Gaza has become a “killing field” as the humanitarian crisis deepens, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating with civilians trapped in a cycle of death. His comments came as Israel continues its blockade of Gaza and intensifies military actions against Hamas, with critical supplies failing to reach those in desperate need.
In a statement on Tuesday, Guterres said: “Gaza is a killing field, and civilians are in an endless death loop,” as he condemned Israel’s actions and urged world leaders to intervene. His remarks followed an urgent appeal from the heads of six major UN agencies, calling on the international community to ensure food and aid reach the besieged Palestinian territory.
Israel’s foreign ministry rejected Guterres’ statements, insisting that there is no shortage of humanitarian aid in Gaza. Spokesman Oren Marmorstein responded by accusing Guterres of spreading “slander” against Israel, asserting that over 25,000 aid trucks had entered Gaza during the 42 days of the ceasefire, and dismissing claims of aid shortages as inaccurate.
The conflict escalated in March when Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza after Hamas refused to extend a ceasefire. Since Israel resumed its aerial bombardment and ground offensive on March 18, more than 1,400 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The Israeli military has repeatedly stated that its operations do not target civilians.
Guterres, however, emphasized Israel’s legal obligations under international law as the occupying power, demanding that Israel allow food and medical supplies to reach those in need. “The current path is a dead end – totally intolerable in the eyes of international law and history,” he said.
The situation in Gaza is dire. Hospitals are rationing painkillers and antibiotics, markets are empty of fresh vegetables, and UN-supported bakeries have closed due to the blockade. With Gaza’s already fragile health system overwhelmed, the UN agencies warned that medical and trauma supplies are running out. The joint statement urged world leaders to “act – firmly, urgently, and decisively” to ensure that humanitarian law is respected, and to “protect civilians, facilitate aid, release hostages, and renew a ceasefire.”
The heads of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), and UNOPS (UN Office for Project Services) collectively signed the statement, which criticized claims that Gaza’s humanitarian needs had been fully met.
The recent pause in hostilities allowed for a temporary surge of aid into Gaza, and the release of 33 hostages by Hamas in exchange for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. However, these temporary measures have not alleviated the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.
Amid these dire conditions, Israeli airstrikes on April 8, 2025, led to further casualties. At least 58 Palestinians, including 19 killed overnight, were reported dead within 24 hours of the strikes, with five children among the victims in Deir al-Balah, a central town in Gaza. Additional strikes in the northern town of Beit Lahia and other areas added to the toll.
In a tragic development, Palestinian journalist Ahmed Mansour succumbed to injuries after a media tent in Khan Younis was struck by an Israeli missile, also killing his colleague Helmi al-Faqaawi. Another journalist, Hassan Eslaih, was severely injured and is in critical condition.
The ongoing violence stems from Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 people dead and 251 hostages taken. Since then, more than 50,810 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and military actions, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The international community continues to grapple with the escalating crisis in Gaza, as calls for immediate action grow louder amid widespread suffering.
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