United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern on Thursday about the limited effectiveness of Israel’s efforts to improve aid access in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgent need for tangible progress to prevent famine.
Guterres reiterated the UN’s longstanding complaints about obstacles in delivering aid to Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which governs the territory.
Despite recent measures, such as reopening the Erez crossing and using Ashdod port, challenges persist.
“To avert imminent famine and preventable deaths, we need a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza,” Guterres emphasized during the Security Council session.
He pointed out that while aid clearances have increased, delays in delivery have hindered their impact.
US diplomat Linda Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged progress but stressed the need for continued pressure on Israel to facilitate more aid. Although UN convoys have been authorized, operating hours remain limited due to security concerns.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, did not directly address Gaza’s humanitarian situation but criticized the Security Council’s focus on the conflict.
Despite efforts to improve aid access, challenges persist in delivering essential supplies to Gaza’s population. Urgent action is needed to prevent famine and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in the region.
