Guterres Warns of “Killing Field” in Gaza, Urges Ceasefire, Humanitarian Access

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning on Tuesday about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling it a “killing field” and urging an immediate ceasefire and full humanitarian access.

Speaking to the press at UN Headquarters, Guterres condemned the total blockage of aid into the besieged territory, where he said “not a drop” of food, fuel, medicine, or commercial supplies has entered in over a month. “As aid has dried up, the floodgates of horror have re-opened,” he said, describing the dire conditions faced by civilians trapped in what he called an “endless death loop.”

Guterres reiterated that ceasefires have proven effective, previously allowing for hostage releases and the delivery of lifesaving aid. “The ceasefire ensured the distribution of lifesaving aid. The ceasefire proved that the humanitarian community can deliver,” he stressed, while lamenting the collapse of recent efforts to maintain peace.

He emphasized the legal responsibilities of Israel, as the occupying power, under the Fourth Geneva Convention to ensure the provision of food, medical care, and essential services in Gaza. Quoting specific articles, he pointed out that these obligations are currently being ignored: “None of that is happening today.”

Humanitarian supplies, he said, are piling up at crossing points while people inside Gaza remain in desperate need. Meanwhile, new authorization mechanisms proposed by Israeli authorities could further restrict the delivery of aid “down to the last calorie and grain of flour,” which he warned would violate core humanitarian principles.

Guterres paid tribute to aid workers in Gaza, calling them “humanitarian heroes” who are “under fire and yet doing all they can to help people.” He also demanded an independent investigation into the recent killings of humanitarian workers, including UN staff.

Calling for the unconditional release of all hostages, the Secretary-General concluded with a grave warning: “The current path is a dead end – totally intolerable in the eyes of international law and history.”

He also raised alarm about the risk of escalation in the West Bank, stating, “The risk of the occupied West Bank transforming into another Gaza makes it even worse.”

“It is time,” he said, “to end the dehumanization, protect civilians, release the hostages, ensure lifesaving aid, and renew the ceasefire.”