Amman: United Nations Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres issued a stark warning on Tuesday, declaring Gaza a “killing field” and saying civilians are in an endless death loop.
According to Jordan News Agency, Guterres highlighted the dire situation in Gaza during a press conference at the UN headquarters. “No food. No fuel. No medicine. No commercial supplies. As aid has dried up, the floodgates of horror have re-opened,” he stated, expressing grave concern over the humanitarian crisis.
Guterres criticized the Israeli authorities’ newly proposed “authorization mechanisms” for aid delivery, which he argued could further control and limit aid distribution. He emphasized that the UN and its partners are prepared to deliver aid but will not engage in any arrangement that does not respect humanitarian principles, including humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality.
The UN chief also stressed the necessity for unimpeded humanitarian access and the protection of humanitarian personnel under international law. He reiterated the recent joint statement by UN humanitarian organizations, which refuted claims that there is sufficient food for all Palestinians in Gaza, citing severe shortages of commodities.
Guterres reiterated Israel’s obligations under international law as the occupying power, citing the Fourth Geneva Convention. He outlined specific articles that mandate Israel to ensure food and medical supplies, maintain medical and hospital services, and facilitate relief schemes for inadequately supplied populations in occupied territories.