United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the "humanitarian support system in Gaza is nearing total collapse," as the Israeli aggression on the territory continues for over nine months, according to the Palestinian news agency "Wafa." This statement was made in a speech delivered on his behalf by his Chief of Staff, Courtenay Rattray, during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Guterres emphasized that there is nothing that justifies "the collective punishment of the Palestinian people," pointing out that approximately half a million people are facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity and rising infectious diseases, amid "severe challenges and deadly risks" facing UN humanitarian workers on the ground.
Rattray, on behalf of the Secretary-General, stated that the wide-scale entry and distribution of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza is essential for the survival and well-being of civilians. He added, "It is long overdue to provide a secure enabling environment for effective humanitarian operations in Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law."
While all eyes are on Gaza, the Secretary-General, through his Chief of Staff, noted that the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, faces "dangerous conditions." He pointed out that "more than 550 Palestinians have been killed since October 7 – including 138 children – most of them by Israeli forces." Furthermore, the Israeli measures undermine the Palestinian National Authority, cripple the Palestinian economy, induce instability, and significantly accelerate settlement expansion.
He remarked, "Recent developments drive a knife into the heart of any prospect for a two-state solution. The geography of the occupied West Bank is steadily changing through Israeli administrative and legal steps, one of which is transferring powers in the occupied West Bank to a civilian deputy in the Israeli civil administration, an additional step towards extending Israeli sovereignty over this occupied land."
He added, "If these measures are left unaddressed, they threaten to cause irreparable damage." The Secretary-General stressed the need for a change in course through the immediate cessation of all Israeli settlement activities and holding perpetrators of violence accountable.
He affirmed that "Israeli settlements are a blatant violation of international law and a major obstacle to peace," underscoring "the necessity for Israel to ensure the safety and security of Palestinian citizens." The Secretary-General called for reaching an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza now, stating that "the humanitarian situation in Gaza is a moral stain on us all."
Guterres reiterated the "importance of treating all detainees humanely and releasing those held without legal grounds," stressing that this "horrific war" must end and governance in Gaza must be restored to "a single legitimate Palestinian government." He concluded, "Support for the Palestinian Authority is crucial. Its institutions must be strengthened to be ready to govern and lead recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza."
