Amman: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday condemned the shooting of civilians in Gaza as they attempted to obtain food for their families, which left several people dead and injured.
According to Jordan News Agency, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Guterres expressed alarm over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where “the last lifelines keeping people alive are collapsing.” He voiced particular concern over rising reports of children and adults suffering from severe malnutrition.
Reiterating the fundamental principle of civilian protection, Guterres underscored that civilians must never be targeted and must be respected at all times. He emphasized that Gaza’s population continues to face a dire shortage of basic necessities.
The Secretary-General called on Israel to comply with its obligations by allowing and facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance, whether from the United Nations or other relief organizations, through all possible channels.
Guterres warned that the escalation in hostilities comes at a time when the humanitarian response system is being obstructed and undermined, placing it in extreme jeopardy.