UN Secretary-General Describes Gaza Situation as a "Horror Show"
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the situation in Gaza as a “horror show,” emphasizing that the level of destruction and loss of life is unprecedented in recent times. Speaking to the UN Security Council, he highlighted the devastation caused by Israeli military operations, stating that the humanitarian crisis is reaching its last gasp.
Guterres pointed out that the ongoing conflict has led to “devastation being layered upon devastation.” He called for an immediate halt to the violence and stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire. According to the UN, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food aid since the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began overseeing aid operations.
Israel has stated that it views the transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza as a priority and claims it works with the international community to facilitate its entry. However, it has denied allegations of preventing aid from reaching the region and accused Hamas of stealing supplies, a claim that Hamas denies.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 59,106 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Israel says its military operation aims to destroy Hamas, which was responsible for the attacks on October 7, 2023, that killed around 1,200 people.
German Minister Supports Gaza Ceasefire Statement
German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan expressed support for a joint statement demanding an end to the war in Gaza. She mentioned that she would have liked Germany to be among the 28 countries that signed the statement. The minister called for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, highlighting the suffering of innocent children and starving civilians.
Alabali Radovan emphasized the need for Israel to observe international law and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid. She noted that the civilian population in Gaza must not continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Calls for Immediate Action
The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, urged Israel to stop killing civilians at aid distribution points. She spoke with her Israeli counterpart and reiterated the need for an immediate halt to the violence. The EU has consistently called for a cessation of hostilities and a focus on protecting civilians.
French Foreign Minister Condemns Situation in Gaza
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot strongly condemned Israel’s expanding military operations in Gaza. He described the humanitarian situation as “disgraceful” and called for an immediate end to the conflict. Barrot criticized the offensive, stating that it would exacerbate an already catastrophic situation and lead to further displacement.
He also demanded that foreign media be allowed into Gaza to report on the conditions there. Since the war began in 2023, foreign journalists have been barred from entering the enclave.
WHO Facilities Attacked in Gaza
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah were attacked three times by Israeli forces. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that women and children were forced to evacuate on foot during active conflict. Male staff and family members were detained, interrogated, and subjected to screening at gunpoint.
Two WHO staff and two family members were detained, with three later released. One staff member remains in detention. The WHO is calling for the release of the detained individual and has stated that it will continue its operations despite the attacks.
Tedros emphasized that compromising WHO’s operations is crippling the entire health response in Gaza. He reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire, stating that it is not just necessary but overdue.
Ongoing Developments in Gaza
As Israel launched a ground offensive in Deir al-Balah, the city became the last remaining area in Gaza largely unaffected by widespread destruction. Thousands of Palestinians have taken shelter there, seeking refuge from the fighting in other parts of the territory.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, calling for an end to the violence and a focus on protecting civilians. As the conflict escalates, the need for a lasting ceasefire becomes more urgent than ever.
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