New york: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday warned of the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, describing it as a "horror show" marked by mass devastation and starvation. "We need look no further than the horror show in Gaza - with a level of death and destruction without parallel in recent times," Guterres told the UN Security Council during a debate on multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Guterres highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, stating, "Malnourishment is soaring. Starvation is knocking on every door. And now we are seeing the last gasp of a humanitarian system built on humanitarian principles." He emphasized that this system is being denied the necessary conditions to function, space to deliver, and safety to save lives.
Guterres criticized Israel's military operations, pointing out that with intensifying actions and new displacement orders in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, the devastation continues to escalate. He also observed that the Gaza situation reflects a wider failure to uphold international obligations, as conflicts rage and international law is disregarded, leading to unprecedented levels of hunger and displacement in regions including Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, and Myanmar.
The UN chief condemned recent attacks on UN facilities in Gaza, expressing his dismay that premises such as those of the UN Office for Project Services and the World Health Organization, including WHO's main warehouse, have been struck. He reiterated that these sites, like all civilian areas, are protected under international humanitarian law and must remain inviolable.
Guterres underscored the importance of maintaining international peace and multilateralism, reminding the Security Council of the UN's founding 80 years ago to prevent the scourge of war. He urged the council to overcome internal divisions, reform to reflect current geopolitical realities, and enhance cooperation with regional partners.
As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, Guterres called on all member states to uphold international law and reaffirm their commitment to peace through diplomacy.
