UN Chief: Civilians in Gaza Need Continuous Flow of Life-Saving Humanitarian Aid

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed that civilians in Gaza need a continuous flow of life-saving humanitarian aid and fuel into and across the area.

In his address to the Security Council on Thursday,  the UN Chief said: "Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need is critical. Humanitarian partners carried out several medical evacuations from north to south Gaza, including to transport dozens of premature babies as well as spinal and dialysis patients from Shifa and Al-Ahli Anglican hospitals."

He continued: "Several critically ill patients have also been evacuated for treatment in Egypt. Hospitals across Gaza lack the basic supplies, staff and fuel to deliver primary health care at the scale needed, let alone safely treat urgent cases."

The UN Chief further warned that the Gaza Strip was in the midst of an "epic humanitarian catastrophe," noting that the medical system has broken down under the heavy caseload, acute shortages, and the impact of hostilities.

He also stressed the need for a true humanitarian ceasefire, saying: "Failure will condemn Palestinians, Israelis, the region and the world, to a never-ending cycle of death and destruction."

In the same connection, Guterres retreated his call for establishing a two-State solution, based on United Nations resolutions and international law, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security.