Gaza (Washington Insider Magazine)—UN Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed his appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for unrestricted humanitarian aid to alleviate catastrophic hunger affecting 1.1 million residents. Speaking from the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, he stated,
“It is time to silence the guns.”
Guterres highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis, warning of a man-made famine in northern Gaza by May if conditions persist. Aid trucks remain stuck at Rafah due to stringent Israeli inspections, a process that Western nations and aid groups criticize for delaying relief.
The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attacks, has seen over 32,000 Palestinians killed in retaliatory Israeli strikes, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Guterres condemned the blockade, calling it a “moral outrage” and urged Israel to allow “total, unfettered” aid access while advocating for the release of Israeli hostages.
Despite international criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the country’s military objectives, stating,
“No international pressure will stop Israel.”
Meanwhile, Guterres visited hospitals in Egypt treating injured Gazans and met UN aid workers coordinating relief efforts. As the crisis deepens, he appealed to the global community:
“The choice is clear: surge aid or face starvation.”
