UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a heartfelt plea for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, citing the devastating situation in the Gaza Strip, which he warns is turning into a “graveyard for children.” Guterres’ call for peace comes as the world witnesses the tragic toll that this conflict is taking on innocent lives, particularly children, and the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.
Guterres, speaking at the UN headquarters, emphasized the pressing need for a humanitarian ceasefire, stating, “The unfolding catastrophe makes the need for a humanitarian ceasefire more urgent with every passing hour.” He called on the parties involved in the conflict and the international community to assume immediate and profound responsibility to halt the inhumane collective suffering and significantly increase humanitarian aid to Gaza. He underscored that what’s happening in Gaza extends beyond a humanitarian crisis; it’s a crisis of humanity itself.
The health ministry in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas, reports that more than 10,000 people, including over 4,000 children, have lost their lives since Israel launched retaliatory strikes on Gaza. The scale of the tragedy is heartbreaking, and the need for an end to the violence is evident.
UN Secretary-General Guterres has officially launched a $1.2 billion humanitarian appeal to assist 2.7 million Palestinians across the entire Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This appeal aims to address the growing humanitarian catastrophe by providing much-needed support to those affected by the conflict.
While aid trucks have started arriving in Gaza from Egypt via the Rafah crossing, the amount of aid remains significantly lower than before October 7. Israel has cited the need for security checks on vehicles and has not been allowing fuel supplies, leading to severe shortages. Guterres underscored the life-and-death importance of this issue, saying, “Without fuel, newborn babies in incubators and patients on life support will die.”
The UN chief is unequivocal in his call for immediate action to address the situation, stating, “The way forward is clear. A humanitarian ceasefire—now. All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.” His urgent appeal highlights the need for the international community to prioritize peace and humanity in the face of this ongoing conflict, ensuring that the innocent lives at risk in Gaza are safeguarded.
