United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza, as reported by The Times of Israel. Speaking at a donors’ conference in Kuwait via video, he reiterated the global call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a surge in aid. Guterres acknowledged that while a ceasefire is essential, rebuilding after the war will be a lengthy process due to the widespread devastation and trauma.
He described the conflict in Gaza as causing horrific human suffering, resulting in loss of life, separation of families, and leaving many homeless, hungry, and traumatized. Guterres made these remarks during a summit organized by OCHA and the International Islamic Charitable Organisation in Kuwait. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza persisted despite international criticism over expanded evacuation orders in Rafah. Negotiations for the release of hostages taken during the Hamas attack on October 7 continue, albeit with limitations on the operation’s scope.
The Rafah Border Crossing, a critical humanitarian route, remains closed, with Egypt reportedly refusing cooperation due to Israel’s incursion. According to IDF assessments, approximately 300,000 Palestinians have relocated from Rafah and nearby areas to a designated humanitarian zone. While Israel claims preparedness to evacuate civilians from conflict zones, it maintains the necessity of confronting Hamas in Rafah to dismantle the organization.