NYC: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly criticized the blockade on Gaza, saying that it has trapped 2.3 million civilians in an "endless death loop."
Speaking on April 8, 2025, from New York, he rejected a new Israeli plan to control aid deliveries to Gaza. Guterres warned that this plan would limit critical supplies—down to every last calorie and grain of flour—which would worsen the suffering in Gaza where no food, medicine, or fuel has entered since March 2.
He made his comments as Israeli forces resumed heavy airstrikes on March 18 after a short ceasefire ended. The renewed bombardment and ground operations have led to widespread damage, with aid supplies stuck at border crossings and essential services breaking down. Guterres described Gaza as a "killing field" and stressed that civilians are facing horrible conditions as they struggle without basic necessities.
Reports from UN agencies and international aid groups say that food and medical supplies are piling up at the borders, while no aid reaches the people inside. Senior UN official Jonathan Whittall confirmed there is no evidence of aid being diverted, countering claims made by an Israeli military unit that proposed a new monitoring system for aid deliveries.
This situation comes amid a long history of conflict in the area. Since 1949, when UNRWA was established to help Palestinian refugees, the region has seen repeated military actions and blockades. French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited Egypt’s El Arish to urge Israel to lift the blockade and reopen crossing points. Guterres ended his remarks by calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire, full humanitarian access to Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages, saying that as the occupying power, Israel must follow international law to protect civilians.
