UN Secretary-General calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire as humanitarian crisis reaches ‘horrific proportions’

UN Secretary-General calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire as humanitarian crisis reaches ‘horrific proportions’
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urgently called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, warning that the humanitarian crisis has reached “horrific proportions,” UN website reported. Speaking at the UN Headquarters in New York on June 27, Guterres emphasized that despite recent focus on the Israel-Iran conflict, the dire situation in Gaza remains critical and must not be overlooked.

Guterres highlighted that families in Gaza have been repeatedly displaced and are now confined to less than one-fifth of the territory’s land, with even these shrinking areas under constant threat from ongoing bombings. He described the shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter as the worst since the war began, warning that Palestinians searching for basic necessities face life-threatening dangers.

The Secretary-General reiterated his call for three urgent actions: an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full, unimpeded humanitarian access. He stressed the need for a significant increase in aid deliveries, stating, “the trickle must become an ocean.” Guterres reminded Israel, as the occupying power, of its legal obligation to facilitate humanitarian relief and urged all parties with influence to act.

While a small convoy of UN medical supplies recently entered Gaza, Guterres stressed that aid operations must prioritize civilian safety and avoid militarized zones. He concluded by advocating for renewed diplomacy toward a two-State solution as the only sustainable path to peace and dignity for all involved.