UN chief at Gaza Conflict, Appeals for End to Gaza Nightmare

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, during his visit to the Gaza conflict, makes a heartfelt plea for an immediate end to the ongoing nightmare in Gaza.

Despite numerous warnings about the escalating crisis and the potential harm to innocent civilians, Prime Minister Netanyahu remains determined to proceed with the Rafah operation, even after six months of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a visit to the border of war-torn Gaza, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to allow for more humanitarian aid to reach the region.

Addressing the situation at the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian side, where many Gazans have sought shelter, Guterres expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and suffering. Despite his pleas, Israel remains determined to launch a ground offensive against Hamas militants.

Guterres highlighted the dire conditions faced by the people of Gaza, stressing the urgent need for an end to the violence. He echoed the sentiments of the global community, calling for an immediate halt to the conflict.

As international pressure mounts on Israel to de-escalate the situation and prevent further civilian casualties, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive. However, the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with thousands of lives lost, underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

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The conflict ignited on October 7th following an unprecedented assault from Gaza by Hamas militants, resulting in approximately 1,160 fatalities in Israel, predominantly civilians, as per an AFP count of official Israeli data.

Israel made a commitment to eradicate the militants, who also took around 250 hostages, with Israel estimating that about 130 are still in Gaza conflict, including 33 presumed deceased.

Extensive areas of the region have been devastated, and the World Food Programme declared on Monday that Gazans are already on the brink of starvation, with famine anticipated in northern Gaza by May unless urgent action is taken.

In a post on social media platform X on Friday, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, expressed that the aid permitted by Israeli authorities is still significantly insufficient.

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Currently, an average of 150 trucks per day are allowed into Gaza conflict, he stated, in contrast to a minimum of 500 before the conflict. Russia and China vetoed a US resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

In the face of limited ground access, several nations have begun aid airdrops, and a sea corridor from Cyprus delivered its first cargo of food.

Israel has blamed shortages on the Palestinian side, namely a lack of capacity to distribute aid once it gets in.

Israel’s most staunch ally the United States, which provides it with billions of dollars in military aid, has repeatedly blocked Gaza ceasefire resolutions at the UN Security Council.

But Washington has also become increasingly vocal about the war’s impact on civilians. On Friday it tried to pass a text mentioning an “immediate ceasefire as part of a hostage deal”, but China and Russia vetoed the US text.

The Gaza health ministry, in its latest toll on Saturday, reported at least 72 people killed overnight.

Israeli forces continued their operations in and around Gaza’s largest hospital complex, Al-Shifa, for a sixth consecutive day on Saturday.

The military reported that over 170 militants had been killed, more than 800 suspects interrogated, and weapons seized.

The operation, described as “accurate,” is being carried out with precision to avoid harm to civilians or medical staff, according to the army.

The UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA, noted that “health workers have been among those detained and taken into custody.”

Mohammed, a 59-year-old resident living near the Al-Shifa complex in Gaza City, recounted witnessing “numerous bodies” in the streets, buildings ablaze, and tanks obstructing the roads.

“I believe that Gaza has turned into something worse than the depths of hell,” he expressed, providing only his first name.

Netanyahu reiterated his intention to deploy ground troops in Rafah during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He emphasized the importance of US support but stated that Israel is prepared to act independently if necessary.

Despite warnings from global leaders about the consequences of a ground invasion, Netanyahu remains firm in his belief that it is the only way to eliminate Hamas. Guterres, in Rafah, expressed concerns that further attacks would exacerbate the situation. Blinken committed to exploring alternatives to a ground incursion through ongoing discussions with Israeli officials.

Even without ground troops, Rafah continues to face relentless bombardments. The Kawari family, seeking refuge in Rafah, tragically lost several members in an airstrike that left their home in ruins.

In Khan Yunis, the Barbakh family mourned loved ones lost in strikes and criticized both Israel and Hamas for the ongoing conflict. Blinken’s visit to the region aims to support truce negotiations in Qatar, where efforts are underway to secure a deal involving the release of hostages and prisoners, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The US diplomat condemned China and Russia for obstructing a Security Council resolution that tied a ceasefire to the release of hostages.