After six months of conflict following the abhorrent terror attacks by Hamas in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Israel to make significant changes in its military operations to prevent civilian casualties. He emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in humanitarian aid delivery to address the catastrophic conditions facing over a million Palestinians, including hunger and death due to lack of resources.
Guterres condemned the use of violence and human shields by Palestinian militants, while also expressing deep concern over Israel’s reported use of AI to identify targets in densely populated areas. He stressed that AI should be used for positive purposes and not to facilitate large-scale warfare that blurs accountability.
The Secretary-General urged Israel to allow a substantial increase in aid delivery to Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for a quantum leap in humanitarian assistance. He emphasized the importance of implementing Security Council resolutions calling for the release of hostages, civilian protection, and unimpeded aid flow to avoid further humanitarian crises.
In response to the deadly airstrikes that killed humanitarian workers in Gaza, the UN Human Rights office (OHCHR) warned of escalating violations and suffering faced by civilians. OHCHR underscored the obligation to protect aid workers and ensure access to essential resources, emphasizing that attacks on humanitarian personnel may amount to war crimes.
As the situation in Gaza teeters on the brink of mass starvation and escalating violence, international bodies are calling for immediate action to prevent further atrocities. The need for accountability, respect for humanitarian principles, and adherence to international law is paramount in addressing the crisis and safeguarding the lives of innocent civilians.
