UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday asked all parties to immediately release all hostages urging to Israel to allow unimpeded access for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
The UN chief’s appeal comes as clean water and other major supplies are declining inside Gaza due to Israel’s blockade.
Since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas on 7 October, UN and other humanitarian agencies are working to end the suffering of the civilians affected by the escalation.
Thousands have been killed and hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee as the situation in the Gaza Strip worsens after Israel warned of a ground offensive.
Antonio Guterres in a statement said that as the situation is on the verge of the abyss in the Middle East, it is his duty as UN Chief to make strong humanitarian appeals.
Hi appealed Israel to grant rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid for the civilians in Gaza.
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The UN Chief added the staff of the global body along with NGO partners, need to be able to bring supplies into Gaza safely.
Earlier speaking to journalist in East Jerusalem, the head of the UN agency dealing with Palestinian refugees said that his colleagues in Gaza were no longer able to provide humanitarian assistance to needy.
UNRWA operations on the verge of collapse
He said UNRWA operations are the largest United Nations footprint in the Gaza Strip, but they were on the verge of collapse.
According to the UN at least 400,000 displaced are now taking refuge in UNRWA schools and buildings, most of which are not equipped as emergency shelters.
