The United Nations: The catastrophe in Gaza is a complete collapse of our common humanity, and the aid system is in the line of fire

In his speech at the Cairo Ministerial Conference to Strengthen the Humanitarian Response in Gaza on Monday, delivered on his behalf by his deputy, Amina Mohammed, Guterres urged the international community to support efforts to deliver much-needed relief to Gaza. “In this difficult time”and build a foundation for sustainable peace in Gaza and throughout the Middle East.

Mohammed added, on behalf of the Secretary-General, that: “As we gather here in Cairo, humanity itself is being tested.”.

She said that there is nothing that justifies the abhorrent acts of terrorism committed by Hamas on October 7, nor the taking of hostages, nor anything that justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, noting that the conditions that the Palestinians are experiencing in Gaza ‘Disastrous and horrific’.

She stated that there are now the largest number of amputated children in Gaza compared to any other place in the world, as many of them lost limbs and underwent surgeries without anesthesia, adding “What we see is very likely to rise to the level of the most serious international crimes.”.

Obstructing aid

Mohammed, on behalf of the Secretary-General, said: “At a time when we are witnessing these enormous needs, we are also witnessing shameful obstruction to the delivery of humanitarian aid.”.

She noted that this violates the clear obligations imposed by international humanitarian law to respect and protect civilians and ensure that their basic needs are met.

She stressed that providing aid is an exception “It is neither humane nor effective in saving lives.”.

She touched on the exposure of aid entering the Gaza Strip to looting, in addition to the obstruction of its delivery due to landmines and unexploded ordnance, as well as destroyed and overcrowded roads. She also explained that the situation in northern Gaza is becoming more dangerous day by day.

Muhammad said: “As for the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli security operations for military purposes, settlement expansion, evictions, settler violence, and threats of annexation cause more pain and grievances.”.

I also warned that ‘The aid system itself is in the crosshairs’Noting that 251 colleagues at the United Nations were killed.

She reiterated that Israeli measures, including recent Knesset bills, which could prevent UNRWA from implementing its mandate in the occupied Palestinian territory, threaten to paralyze humanitarian efforts.

UNRWA is a lifeline

The Deputy Secretary-General spoke about three main areas of action, the first of which is to demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.

added: “Aid delivery must be predictable and sustainable.”.

She also stressed that “We must speak loudly and clearly about the humanitarian aid system, especially UNRWA.”She stressed that UNRWA is an indispensable lifeline for millions of Palestinians.

She said that there is no other entity that has the capacity or the extended reach to provide the necessary life-saving aid and social and development services of the required size and breadth in Gaza and in the occupied Palestinian territory in general.

added: “Let it be known with certainty that if UNRWA is forced to close its doors, the responsibility to replace its vital services and meet the basic needs of Palestinians in Gaza will fall on Israel as the occupying power.”.

The third area of ​​work, according to what was stated in the Secretary-General’s speech, is the need to intensify efforts to reach a political solution “To end this nightmare”.

The Deputy Secretary-General indicated that it is time to reach an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, end the illegal occupation of the occupied Palestinian territory, and implement the two-state solution, in line with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, so that Israel and Palestine live side by side. Side in peace and security, and where Jerusalem is the capital of both states.

Muhammad concluded the speech with the story of our colleague at UNRWA, Hassan, who four days ago was transporting his family to safety, in a coordinated relocation process. “But they found themselves in the crossfire, and when he arrived to his family, his wife and three daughters were dead, leaving only him and his son.”.