Gaza – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that “the plight of Palestinian civilians trapped in northern Gaza is intolerable,” due to the genocide that Israel continues to commit.
This came in a written statement published by the spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, on Sunday.
According to the statement, Guterres expressed his shock at the horrific levels of death, injury and destruction in northern Gaza.
He stressed that repeated efforts to deliver the humanitarian supplies necessary for survival – food, medicine and shelter – are still met with rejection by the Israeli authorities, with few exceptions, putting countless lives at risk.
He stressed that postponing the final stage of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza puts the lives of thousands of children at risk.
He pointed out that the widespread destruction and deprivation resulting from Israeli military operations in northern Gaza make life conditions unbearable for the Palestinian residents there.
He described the situation of Palestinian civilians trapped in northern Gaza as “unbearable,” reiterating his call for an immediate ceasefire.
The genocide that the Israeli army began in the northern Gaza Strip on October 5 is escalating after its invasion under the pretext of “preventing the movement of Palestinian factions from regaining their strength,” while the Palestinians say that Israel seeks to occupy the region and displace them.
With American support, Israel has been waging a genocidal war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving more than 143,500,000 Palestinians dead and wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 10,000 missing, amid massive destruction and famine that killed dozens of children and the elderly, in one of the worst humanitarian disasters. In the world.
Tel Aviv continues its massacres, ignoring the UN Security Council resolution to end them immediately, and the orders of the International Court of Justice to take measures to prevent acts of genocide and improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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**Interview with Dr. Amina Faraj, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Faraj. The statement from UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlights the dire situation for civilians in northern Gaza. Can you share your thoughts on his use of the term “intolerable”?
**Dr. Faraj:** Thank you for having me. The term “intolerable” is significant in this context. It reflects not just the immediate humanitarian needs but also a moral imperative for the international community to act. We are witnessing unimaginable suffering among civilians, and such language aims to galvanize a response.
**Editor:** Guterres mentioned “horrific levels of death, injury, and destruction.” What implications does this have for international humanitarian law and the responsibilities of involved parties?
**Dr. Faraj:** The widespread impact on civilians raises serious concerns regarding compliance with international humanitarian law. All parties in a conflict are obligated to protect non-combatants. Continuous violations could lead to calls for accountability at the international level, but enforcement remains a challenge.
**Editor:** He also expressed shock at the ongoing violence. How does this element of shock factor into diplomatic discussions about the conflict?
**Dr. Faraj:** Shock can serve as a catalyst for action. By vocalizing his dismay, Guterres may press world leaders to reconsider their positions and take a more active role in seeking resolutions. However, translating shock into concrete action often faces political hurdles.
**Editor:** What do you think should be the immediate response from the international community following Guterres’ statement?
**Dr. Faraj:** The immediate response should include increased humanitarian aid to address urgent needs in Gaza, a call for a ceasefire, and renewed diplomatic efforts to foster dialogue between the parties involved. The priority must be to safeguard civilians, who are suffering disproportionately in this conflict.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Faraj, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Faraj:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to shed light on the humanitarian crisis and advocate for the rights of civilians.
Are the implications of this statement for the international community and for humanitarian efforts in the region?
**Dr. Faraj:** The implications are profound. When the Secretary-General highlights the “horrific levels” of suffering, it calls into question the adequacy of the current humanitarian response. The international community must assess whether it is doing enough to alleviate the situation. This phrase is not merely descriptive; it signals an urgent need for action to provide aid and shelter, and to reassess diplomatic strategies that have been ineffective in ending the violence.
**Editor:** Guterres also pointed out the rejection of humanitarian supplies by Israeli authorities. What does this suggest about the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations on the ground?
**Dr. Faraj:** It underscores the tremendous barriers humanitarian organizations face in delivering aid. The blockade and military operations create a climate where not only are supplies insufficient, but access is severely restricted. This indicates a systemic issue where humanitarian principles are being sidelined in the pursuit of military objectives. It’s a matter of not just physical access but also political will to allow aid to flow into desperate communities.
**Editor:** The Secretary-General emphasized the risk posed to children in northern Gaza due to postponed vaccination campaigns. How critical is this aspect in the context of the ongoing conflict?
**Dr. Faraj:** This is a critical concern. Children are among the most vulnerable populations during armed conflicts, and neglecting their health needs can have long-term consequences. Postponing vaccination efforts can lead to outbreaks of diseases like polio, compounding the humanitarian disaster. The current crisis must not overshadow the basic health needs, and the international community should advocate for children’s right to health care, even in conflict zones.
**Editor:** Lastly, Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire. What would a ceasefire mean for the people of Gaza and for the broader regional stability?
**Dr. Faraj:** A ceasefire is essential not only for providing immediate relief to civilians but also for initiating dialogue. It could create a space for humanitarian aid to enter, allowing for the restoration of basic services. Additionally, it could pave the way for broader peace talks that address the underlying issues of the conflict. Without a ceasefire, the cycle of violence continues, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and undermining any hope for a peaceful resolution.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Faraj. It is clear that the situation in northern Gaza demands urgent attention and action from the international community.
**Dr. Faraj:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep the focus on the humanitarian needs of the people affected by this conflict.
