UNITED NATIONS, May 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday asked for more humanitarian aid into Gaza and for safety and security mitigation measures for delivery.
Palestinians in Gaza are enduring what may be the cruelest phase of this cruel conflict. For nearly 80 days, Israel blocked the entry of life-saving international aid, he noted.
Finally, Israel has allowed aid into Gaza. But all the aid authorized until now amounts to "a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required," he told reporters.
In recent days, almost 400 trucks were cleared for entry into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing. But supplies from only 115 trucks have been able to be collected. And nothing has reached the besieged northern Gaza, said Guterres.
As the world's leading hunger assessment found, the entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine. Families are being starved and denied the very basics -- all with the world watching in real time, he said.
"The needs are massive and the obstacles are staggering. Strict quotas are being imposed on the goods we distribute -- along with unnecessary delay procedures. Other essentials, including fuel, shelter, cooking gas, and water purification supplies, are prohibited," said Guterres.
"We continue to request for safety and security mitigation measures to be in place for our convoys," he said, warning: "Our staff life is at risk if we continue to be prevented from distributing food parcels and wheat flour directly to people in desperate need. Without those, and in the absence of the rule of law and a desperate population after months of blockade, and totally insufficient supply entering, the risk of security incidents and looting remains high."
Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law. It must treat civilians humanely, with respect for their inherent dignity. It must not forcibly transport, deport or displace the civilian population of an occupied territory. And as the occupying power, it must agree to allow and facilitate the aid that is needed, said Guterres. ■
