“The urgency of the situation was emphasized by Mr. Guterres at a press conference in Amman with Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safady. He promised to continue advocating for the removal of any barriers hindering vital aid, and for increased entry points into Gaza.”

The plea from the head of the United Nations was made in response to alarming reports from UN relief workers and other aid organizations, particularly in the northern regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 27 children have passed away due to severe malnutrition.

The United Nations leader emphasized the need to confront reality, stating that there can be no lasting resolution to the humanitarian crisis while the violent war continues.

“To reiterate, there is no justification for the appalling October 7 attacks and hostage-taking by Hamas. Likewise, there is no justification for retaliating against the entire Palestinian population.”

UNRWA shut out

The Secretary-General has called for a permanent peace and a temporary ceasefire to allow for the necessary delivery of food, fuel, and medicine. This request comes at a time when the Israeli authorities have refused to let the UNRWA transport aid to the northern Gaza region.

Simultaneously, the United Nations organization, which is the primary source of international assistance in the region, noted a significant increase in the cost of essential goods in the northern governorates. Prices for basic commodities are now 25 times higher compared to before the war, with a 25-kg bag of flour costing over $400.

Despite being warned about the upcoming famine in Gaza, UNRWA maintains that there hasn’t been a notable increase in the amount of supplies being delivered to Gaza or improved accessibility to the northern part of the region.

UNRWA reported that in the initial 23 days of March, the average number of aid trucks entering Gaza was only 157 per day, significantly lower than the goal of 500 per day and the expected capacity of the border crossings.

The UN agency reports that there are still ongoing delays at the Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel and Rafah crossing from Egypt. These delays are due to the bombing of Palestinian policemen by Israeli forces near the crossings in early February, which has significantly obstructed aid delivery.

Assistance and optimism for millions

During his annual solidarity visit in celebration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the significant and positive influence of UNRWA on countless individuals’ lives.

At the Wihdat Palestine refugee camp, where some of the 2.4 million Palestine refugees living in Jordan reside, it is crucial that we continue to support the unique services offered by UNRWA in order to maintain a sense of hope. These were the words of the speaker after speaking with community members.

Mr. Guterres emphasized the important role of the UN agency and how it provides hope and dignity to many individuals. He highlighted the impact of its schools and health centers on Palestinian refugees, regardless of their age.

Peacebuilding role

The UN leader stated that UNWRA not only educates 500,000 girls and boys, but also provides health care and employment opportunities to two million people. Additionally, 500,000 of the poorest Palestinians receive aid from UNWRA. These efforts all contribute to the organization’s important role in promoting social harmony, stability, and peace.

“Consider the idea of losing everything mentioned. It would be heartless and difficult to understand, especially as we remember the 171 UNRWA employees who lost their lives in Gaza – the highest number of UN staff deaths in our record.”

In Gaza, the violence continued without interruption over the weekend despite efforts to calm the situation. Israeli bombings and airstrikes were reported in southern Gaza, specifically in the town of Rafah. According to UNRWA, approximately 1.2 million individuals reside in Rafah, with most living in official or unofficial housing provided by the organization.

Veterans’ horror

During his recent trip to the Rafah border crossing, the UN Secretary-General expressed his shock and horror at the dire situation in Gaza, as told by the seasoned humanitarian workers he met.

“He stated that the magnitude and rapidity of the death and devastation are unparalleled, and currently, Palestinians in Gaza are facing the threat of starvation.”

The United Nations leader stated that there is increasing global awareness that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine must be resolved. He emphasized that a two-state solution is the only viable path towards achieving a sustainable resolution.

“Israelis must see their legitimate needs for security materialized, and Palestinians must see their legitimate aspirations for a fully independent, viable and sovereign State realized, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements,” Mr. Guterres said.

Tedros expresses worry over recent hospital raids.

On Monday, the Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed great worry following reports of an Israeli military siege and attack on Al-Amal Hospital in the city of Khan Younis on Sunday.

Tedros pointed out that a Red Crescent employee who is Palestinian and another person taking refuge at the hospital had both been fatally wounded.

“On X, formerly known as Twitter, Tedros expressed concern about another attack on Al-Amal Hospital in Gaza. This situation puts patients and healthcare workers at immense risk. We urgently request protection for them and reiterate our plea for a ceasefire.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that their team was prohibited from accessing the hospital to evaluate needs and facilitate patient transfers. However, they were able to provide nine health workers with water and first aid after the workers walked from Al-Amal to south Gaza.

According to reports, Israeli military vehicles arrived at Al-Amal and Nasser hospitals in Khan Younis on Sunday. The Israel Defense Forces have previously defended these raids by claiming they are necessary for locating Hamas fighters.

Source: news.un.org