Rafah Crossing, Egypt – On Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres proclaimed the need for “real” relief measures in Gaza, including life-saving aid and “summoning hunger assistance,” in response to public uproar.
He promptly requested a truce between Israel and Hamas.
Guterres talked with Egyptian border officials at Rafah in Gaza City, where Israel is planning ground strikes despite warnings of possible damage. More than 50% of Gaza’s population has taken safety there.
“Another attack will worsen the situation.”
Guterres emphasized that the situation is worse for Palestinian citizens, detainees, and the whole region.
A day later, he discussed the United Nations Security Council’s failure to accept the US-sponsored resolution “A” for an immediate and durable ceasefire.
Guterres emphasized the difficulties in getting help in Gaza, which has been put mostly on Israel by international humanitarian groups.
“From this intersection, we see broken hearts, heartlessness, a long line of relief trucks halted by checkpoints, and the looming shadow of hunger,” he stated.
Governor Mohammad Abdel-Fadel Shousha testified that about 7,000 assistance vehicles are awaiting entry into Gaza north of Egypt.
Secretary of State Antonio Guterres stated, “It is time for Israel to demonstrate firm commitment to reaching humanitarian goods and it is time for Gaza, and in the spirit of Ramadan, it is also time for the immediate release of all prisoners.” He then stated to media that he supports a humanitarian ceasefire and the simultaneous release of detainees.
Hamas is reported to have held about 100 hostages and 30 others since the October 7th massacre, which killed roughly 1,200 people, largely civilians and sparked fighting.
In response to Guterres’ remarks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited a social media post by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accusing the UN of becoming anti-Israel and anti-Jewish.
An estimated 1.5 million Palestinians currently seek shelter.
After exiting Israel, Rafah became aggressive elsewhere.
US Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken criticized Israel’s strike on Rafah on Thursday, calling it a mistake and unnecessary for defeating Hamas. He noted a shift in the US’ approach, stating that there is no realistic option to remove civilians from the path of disaster.
Netanyahu committed to implement military-approved measures to eliminate Hamas.
The military must attack the remaining four battalions in Rafah, which is considered the last stronghold of Hamas.
Over 32,000 people have died in Gaza as a result of Israel’s assault, and 80% of the 2.3 million residents have been evacuated, according to health experts. The Gaza health ministry reported 72 dead taken to hospitals during the last 24 hours.
The health ministry does not differentiate between civilians and fighters, but does identify women and children among the deceased.
Israel blamed Hamas for the killings, accusing them of operating in civilian areas.
On Saturday, the Israeli army accused Hamas of being active militants, resulting in violent combat outside Gaza’s main hospital.
The Israeli army claims to have killed over 170 terrorists at Shifa Hospital since its establishment a week ago.
According to Gaza City residents, Israeli forces blew up multiple residential structures.
“They’re clearing the entire area,” Abdel-Ha said.
Saad resides in the Rimal area on Gaza City’s western outskirts. Mohammad Al Sheikh, a local, stated that Israeli bombardment was indiscriminate and targeted any moving objects.
According to the health ministry, five injured Palestinians died in Shifa after being confined without access to food, water, or medical care. Previously, the Israeli army reportedly detained health staff, patients, and families at the complex.
“These situations are entirely inhumane,” World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated late Friday on social media.
An Israeli attack killed an elderly mother and five children in Khan Yunis, according to health officials.
Hunger has turned fatal. The United Nations and Israel’s government have spat over inadequate aid delivery in northern Gaza, citing Israel’s assault and reports of youngsters seeking bread dumps.
UNRWA, “D.” Assistance to Gaza, accused Israel of withholding permission for a convoy to reach northern Gaza, according to Guterres. The agency is aware that UNRWA has said that a convoy might reach the location after two months.
Israel’s government accused hundreds of relief trucks of waiting for UN clearance before distributing them as partners.
UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma stated, “There is no time for false information.
