It Leads to Devastating Consequences: Antonio Guterres

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over Israel's continued blockade of humanitarian aid supplies to the Gaza Strip and called for the protection of its residents.

On April 16, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Tel Aviv had halted the import of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, aiming to break the Palestinian Hamas movement's control over the population in the area. Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces is pursuing a clear and unequivocal policy in the Gaza Strip with support from the political echelon.

“I am very concerned that assistance continues to be blocked, leading to devastating consequences. Civilians must have respect and protection at all times, and they should have everything necessary for survival,” Guterres stated in the announcement published on the X social media platform.

As the UN Secretary-General noted, nearly 70 percent of the Gaza Strip is affected by Israeli evacuation orders or is in a “forbidden zone.”

“All hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. The truce agreement must be restored without delay,” Guterres emphasized.