UN chief calls for 'humanitarian cease-fire' to ensure ‘safe’ aid delivery in Gaza

A "humanitarian cease-fire" is essential to guarantee "safe" delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday as he addressed a press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

"In the face of this humanitarian catastrophe, I'm calling for two immediate actions. To Hamas, for the immediate and unconditionally release of the hostages, to Israel for immediate and unrestricted access humanitarian aid to response most basic needs of the people in Gaza," Guterres said.

He urged both parties to respect international humanitarian law, saying "any attack on hospital, school or UN premises is forbidden."

The UN chief said people in Gaza are in need of food, fuel, water, and therefore the UN needs "rapid and immediate access" to deliver the civilians.

He expressed the need of "sustained effort" for delivering humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

"Al-Rafah border crossing and Al Arish International Airport are not only critical but our only hope. They are the lifelines for people in Gaza," he said.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza, under heavy bombardment and blockade for 13 days, is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.