The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has sparked urgent calls for peace and humanitarian aid. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a plea for an immediate ceasefire during a video address to an international donors’ conference in Kuwait.
He emphasized the need for the unconditional release of hostages and a significant increase in humanitarian assistance to the besieged Palestinian territory.
Despite international outcry, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza persisted, with an expansion of evacuation orders in Rafah, effectively closing off a vital aid crossing. Guterres condemned the ongoing violence, highlighting the immense suffering inflicted on civilians, including displacement, hunger, and trauma.
The remarks by Guterres were made at the outset of a conference in Kuwait, co-organized by the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) and the UN’s humanitarian coordination organization OCHA. The gathering aims to address the pressing humanitarian needs resulting from the conflict.
Concerns have been raised about the potential for an “epic humanitarian disaster” in Gaza if Israel were to launch a full-scale ground operation in Rafah, as warned by Guterres during a prior engagement in Nairobi. The situation remains dire, with Gaza facing unprecedented levels of devastation and displacement.
The conflict escalated following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
According to figures from Israeli officials, more than 1,170 people, primarily civilians, lost their lives. In retaliation, Israel launched a massive offensive, resulting in a staggering death toll of over 34,971 people in Gaza, predominantly women and children, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.
Efforts to bring an end to the violence and provide crucial humanitarian assistance are underway, but the road to recovery from the devastation of war will be long and challenging for the people of Gaza.
UN Secretary-General calls for urgent Gaza ceasefire and release of hostages, emphasizing humanitarian crisis. Immediate action neededThe international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and a concerted effort to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.
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