‘Incremental Progress’ toward Averting Gaza Famine, Says Guterres

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of addressing the dire situation in the northern Gaza Strip. He acknowledged that there has been some progress in averting a preventable famine, but stressed that urgent action is still required.

Guterres specifically called on Israel to fulfill its commitment of opening two crossings into northern Gaza, allowing aid to be delivered directly from Israel's Ashdod port and Jordan. He emphasized the need for safe, rapid, and unimpeded access to aid throughout Gaza.

One of the major challenges in distributing aid across Gaza is the lack of security for humanitarian workers and the people they serve. Guterres emphasized that humanitarian convoys, facilities, personnel, and the vulnerable population must not be targeted.

Israel had previously pledged to improve aid access following a demand from US President Joe Biden, who highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Guterres reiterated the importance of preventing a human-made famine and stressed that while there has been some progress, much more needs to be done urgently.

A UN-backed report published in March warned that famine was imminent in northern Gaza, with the potential to spread across the entire enclave, affecting its 2.3 million inhabitants.

Guterres expressed deep concern for the most vulnerable in northern Gaza, including sick children and people with disabilities, who are already suffering from hunger and disease.