Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has unleashed what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres terms as “relentless death and destruction” upon Palestinians in the region. Guterres vehemently denounces the collective punishment inflicted upon the Palestinian populace, emphasizing that no justification exists for such actions.
During his recent visit to the Rafah crossing, Guterres encountered seasoned humanitarian workers who expressed shock at the unprecedented crisis and suffering in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for unimpeded aid access.
Expressing hope for swift action, Guterres urges Israel to substantially enhance aid access to Gaza, particularly following US President Joe Biden’s demands to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis. In response, Israel has sanctioned the reopening of the Beit Hanoon (Erez) crossing and temporary use of Ashdod port, aligning with Biden’s calls for immediate measures.
Global condemnation surged following an Israeli airstrike that claimed the lives of seven individuals affiliated with the US-based food charity World Central Kitchen. Shockingly, the UN reports a distressing toll on humanitarian workers during the ongoing conflict.
Furthermore, Guterres voices profound concern over reports suggesting the Israeli military’s use of artificial intelligence to identify bombing targets in Gaza, vehemently opposing the delegation of life-and-death decisions to cold algorithms.
He also acknowledges the anguish inflicted by Hamas’s attack on October 7, urging the unconditional release of captives held in Gaza. Israel asserts that over 1,200 individuals were killed during the October 7 attack, with more than 200 taken captive, some of whom have been released subsequently.
