UN Chief Describes Gaza Situation As ‘Horrific’; Calls For Immediate Ceasefire & Aid Access

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the current situation as ‘horrific’ and without parallel in recent times.

Guterres called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, urging all parties to work toward a lasting solution that guarantees the rights and dignity of both Palestinians and Israelis.

Guterres: Gaza Faces Unprecedented Death and Destruction

Addressing reporters, Guterres stated, “What we are witnessing in Gaza is a level of death and destruction that has no parallel in recent times.”

He stressed that the violence has stripped the population of Gaza of even the most basic conditions of human dignity.

The UN chief reaffirmed his call for a ceasefire, adding, “But the ceasefire is not enough. It must lead to a solution—one that ensures both Palestinians and Israelis have a state and can exercise their rights.”

According to reports by Xinhua, weekend strikes killed numerous civilians, including children, many of whom were seeking food and water.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed that strikes in Nuseirat killed at least seven children waiting for water at a distribution point.

Earlier in the week, other attacks also killed women and children waiting for nutrition supplies.

UNICEF called the killings an ‘outrage’ and demanded an end to such attacks, stating, “No child should risk their life to get food, water, or aid.”

OCHA warned that Gaza’s health system is ‘decimated’ and on the verge of total collapse.

Hospitals continue to treat mass casualties despite critical shortages in supplies, staff, and fuel.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported the death of a specialist in surgery and endoscopy over the weekend, highlighting the deadly toll on healthcare workers.

UN agencies also reported that fuel shortages have reached catastrophic levels. Last week’s limited fuel deliveries were only sufficient to support essential operations for a single day. Agencies warned they may have to halt operations entirely without immediate and consistent fuel access.

Famine Risk Growing as Child Malnutrition Rises

UNICEF highlighted the growing risk of famine, reporting that over 5,800 children were diagnosed with malnutrition last month, including 1,000 with severe acute malnutrition—the fourth consecutive month of rising hunger among children in Gaza.

OCHA emphasised that the minimal aid currently entering Gaza is grossly insufficient for the needs of 2.1 million people.

UN agencies urged Israel to allow large-scale, sustained humanitarian aid through all available routes.

OCHA reported that Israeli authorities continue to issue evacuation orders amid the ongoing conflict.

On Friday, Israel ordered an evacuation in the Rimal area of Gaza City, displacing about 70,000 people from a dozen shelter sites.

The humanitarian office said more than 86% of Gaza is now either under evacuation orders or in militarised zones.

Violence also intensified in the West Bank. Israeli settlers killed two Palestinian men in their early 20s near Ramallah on Friday, OCHA reported.

The humanitarian office documented over 700 settler attacks on Palestinians during the first half of 2025, affecting more than 200 communities, primarily in Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron.

These incidents resulted in numerous casualties and widespread property damage.

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