New York - Saba:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep concern over the Israeli airstrikes on Sunday on the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital, which paralyzed it and damaged the already dilapidated healthcare system in the Strip.
In a press statement issued on his behalf last night, the Secretary-General stated that, under international humanitarian law, the wounded, sick, medical personnel, and medical facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected. He noted that medical supplies are dwindling, while hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties.
Guterres noted that approximately 70 percent of Gaza is now under evacuation orders issued by the Israeli entity or within a no-go zone, leaving Palestinians in Gaza without safe haven and with little means of livelihood. He expressed his deep concern about the continued blockade of aid, as Israel has not allowed any humanitarian aid or other essential supplies into Gaza for more than seven weeks.
Guterres warned that the humanitarian consequences are dire, with food stocks running out, water production declining sharply, and shelter materials almost completely depleted.
He reiterated that "the United Nations will not participate in any aid delivery arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality."
Guterres stressed the need to "respect and protect civilians at all times, provide them with the basic necessities for their survival, and restore and renew the ceasefire without delay."
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