Mr. Guterres addressed the media at the United Nations Headquarters after the 15-member Council successfully approved the resolution after several days of talks.

He informed reporters that there has been little alteration in the progression of the war in Gaza, and that civilians are still not adequately protected.

He described extensive destruction, with reports of over 20,000 Palestinians killed and 1.9 million individuals, comprising 85% of the population, being displaced from their homes.

The health system in Gaza is struggling, access to clean water is limited, and the World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a warning about the potential for a widespread famine.

“He stated that the most effective solution to address the urgent needs of the people in Gaza and put an end to their ongoing suffering is through a humanitarian ceasefire.”

He expressed his wish that the Security Council Resolution today would aid in making this a reality, but emphasized that prompt action is still necessary.

‘Massive obstacles’ 

According to Mr. Guterres, it is not accurate to evaluate the success of the humanitarian efforts in Gaza solely by the number of aid trucks granted entry to the area.

He stated that the major issue is how Israel is carrying out their attack, which is causing significant difficulties in providing humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza.

He emphasized the need for four essential components for a successful aid mission, which are currently lacking: security, qualified staff who can operate safely, logistical capabilities, and the revival of commercial operations.

In regards to safety, he mentioned that the extensive bombing and ongoing conflict in heavily populated regions poses a threat to both civilians and humanitarian personnel.

According to him, it is crucial for humanitarian workers to have a safe living and working environment. However, 136 employees of UNRWA, the UN organization dedicated to aiding Palestinians, have lost their lives during the ongoing conflict. He also stated that there is no place that can be considered safe in Gaza.

Logistic constraints

Regarding logistics, he stated that all aid trucks entering Gaza through the two border crossings (Kerem Shalom and Rafah) must undergo unloading and reloading in order to distribute supplies throughout the area.

He stated that our hasty evacuation from the northern region resulted in the destruction or abandonment of numerous vehicles and trucks. However, the Israeli authorities have prohibited the use of any extra trucks in Gaza, greatly impeding our ability to provide aid.

Additionally, providing assistance in the northern region is highly hazardous given the ongoing violence, presence of unexploded weapons, and severe road damage. Furthermore, frequent communication disruptions in Gaza make it nearly impossible to effectively organize the delivery of aid and ensure people have access to it.

Unity and action

In the future, the leader of the United Nations also supported the idea of a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians as the only way to achieve lasting peace.

He stated that the effects of the conflict are already being experienced in the nearby area and beyond, presenting a substantial and escalating danger to global peace and security.

The Secretary-General stated that we will continue to contribute and not give up, as the conflict becomes more intense and the terror increases.

“However, it is crucial that the global community unite in advocating for peace, safeguarding civilians, ending suffering, and upholding the two-state resolution through concrete actions.”

Source: news.un.org