Guterres warns of ‘immoral humanitarian crisis’ in Gaza

No justification for the scale of destruction

In a video address to Amnesty International’s Global Assembly in Prague, Czech Republic, Guterres acknowledged the attacks launched by Hamas on October 7, 2023, but stressed: “There is no justification for the explosion of death and destruction that has unfolded since then.”

He described the magnitude of the crisis as surpassing anything the international community has witnessed in recent times.

Alarm over global indifference

Guterres voiced deep concern over the international community’s lack of response, stating: “I cannot explain the level of indifference and paralysis we are seeing – a complete lack of compassion, truth and humanity.”

Gaza’s civilian suffering in full view of the world

The Secretary-General highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, where civilians and UN staff alike face extreme hunger.

“Their unimaginable hardship has left them numb and exhausted to the point that they can no longer tell whether they are alive or dead,” he said.

He spoke movingly of children in Gaza who reportedly express a wish to go to heaven, believing they may at least find food there.

Over 1,000 killed seeking food

Citing United Nations data, Guterres noted that since May 27, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while trying to obtain food.

“These people were not killed in combat, but in a desperate effort to secure basic sustenance amid mass starvation,” he added.

Call for ceasefire and humanitarian access

Guterres reiterated the urgent need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all parts of Gaza.

He affirmed the UN's readiness to scale up humanitarian operations during any truce, as was done during previous ceasefires.

A broader global battle for human rights

In his address, Guterres warned that powerful forces are working against the principles of human rights and international law, including efforts to undermine the International Criminal Court.

“We are in a global battle for human dignity, for human rights, for justice and multilateralism,” he declared.

He called attention to rising repressive tactics and the growing manipulation of digital spaces by authoritarian regimes.

A call to action: Uphold rights and demand justice

Guterres urged nations to uphold human rights universally and without exception, even when it is politically inconvenient.

He concluded by calling for legal accountability, climate justice, and resistance to disinformation and digital manipulation.

“We must build on the hard-won gains, including the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice,” he said.