‘Starvation Knocking On Every Door In Gaza': UN Chief On Israel's 'Horror' Blockade

Last Updated:July 23, 2025, 20:15 IST

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of severe starvation in Gaza, calling it a "horror show."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Image Credit: Reuters)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a stark warning to the Security Council, asserting that “starvation is knocking on every door" in Gaza as he described the ongoing crisis in the besieged enclave as a “horror show."

Antonio Guterres said, “We need look no further than the horror show in Gaza. In the level of death and destruction without parallel in recent times. Malnourishment is soaring. Starvation is knocking on every door. Now we are seeing the last gasp of a humanitarian system built on humanitarian principles."

The Secretary-General said the UN’s humanitarian system is being “denied the conditions to function" in Gaza, citing lack of access, safety and space to operate. He noted that the Israeli military’s expanding operations, particularly in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, are compounding an already catastrophic situation.

“Devastation is being layered upon devastation," he said, condemning repeated strikes on UN facilities in Gaza, including buildings used by the United Nations Office for Project Services and the World Health Organization. He said, “These premises are inviolable and must be protected under international humanitarian law without exception."

The warning came as the humanitarian situation in Gaza rapidly deteriorated. According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 10 people have died from starvation in the past 24 hours alone. Dr. Munir al-Boursh, director-general of the ministry, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The death toll from famine and malnutrition is rising at an alarming rate. These are not just numbers- they are cries for help, a human plea urging the world to act before it’s too late."

In a coordinated appeal, more than 100 international humanitarian organizations issued a joint letter to the Israeli government, urging an immediate end to its blockade of Gaza. As per the statement, sufficient food, water and medical aid are available and ready for delivery but remain stuck due to Israeli restrictions.

“Just outside Gaza, in warehouses and even within Gaza itself tons of food, clean water, medical supplies, shelter items and fuel sit untouched with humanitarian organisations blocked from accessing or delivering them," the statement read, adding, “The Government of Israel’s restrictions, delays and fragmentation under its total siege have created chaos, starvation, and death."

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