UN Chief Condemns Israel's Proposed Aid Controls in Gaza, Warns of "Death Loop"

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly rejected a new Israeli proposal aimed at controlling the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, raising serious concerns about the potential for further suffering among the civilian population. Guterres characterized the proposal as a scheme that risks "callously limiting aid down to the last calorie and grain of flour."

Guterres emphasized the UN's unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles, stating, "Let me be clear: We will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality."

The backdrop to this dispute involves the halting of aid deliveries by Israel on March 2, which coincided with the end of a ceasefire agreement. While Israel has accused Hamas of hoarding supplies and has vowed to block aid until hostages are released, concerns have been raised about potential violations of international law. An Israeli official indicated that the IDF planned to renew aid flow to avoid future legal repercussions for commanders involved in the military operation.

COGAT, the IDF agency responsible for coordinating aid, had proposed "a structured monitoring and aid entry mechanism" for Gaza, claiming it would enhance oversight and ensure aid reaches civilians in need, rather than being diverted by Hamas.

Guterres called for the immediate release of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, painting a grim picture of the situation on the ground. "Gaza is a killing field – and civilians are in an endless death loop," he stated, highlighting that "With crossing points into Gaza shut and aid blockaded, security is in shambles, and our capacity to deliver has been strangled."

Drawing attention to the Geneva Conventions, Guterres reminded Israel of its responsibilities as an "occupying power" to ensure the provision of food and medical supplies to the Gazan population. He argued that Israel should be facilitating relief programs and ensuring adequate standards of living, which he claims is not currently happening.

While Israel maintains that it does not exercise effective control over Gaza and is therefore not an occupying power, Defense Minister Israel Katz recently stated that Israel's renewed offensive seeks to take over "extensive territory," further complicating the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the conflict.

Guterres also expressed alarm about the situation in the West Bank, where counterterrorism operations have led to the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians. He warned of the risk of the West Bank transforming into "another Gaza," calling the current path "a dead end" that is "totally intolerable in the eyes of international law and history."

The ongoing war has strained relations between Israel and Guterres, with previous accusations of bias and justifications for the Hamas onslaught. Guterres has defended his position, stating that he has repeatedly condemned the Hamas attacks and has met with families of hostages held in Gaza.