23.05.2025 23:00
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres assessed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that the region is at risk of famine and that aid is being obstructed. In his statement, Guterres emphasized that the international community must intervene urgently.
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at a press conference regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stated, "Leading hunger assessment organizations in the world report that the entire Gaza is at risk of famine. Families are suffering from hunger and are deprived of their basic needs. All of this is happening before the eyes of the world."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a press conference at the Geneva Office. Guterres emphasized that the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has reached "unprecedented disaster levels" and called for the removal of obstacles to aid. He expressed that the international community must act without further delay.
"FAMILIES ARE SUFFERING FROM HUNGER, DEPRIVED OF THEIR BASIC NEEDS"
Pointing out that Israel has largely blocked humanitarian aid into Gaza for about 80 days, Antonio Guterres said, "Leading hunger assessment organizations in the world report that the entire Gaza is at risk of famine. Families are suffering from hunger and are deprived of their basic needs. All of this is happening before the eyes of the world." Referring to Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law, Guterres stated, "As an occupying power, it must respect civilians, not forcibly displace them, and facilitate the delivery of aid."
"AID IS BEING BLOCKED, DISTRIBUTION IS INSUFFICIENT"
UN Secretary-General Guterres noted that in recent days, a limited number of aid trucks have been allowed to enter through the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing, but this has largely been ineffective. Antonio Guterres said, "Out of approximately 400 trucks, only 115 were able to deliver aid. No aid has reached the northern region, which is in urgent need. The support that has been provided so far is as insufficient as a teaspoon of water in this crisis environment." Guterres stated that the UN and its partners are working day and night, mentioning that only basic materials such as wheat flour, baby formula, nutritional supplements, and medicine have been partially delivered, while vital needs such as fuel, shelter, cooking gas, and water purification systems remain banned.
"80% OF GAZA HAS BECOME UNINHABITABLE FOR THE PEOPLE"
Highlighting the intensification of attacks by the Israeli army, the UN Secretary-General stated, "80% of Gaza has either been declared a military zone or has become areas from which the population is asked to leave. In other words, more than three-quarters of Gaza is effectively uninhabitable for its people."
"URGENT ACTION IS ESSENTIAL"
Expressing that the United Nations will adhere to humanitarian principles and international law, Guterres made three fundamental demands to the parties: "the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the assurance of unhindered access to humanitarian aid."
Guterres also explained the five-phase aid mechanism established by the UN and partner organizations, stating, "All systems, personnel, and distribution networks are ready for screening at crossing points, delivery to humanitarian facilities, preparation for distribution, and reaching those in need. Aid materials equivalent to 160,000 pallets and 9,000 trucks are being held up."
"THIS IS A CALL TO SAVE LIVES"
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, "This is a life-saving aid call for the people of Gaza," urging the international community to "do what is right, right now."
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