DayofPal—UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that although famine in the Gaza Strip has been temporarily averted, the humanitarian situation remains extremely fragile, with more than 1.6 million people, over 75% of the population, still facing severe food insecurity and critical risks of malnutrition.
Speaking at UN headquarters in New York, Guterres said recent improvements in food access are “perilously fragile,” noting that continued Israeli military operations, restricted access to farmland and neighborhoods, and ongoing attacks are driving up civilian casualties and placing aid workers at serious risk.
He renewed calls for a durable ceasefire, urging the opening of more crossings, the lifting of restrictions on essential supplies, safe internal routes for aid delivery, sustained funding, and full, unhindered access for humanitarian organizations, including NGOs.
The latest findings by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicate that famine conditions have been temporarily offset due to reduced attacks and improved humanitarian and commercial food deliveries.
However, the report warned that Gaza’s overall situation remains critical and could quickly deteriorate.
Guterres also stressed the need to move to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, rejecting any pretexts for delay and calling for the full implementation of the existing ceasefire.
Addressing the occupied West Bank, he warned of a rapidly worsening situation marked by escalating settler attacks, land seizures, demolitions, and movement restrictions. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced during Israeli military operations, particularly in the north, he said.
The UN chief emphasized that provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice are legally binding and must be implemented, while reaffirming UNRWA’s indispensable role in supporting Palestinian refugees.
Describing the crisis as “born of human decisions,” Guterres urged an end to what he called prolonged and unnecessary suffering, saying Palestinians urgently need a horizon of hope and a break from the endless cycle of assault.
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