1,000 Residents Died For Help, The World Is Called Heartless To See Starvation In Gaza

Illustration of the condition of Gaza refugees who lack food (doc UNRWA)

JAKARTA - United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized the international community for widespread hunger in the Gaza Strip which he calls a moral crisis that challenges global conscience.

"I cannot understand the level of indifference shown by so many parties in the international community, the lack of compassion, truth and humanity," Guterres said via video conference before the Global Amnesty International Assembly, Friday, July 25.

Guterres emphasized that the situation in Gaza was not just a humanitarian crisis, but a moral crisis that urged world attention. He promised to continue to speak at every opportunity.

The aid group warned of rising cases of hunger, particularly among children, due to an Israeli blockade imposed since March 2025 amid a conflict with Hamas.

Although the blockade was slightly relaxed two months later, incoming aid was still very limited and managed by Israel-backed and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), replacing the previous UN distribution system.

International Red Cross Committee (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric called conditions in Gaza a moral and humanitarian violation. "The scale of suffering and the loss of human dignity has exceeded acceptable standards, both legal and moral," he said.

The ICRC has more than 350 staff in Gaza, many of whom are also experiencing food and clean water difficulties. Meanwhile, the United Nations and humanitarian groups refused to cooperate with the GHF, accusing it of having Israeli military interests.

Guterres insists he has repeatedly criticized the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 in southern Israel that sparked war in Gaza. However, according to him, nothing can justify the scale of death and destruction that has occurred since then.

"Children in Gaza even talk about wanting to go to heaven because there is at least food there," Guterres said.

"But words alone can't feed children who are starving," he said.

He also condemned the killing of more than 1,000 Palestinians who have tried to access food aid supplies since May 27, when the GHF began operating.

Guterres called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all unconditional hostages, as well as unrestricted humanitarian access. He stressed that the United Nations is ready to drastically increase humanitarian operations in Gaza if Israel and Hamas reach an agreement.