United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Friday says, “Palestinians in Gaza are enduring what may be the cruelest phase of this cruel conflict” as Israel ramps up its military offensive.
“For nearly 80 days, Israel blocked the entry of life-saving international aid,” he says in a statement. “The entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine.”
While Israel allowed several hundred trucks into Gaza this week after loosening its blockade, Guterres says, “all the aid authorized until now amounts to a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required.”
“The Israeli military offensive is intensifying with atrocious levels of death and destruction.”
“Today, 80 percent of Gaza has been either designated an Israeli-militarized zone or an area where people have been ordered to leave.”
“Without rapid, reliable, safe and sustained aid access, more people will die – and the long-term consequences on the entire population will be profound,” Guterres tells reporters.
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From the Liveblog of
Friday, May 23, 2025
