings—many of whom were reportedly seeking humanitarian aid when they were struck.

“The Secretary-General is appalled by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” Secretary-General spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric said. “Multiple attacks in recent days hitting sites hosting displaced people and people trying to access food have killed and injured scores of Palestinians. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the loss of civilian life. ”

Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel has launched a sustained military campaign in Gaza, leveling buildings, displacing families, and decimating vital infrastructure. The resulting humanitarian crisis has left hundreds of thousands without shelter, clean water, food, or medical care.

Efforts by the United States and Israel to establish designated humanitarian zones have reportedly failed to protect civilians, as several of these sites have also come under attack.

"In just one day this week, orders to relocate forced nearly 30,000 people to flee, yet again, with no safe place to go and clearly inadequate supplies of shelter, food, medicine or water,” the statement said.

Dujarric reiterated that international humanitarian law is “unambiguous”: civilians must be protected, and their basic needs must be met.

Meanwhile, the ongoing blockade of fuel entering Gaza has intensified the crisis, prompting urgent warnings from the UN.

"Without an urgent influx of fuel, incubators will shut down, ambulances will be unable to reach the injured and sick, and water cannot be purified,"  Guterres warned. "The delivery by the United Nations and partners of what little of our lifesaving humanitarian aid is left in Gaza will also grind to a halt.” 

He stressed the need for “full, safe, and sustained humanitarian access” and called on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law.

The Secretary-General also renewed his call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages, including those taken by Hamas during the October 7 attacks—many of whom are still unaccounted for.