Gaza conflict: UN Secretary-General calls for silencing the guns and authorizing more aid

Hibapress

As this Sunday, April 7, marks the sixth month since the start of the conflict in Gaza, the Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, called on Friday to silence the guns and asked Israel to authorize a substantial increase in the humanitarian aid distributed in the Palestinian enclave.

“Six months later, we are on the verge of a massive famine, a regional conflagration, a total loss of confidence in global norms and standards,” said the UN chief during a briefing press conference at UN headquarters in New York.

Mr. Guterres insisted that “it is time to emerge from this abyss, to silence the guns, to alleviate the horrific suffering, and to end a potential famine before it is too late,” reiterating his calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, the protection of civilians and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

Over the past six months, the UN chief noted that the Israeli military campaign has caused widespread death and destruction in Gaza, with more than 32,000 people killed and more than 75,000 injured – the vast majority of them women and children.

“Today, in Gaza, children are dying for lack of food and water,” he said. “This is incomprehensible and completely avoidable. Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”