UN Secretary-General calls for immediate reopening of Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings
At a recent press conference, the UN Secretary General expressed concern about the current humanitarian situation in Gaza. He thus demanded the immediate reopening crossing points of Rafah and of Kerem Shalom, closed following the recent Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.
Reopening of crossing points: a humanitarian emergency
According to the UN chief, the reopening of these two major crossing points is essential to allow the delivery of necessary humanitarian aid to the populations of Gaza. In clear and unequivocal terms, he said: "This is a matter of life and death. We must do everything in our power to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza."
An increasingly critical situation
The situation in Gaza, the most densely populated region in the world, continues to deteriorate. The closure of crossing points Rafah and of Kerem Shalom thus accentuated the problems of these populations already severely affected by the current conflict. The scrupulous observance of human rights, including the right to food, drinking water and health care, remains a major challenge in this situation.
The call for international solidarity
The UN Secretary-General also urged donor countries to financially and materially support the UN's humanitarian efforts in Gaza. “The reopening of Rafah and of Kerem Shalom is a necessary precondition, but we also urgently need resources to provide life-saving assistance to the people of Gaza,” he said.
Through this call, the UN Secretary General hopes that the international community will respond to this humanitarian crisis and meet the urgent needs of the people of Gaza.
