UN chief decries Gaza ‘teaspoon aid’ amid famine risk, demands immediate ceasefire

Last updated on 2025-05-25

Palestinians in Gaza face catastrophic hunger and displacement as Israel 80-day blockade cripples humanitarian aid delivery, leaving 2.3 million people at risk with famine.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the crisis during press encounter on Friday, stating, “We are distributing a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required. Without rapid, reliable, and sustained access, more will die—and the long-term consequences will be profound.”

Despite recent clearance for 400 aid trucks to enter Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing, only 115 were collected, with none reaching the besieged north. Limited supplies—including flour, baby food, and medicine—have reached southern areas, allowing a handful of bakeries to reopen.

Yet Israel strict quotas, delayed inspections, and bans on fuel, shelter materials, and water purification systems have paralyzed relief efforts.

Guterres emphasised Israel obligations under international law to protect civilians and ensure aid access, calling the military offensive “atrocious.”

Over 80% of Gaza is now a militarised zone or evacuation area, displacing families into overcrowded, unsanitary camps.

The UN warns that looting and security breakdowns are inevitable without urgent intervention.

The UN has outlined a five-stage plan to deliver 160,000 aid pallets—enough to fill 9,000 trucks—through established distribution networks.

Guterres urged immediate action: “A permanent ceasefire, hostage release, and full humanitarian access are non-negotiable. Let’s do it right—and do it right away.”

As global pressure mounts, the UN refuses to participate in schemes violating humanitarian principles, insisting on neutrality and adherence to international law.

“With Gaza survival hanging in the balance, the world watches whether political will can outpace starvation,” added Guterres.

Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis as 2.3 million people risk famine amid an 80-day blockade. UN calls for urgent aid access and a ceasefire to save lives.