In a recent media stakeout at the United Nations, the UN Chief addressed the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for increased aid and a political resolution to the ongoing conflict. The meeting highlighted the critical challenges faced by medical professionals and aid workers in the region, who are struggling to provide care amid severe shortages of essential supplies.

The Secretary-General pointed out that doctors are forced to make heartbreaking decisions about who receives the last doses of medicine or the final ventilators. He noted that aid workers themselves are suffering from hunger, underscoring the unsustainable nature of the current crisis. While a small amount of medical supplies recently entered Gaza, this is far from sufficient to meet the overwhelming needs of the population. The Secretary-General called for a significant increase in aid, stating that the current flow must transform from a trickle into an ocean to effectively support those in need.

A key focus of the discussion was the necessity for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with the unconditional release of hostages and full, safe, and sustained humanitarian access. The Secretary-General criticized operations that force civilians into militarized zones, labeling them as inherently unsafe and deadly. He urged for a solution to the distribution of humanitarian aid, advocating for a plan based on established humanitarian principles that prioritize the needs of the people.

The Secretary-General reassured that the UN has the necessary supplies and experience to implement effective aid operations, referencing successful efforts during previous ceasefires. He called on those in power to facilitate these operations in accordance with international humanitarian law and urged member states to uphold the UN Charter.

In closing, the Secretary-General emphasized that the resolution to the crisis is fundamentally political, advocating for a two-state solution as the only sustainable path to restoring hope and dignity for all involved. The meeting underscored the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.