UN - The current path in Gaza is a dead end, totally unacceptable in terms of international law and history

The world may be running out of words to describe the situation in Gaza, but we will never escape the truth. The current path is a dead end - totally unacceptable in terms of international law and history. And the risk of turning the occupied West Bank into another Gaza makes it even worse. It is time to end dehumanisation, protect civilians, release hostages, secure vital aid and restore the ceasefire. - ANTÓNIO GUTERRES

Speaking to journalists at UN headquarters, António Guterres also reiterated his call for a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and for the release of all hostages still being held in the shattered enclave. As a result of the Israeli blockade, no food, fuel, medicine or commercial goods have reached Gaza since 2 March, and supplies are piling up at the border crossings. Meanwhile, the ceasefire declared in January after 15 months of war has collapsed, with air strikes, renewed ground operations and rocket attacks on Israel by Palestinian gunmen.

"We must also clarify our obligations," Guterres continued, stressing Israel's "clear obligations" as an occupying power under international law. He pointed to the Fourth Geneva Convention, which outlines the obligation to ensure the provision of food and medicine to the population, as well as the provision and maintenance of medical and hospital facilities and services, public health and sanitation.

In addition, medical staff must be allowed to carry out their duties.

"And Article 59(1) of the Fourth Geneva Convention provides that 'if the whole or part of the population in the occupied territory is inadequately supplied, the occupying Power shall agree to and facilitate relief programmes on behalf of that population by all means at its disposal,'" he quoted. He added that international humanitarian law also includes an obligation to respect aid workers, and paid tribute to the "humanitarian heroes" who are under fire in Gaza.

At the end of the briefing, the Secretary-General stressed the need to stick to the basic principles. He urged UN Member States to honour their commitments, adding that justice and accountability must be ensured if they do not.

He warned that "the current path is a dead end - totally unacceptable from the point of view of international law and history", with the risk of the occupied West Bank turning into another Gaza worsening the situation.

"It is time to end dehumanisation, protect civilians, release hostages, secure vital aid and restore the ceasefire," he said.

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