UN chief warns Gaza growing more desperate 'by the hour'
Published: 05:10 PM,Oct 29,2023 | EDITED : 09:10 PM,Oct 29,2023
Women carry children as others check the damage in the aftermath of Israeli bombing in Rafah in the southern Gaza. — AFP
KATHMANDU: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday warned the situation in Gaza is declining rapidly as he repeated desperate appeals for a ceasefire to end the 'nightmare' of bloodshed.
'The situation in Gaza is growing more desperate by the hour. I regret that instead of a critically needed humanitarian pause, supported by the international community, Israel has intensified its military operations,' Guterres said on a visit to Nepal's capital Kathmandu.
'The number of civilians who have been killed and injured is totally unacceptable.'
After weeks of heavy bombardment of Gaza, which the Palestinian health ministry said has claimed over 8,000 lives, the Israeli army said 'stage two' of the war started with ground incursions since late on Friday.
Panic and fear have surged inside Gaza, where over one million people are displaced, and where communications went dark for days after Israel cut internet lines, although connectivity had gradually returned early on Sunday.
'The world is witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe taking place before our eyes,' Guterres added.
'More than two million people, with nowhere safe to go, are being denied the essentials for life — food, water, shelter and medical care — while being subjected to relentless bombardment. I urge all those with responsibility to step back from the brink.'
The UN's top diplomat arrived in Nepal on a four-day visit following talks in Qatar.
'I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief at a scale that meets the needs of the people of Gaza, he said.
'We must join forces to end this nightmare for the people of Gaza, Israel and all those affected around the world, including here in Nepal.'
The UN General Assembly called by a large majority for an 'immediate humanitarian truce' in Gaza.
The non-binding resolution received 120 votes in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions from UN members.
The White House said the United States backs pauses in hostilities to allow aid to get into Gaza.
'We would support humanitarian pauses for stuff getting in, as well as for people getting out, and that includes pushing for fuel to get in and for the restoration of electrical power,' National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.
His comments came after EU leaders meeting in Brussels on Thursday demanded 'humanitarian corridors and pauses' in the conflict. — AFP
'The situation in Gaza is growing more desperate by the hour. I regret that instead of a critically needed humanitarian pause, supported by the international community, Israel has intensified its military operations,' Guterres said on a visit to Nepal's capital Kathmandu.
'The number of civilians who have been killed and injured is totally unacceptable.'
After weeks of heavy bombardment of Gaza, which the Palestinian health ministry said has claimed over 8,000 lives, the Israeli army said 'stage two' of the war started with ground incursions since late on Friday.
Panic and fear have surged inside Gaza, where over one million people are displaced, and where communications went dark for days after Israel cut internet lines, although connectivity had gradually returned early on Sunday.
'The world is witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe taking place before our eyes,' Guterres added.
'More than two million people, with nowhere safe to go, are being denied the essentials for life — food, water, shelter and medical care — while being subjected to relentless bombardment. I urge all those with responsibility to step back from the brink.'
The UN's top diplomat arrived in Nepal on a four-day visit following talks in Qatar.
'I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief at a scale that meets the needs of the people of Gaza, he said.
'We must join forces to end this nightmare for the people of Gaza, Israel and all those affected around the world, including here in Nepal.'
The UN General Assembly called by a large majority for an 'immediate humanitarian truce' in Gaza.
The non-binding resolution received 120 votes in favour, 14 against and 45 abstentions from UN members.
The White House said the United States backs pauses in hostilities to allow aid to get into Gaza.
'We would support humanitarian pauses for stuff getting in, as well as for people getting out, and that includes pushing for fuel to get in and for the restoration of electrical power,' National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.
His comments came after EU leaders meeting in Brussels on Thursday demanded 'humanitarian corridors and pauses' in the conflict. — AFP