UN Chief Antonio Guterres Criticizes Israel’s Ultimatum for Relocation in Gaza Crisis

UN Chief Antonio Guterres Criticizes Israel's Ultimatum for Relocation in Gaza Crisis

VoM News Desk | October 14, 2023 | 02:26 PM IST | Asia, Breaking News, World | Follow on Google News

UN Chief Antonio Guterres Criticizes Israel’s Ultimatum for Relocation in Gaza Crisis

UN Chief Antonio Guterres Criticizes Israel’s Ultimatum for Relocation in Gaza Crisis

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced grave concerns about the dire situation in Gaza and criticized Israel’s ultimatum, stating that “even wars have rules.” Guterres highlighted the urgency of humanitarian access throughout Gaza to provide essential fuel, food, and water to those in need.

Israel issued an ultimatum for the entire population of northern Gaza, around 1.1 million people, to relocate to the southern part within 24 hours. This order also applied to UN staff and those seeking shelter in UN facilities, including schools, health centers, and clinics.

Grim Conditions and Humanitarian Crisis

Guterres emphasized the dangerous conditions that this mass movement would entail, given the densely populated warzone, lack of resources, and infrastructure damage. Hospitals in southern Gaza were already overwhelmed, and the health system was on the brink of collapse. He reported that 11 healthcare staff had been killed, and there were 34 attacks on health facilities in recent days.

Guterres underscored the need to uphold international humanitarian law and human rights law, insisting that civilians must be protected and never used as shields. He called for the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza.

Global Humanitarian Concerns

UN officials and human rights organizations expressed deep concern about Israel’s ultimatum, deeming it outrageous and a potential humanitarian catastrophe. The agencies urged Israel to rescind the order and take precautionary measures in future attacks to minimize harm to civilians and civilian objects.

Critical Consequences for Vulnerable Populations

The mass evacuation was said to have dire consequences, particularly for patients, health workers, and civilians unable to relocate amid ongoing airstrikes and closed borders. Vulnerable patients, including those critically injured or dependent on life support, faced immediate risks.

Healthcare Challenges in Gaza

UN Women reported the challenges faced by pregnant women in Gaza who struggled to access essential health services amid attacks on healthcare workers, hospitals, and clinics. With an estimated 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, including 5,500 due to give birth in the coming month, the situation was deemed critical.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.