UN Chief Antonio Guterres Denounces Israel’s Risky Ultimatum in Gaza Crisis: A Call to Uphold Humanitarian Law
14-10-2023 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly criticized Israel’s ultimatum that over one million people in northern Gaza must relocate within 24 hours, calling it “extremely dangerous” and emphasizing the importance of abiding by the rules even in times of conflict. Guterres pointed out that even in war, there are certain rules that must be followed.
The order, issued by Israeli military liaison officers, applies to the entire population of northern Gaza, including approximately 1.1 million people, and also extends to UN staff and those taking refuge in UN facilities, including schools, health centers, and clinics.
Guterres expressed deep concerns about the viability of such a mass relocation, given the densely populated and besieged nature of the region. He emphasized the lack of basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter in the southern part of Gaza, making the relocation extremely perilous. Hospitals in the southern region are already overwhelmed, and the health system is on the brink of collapse. Guterres noted that healthcare staff have been killed on duty, and health facilities have come under attack multiple times in recent days.
The situation in Gaza, according to Guterres, has reached a “dangerous new low,” with widespread damage to infrastructure leading to a water crisis. The lack of electricity to power pumps and desalination plants has exacerbated the situation.
The UN Secretary-General stressed the need for immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza to deliver essential supplies such as fuel, food, and water to those in need. He called for the respect and upholding of international humanitarian law and human rights law, with an emphasis on the protection of civilians and the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza.
Guterres also underlined the importance of all parties involved, as well as those with influence over them, taking steps to mitigate the crisis and prevent further loss of life. He discussed the recent violence, including Hamas attacks on Israel and intense Israeli bombardments in Gaza, which have resulted in a significant loss of life and injuries.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths expressed concern that Israel’s ultimatum was creating a dire situation for Gaza’s civilian population. He questioned how 1.1 million people were expected to move across a warzone in under 24 hours, highlighting the potentially devastating humanitarian consequences.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Guterres, stated that it was “impossible” for such a mass movement to occur without significant humanitarian repercussions and appealed for the order to be rescinded. He emphasized the need to protect civilians and UN facilities, in accordance with international humanitarian law.
UN agencies and human rights organizations, including the UN Country Team in Palestine and the World Health Organization, also expressed deep concerns and appealed to Israel to revoke the evacuation order, highlighting the potential humanitarian catastrophe and the risk to vulnerable populations.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemned the ultimatum and described the situation in Gaza as a dire humanitarian crisis. MSF General Director Meinie Nicolai urged an immediate end to the violence.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that over 423,000 people had already been displaced since October 7, with over 270,000 seeking refuge in UNRWA shelters. UN Women pointed out that Gaza’s healthcare services are under attack, putting pregnant women and their access to essential health services at great risk.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with concerns about the safety and well-being of the civilian population at the forefront of international calls for a resolution to the crisis.
