UN Urges Aid Access as Gaza Blockade Continues

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, characterizing it as an act that has led to a humanitarian crisis where civilians are trapped without essential supplies. Since March 2, no aid has been allowed into Gaza, with Guterres stating that the situation has turned Gaza into a 'killing field.' The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) corroborated the dire conditions, reporting severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies, exacerbating the suffering of over 2.1 million residents. Guterres emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, has obligations under international law to provide for the population's needs, which are currently being disregarded. Humanitarian agencies have warned of a growing malnutrition crisis, with hospitals overwhelmed and unable to function due to lack of resources. Calls for immediate and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid have intensified as the situation continues to deteriorate.