UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday that hungry people in Gaza must not face a “death sentence” while seeking food amid escalating controversy.
He condemned operations channeling desperate civilians into militarized zones, calling such efforts inherently unsafe and deadly.
Since late May, Gaza’s health ministry reported over 500 deaths near aid centers as people scramble for scarce supplies.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the US and Israel, denied fatal shootings occurred at its distribution points.
Israel blocked food and essential supplies into Gaza for over two months starting in March, sparking famine warnings for the territory’s population.
The United Nations considers Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza illegal under international law.
Gaza, densely populated and battered by Israeli bombing since October 7, 2023, has seen slow food deliveries resume only since late May.
These are managed by GHF, protected by armed US contractors and Israeli troops, raising serious humanitarian concerns.
Guterres urged resolving aid distribution with proven, neutral methods rather than “dangerous schemes” risking civilian lives.
He emphasized the UN’s readiness with a detailed plan grounded in humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
“A trickle of aid is not enough. What’s needed now is a surge — the trickle must become an ocean,” he said, calling for urgent action.
As global attention shifts to Israel-Iran tensions, Guterres pleaded that Palestinian suffering not be “pushed into the shadows.”
He called for “political courage for a ceasefire” to halt the growing humanitarian disaster engulfing Gaza’s civilians.
