Gaza facing 'avalanche of human suffering': UN chief

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Oct 2023 23:19
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Antonio Guterres says the humanitarian infrastructure in Gaza is on the verge of complete collapse, with consequences beyond imagination for over two million civilians.

Palestinians in Gaza City inspect the damage following an Israeli airstrike, on 9 October 2023. (AFP)

The United Nations Secretary-General cautioned, on Friday, that Gaza is confronting "an unprecedented avalanche of human suffering" because of a shortage of food, water, and electricity due to Israeli aggression.

"I repeat my call for a humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and the delivery of life-saving supplies," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

"Misery is growing by the minute. Without a fundamental change, the people of Gaza will face an unprecedented avalanche of human suffering," he added.

Before the ongoing brutal Israeli aggression, approximately 500 trucks per day used to enter the blockaded Gaza Strip with supplies. However, in recent days, the daily average has dropped significantly to only 12 trucks, which come through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, according to his statement.

If the method of aid delivery remains unchanged, the United Nations will be unable to continue providing assistance, as stated by the UN chief.

Guterres said the need is now "far greater than at any time before."

"The verification system for the movement of goods through the Rafah crossing must be adjusted to allow many more trucks to enter Gaza without delay," Guterres said.

"The humanitarian system in Gaza is facing a total collapse with unimaginable consequences for more than two million civilians," he warned.

"As the bombing intensifies, needs are growing ever more critical and colossal," he concluded.

To add to the horrors in Gaza caused by the ongoing Israeli violent aggression, massive regions in the Strip suffered from complete internet outage, while its largest communications service provider announced that it had shut down all operations across Gaza after Israeli war jets destroyed the company's remaining infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that today witnessed the most violent strikes on Gaza since October 7, confirming that attacks are being carried out through air, land, and sea. Our correspondent noted that Central Gaza is being targeted as well after attacks in the previous days were concentrated north of the Strip.