UN Chief Condemns Gaza Hospital Blast and Calls for Humanitarian Ceasefire

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital and called for a humanitarian ceasefire as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues. Guterres addressed the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, acknowledging the grievances of the Palestinian people but stating that acts of terror against civilians, such as those committed by Hamas on October 7, cannot be justified.

He emphasized that these attacks do not justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Guterres also stressed that hospitals, clinics, medical personnel, and UN premises are protected under international law. The Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which was sheltering thousands of displaced people, was reportedly attacked, leading to disputes between Palestine and the Israeli military about the cause.

Gaza is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with approximately 600,000 people displaced, many seeking refuge in hospitals struggling with an influx of casualties and depleting essential supplies, including food, water, and vital medications.