Guterres Urges Israel to Reopen Gaza Crossings for Aid

Alanbatnews -

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel to reopen border crossings to Gaza to allow humanitarian aid into the devastated territory.

The call follows the closure of all crossings, including the Rafah crossing, by Israeli authorities, according to Stephane Dujarric, Guterres' spokesperson. Movement has also been suspended in areas where Israeli forces remain deployed, or near to them.

Dujarric stressed the necessity of reopening all crossings as quickly as possible, highlighting their critical importance for delivering humanitarian aid and transporting patients requiring medical evacuation.

The Israeli government's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated that the crossings into Gaza were closed amid Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran.

The Rafah crossing, situated between Gaza and Egypt, was also affected by the closure. It had only been reopened in early February to allow a limited number of Palestinians to cross for the first time in months, including patients needing urgent medical care.

In mid-February, the United Nations reported ongoing obstacles in its attempts to deliver life-saving assistance to Gaza.