NEW YORK/KUWAIT CITY – UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said that the war in Gaza is causing horrific human suffering – devastating lives, tearing families apart, and rendering huge numbers of people homeless, hungry, and traumatised, according to the website of the international organisation.
But amid the darkness, the commitment of the humanitarian community to help and support people is a ray of light, Guterres said in a video message to the 9th Conference on Effective Partnership for Better Humanitarian Aid held in Kuwait.
Humanitarian agencies, led by UNRWA – which is the backbone of the UN’s efforts in Gaza – rely on strong partnerships to do their work.
“I thank the Government of Kuwait, the International Islamic Charity Organisation, and their strategic partners, for everything they do to promote and support effective partnerships for humanitarian aid,” Guterres said in his message.
“I repeat my call – the world’s call – for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and an immediate surge in humanitarian aid.”
But a ceasefire will only be the start, he said, noting that it will be a long road back from the devastation and trauma of this war.
The people of Gaza will need even stronger and deeper partnerships for humanitarian assistance and long-term development, to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives, Guterres said.
