- The United Nations says that lack of humanitarian aid means famine is a growing risk in Gaza, where 2.4 million people are under near-total siege by the Israeli military, as it battles Hamas militants
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday he was “appalled” by the conflict continuing in Gaza despite the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking after the failure of attempts to negotiate a ceasefire, Guterres called for “silencing the guns” in Gaza and warned that “hunger and malnutrition” are taking hold.
“This is heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable,” Guterres told reporters.
“I am appalled and outraged that conflict is continuing in Gaza during this holy month,” he said, adding that “all obstacles” to aid delivery should be removed.
The United Nations says that lack of humanitarian aid means famine is a growing risk in Gaza, where 2.4 million people are under near-total siege by the Israeli military, as it battles Hamas militants.
Israel has bombarded Gaza since Hamas’ 7 October attack in which more than 1,200 people, including an estimated 30 children, were killed and over 200 hostages taken, according to the Israeli government. More than 31,112 people have been killed in Gaza since 7 October, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Gaza.
The 7 October attack was a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
US President Joe Biden called for a temporary ceasefire ahead of Ramadan but his call went unanswered as Muslims in Gaza marked the start of the one-month holiday on Monday.
Palestinians walk past kiosks set up next to destroyed buildings along a street, on the first day of Ramadan, in Al Nusairat refugee camp, Gaza Strip, 11 March. Source: EPA / Mohammed Saber
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong posted to X on Monday evening, saying she sends the Australian Muslim community her “best wishes” as they observe the holy month of Ramadan.
She went on to say she knows “many Australians are distressed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” and said Australia is advocating for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire and a pathway out of this conflict.”
Meanwhile, Guterres said, “The eyes of history are watching.”
“We cannot look away. We must act to avoid more preventable deaths,” Guterres said.
“We have witnessed month after month of civilian killing and destruction at a level that is unprecedented in all my years as Secretary-General,” he said.
But aid “is coming in trickles – if it comes at all. International humanitarian law lies in tatters.”
