UN Chief calls for Ramadan ceasefire in Gaza amid ongoing genocide

Speaking on the first day of the Muslim holy month, Guterres emphasized the need to silence the guns and ensure the delivery of life-saving aid to those in need.

Guterres also urged for the immediate release of all remaining hostages taken during Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on October 7. He denounced the "catastrophic Israeli onslaught in Gaza," which has persisted for six months.

Highlighting the urgent need for action, Guterres reiterated the compelling appeal made by families of victims during their visit to the UN in New York. "We are not here for condolences. We are not here for apologies. We are here for immediate action," one family member stated.

In a related development, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) expressed concern over the lack of humanitarian aid reaching northern Gaza for nearly six weeks. Spokesperson Juliette Touma emphasized the critical need for increased assistance and highlighted UNRWA's role in delivering aid on the ground.

Efforts to open a safe maritime corridor to Gaza have also been underway, with an NGO ship carrying essential aid waiting to set sail from Cyprus. The initiative, supported by the European Commission, United Arab Emirates, United States, United Kingdom, and others, aims to provide relief to the hundreds of thousands of people facing extreme hunger in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Cypriot Government acknowledged US President Joe Biden's announcement to build a temporary pier off Gaza's coastline to facilitate aid delivery. However, media reports suggest that completion of the pier could take at least two months.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, particularly in the north, where access to essential supplies has been severely restricted. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) has supplied two hospitals in northern Gaza with trauma items and fuel, but medical teams continue to face shortages of basic necessities.

UNICEF has highlighted the extreme malnutrition among children in Gaza, with at least 18 deaths reported due to hunger and dehydration. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has also raised concerns about escalating malnutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding women in the enclave. (ILKHA)