United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has delivered one of his starkest warnings yet, declaring that the war in Gaza has entered its “cruellest phase” as hunger and humanitarian collapse grip the enclave. His remarks, issued on May 24, 2025, reflect growing alarm among international agencies as Israeli military operations intensify in southern Gaza and aid remains critically restricted.
“The war in Gaza has entered a cruel and unwinnable chapter,” Guterres said. “Children are starving while bombs continue to fall.”
The Secretary-General’s statement came as UN agencies and humanitarian organizations reported a dramatic surge in child malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and civilian displacement in recent weeks — particularly in Rafah, where Israeli ground and air assaults have escalated despite global appeals for a ceasefire.
🍞 Gaza Starving as Aid Falters
The UN and the World Food Programme (WFP) warn that more than 1.1 million Palestinians — half of Gaza’s population — are now experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger, with food supplies nearly exhausted and aid trucks blocked or delayed at key crossings.
“There’s no food, no clean water, no shelter,” said a WFP coordinator. “We are witnessing famine in real time.”
The closure of Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, ongoing bombardment, and fuel shortages have crippled humanitarian operations. UN convoys have also faced looting, attacks, and logistical breakdowns inside Gaza.
🏥 Health System Collapse
Hospitals in central and southern Gaza are no longer able to function, with maternity wards, ICUs, and surgical theaters shut down. Medical officials say trauma patients are dying without treatment and chronic disease sufferers are left with no access to medicine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has described the health system as being in “free fall,” with less than 10% of facilities operational and no safe zone for civilians.
🇮🇱 Israel Defends Operations Amid Outcry
In response to mounting criticism, the Israeli government says its ongoing military campaign in Rafah is targeted at the last remaining Hamas strongholds, and insists it is providing “safe corridors” for civilians. However, aid agencies say those corridors are neither secure nor sufficient.
An Israeli government spokesperson stated that “Hamas is using civilians as shields”, and claimed international outrage is being “manipulated by misinformation.”
Nonetheless, Israel faces increasing diplomatic backlash — including from its Western allies — over the scale of destruction and humanitarian obstruction.
🌍 International Community Demands Action
UN officials, humanitarian leaders, and a growing number of world governments are calling for:
- An immediate ceasefire
- Full, unimpeded humanitarian access
- Protection of aid workers and civilian infrastructure
Guterres emphasized that Gaza is now “a graveyard for children and a moral test for the international community.” He urged the UN Security Council to act decisively, despite U.S. resistance to resolutions perceived as critical of Israel.
What to Watch
- Whether border crossings reopen under international pressure
- The fate of UN and NGO aid operations inside Gaza
- Civilian casualty numbers and updated famine assessments
- Diplomatic developments at the UN Security Council and Arab League
- Impact on regional stability and U.S.–Israel relations
As food vanishes, hospitals fail, and shelters collapse, Gaza’s suffering deepens. The UN chief’s grave warning may be the world’s last chance to stop a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in plain sight — a war no longer defined by weapons, but by starvation, displacement, and silence.
Source; Al Jazeera
