Mr. President,

Thank you for convening this meeting to receive an update on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

I also thank USG Fletcher and UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, for the information provided and for their tireless work in providing a lifeline for Palestinians under the most challenging circumstances.

The catastrophic humanitarian conditions being endured by civilians in Gaza, many of them children, continue to deteriorate rapidly.

As we heard from the briefers today, the situation has worsened beyond imagination. The civilian population, already several times displaced, is now facing crisis-level food insecurity.

It was heartbreaking to hear WFP Deputy Executive Director speak recently of mothers in Gaza trying to prevent their children from playing so that they would conserve energy due to a lack of food. Just this week, six children waiting for water were among those killed in an Israeli air strike.

As the parties haggle over ceasefire conditions, the world is witnessing a cruel war on children. According to UNICEF, more than 50,000 children have reportedly been killed or injured in Gaza, and nearly every child knows what it is to be displaced; their families torn apart, their homes destroyed.

This devastation is unfolding as tons of lifesaving food, medicines, and other basics sit in trucks across the border waiting months for the green light to enter Gaza.

Already stretched relief efforts are being further hindered by the denial of entry of necessary fuel supplies.

In a joint statement issued over the weekend, UN agencies have made it clear that fuel is the backbone of survival in Gaza, powering hospitals, water systems, sanitation networks, ambulances, kitchens, and every aspect of humanitarian operations.

Also made clear is the fact that without adequate fuel, UN agencies may be forced to cease operations entirely, meaning no health services, no clean water, and no capacity to deliver aid.

The small amounts of fuel finally being allowed into Gaza represent a tiny fraction of the hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel needed each day to sustain daily life and critical aid operations. 

Fuel shortages have already resulted in maternity, neonatal, and intensive care units in hospitals no longer being able to function.

Further compounding this desperate situation are the daily reports of civilians being targeted, killed, and injured while seeking aid at militarized aid distribution sites. WFP assesses that nearly one in three people in the Gaza Strip currently go without eating for days.

While we note the planned expansion of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s distribution program and hear repeatedly that the goal of the GHF is to facilitate the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip in a manner that prevents its diversion or exploitation by Hamas, we continue to observe the GHF’s lack of capacity to achieve its stated objective.

With too few sites, those seeking lifesaving aid are required to travel long distances under dangerous conditions; and there is repeated chaos as thousands of civilians line up to receive life-saving aid at GHF sites, with many being killed or maimed in the process.

OHCHR has reported that as of 13th July, 875 people were killed in Gaza while trying to get food, with 674 of them killed in the vicinity of GHF sites. Today, at least 21 people were reportedly killed in a stampede at the GHF site in Khan Younis. Urgent action is needed to address deficiencies and to ensure the safety and dignity of those seeking food. 

In resolution 2730, adopted in May last year, the Security Council reaffirmed the need for parties to armed conflict to comply with their legal obligation to respect the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in the conduct of hostilities and refrain from attacking, destroying, removing, or rendering useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population.

Moreover, the Council’s Presidential Statement of 3rd August 2023, which Guyana co-sponsored, reaffirmed the obligation of all parties to an armed conflict to respect international humanitarian law and to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, including medical assistance.

It also reaffirmed the need for all actors engaged in the provision of such assistance in situations of armed conflict to promote and fully adhere to these principles.

This Council must uphold its own decisions and demand compliance from the parties to this conflict.

The Council must also insist that increased amounts of food and essential goods, including fuel and medicines, be allowed into Gaza and distributed by the United Nations and other humanitarian operators, in keeping with humanitarian principles and international law. The UN has consistently demonstrated its readiness and ability to deliver aid at scale every time there has been an opportunity to get aid into Gaza.

Keeping lifelines open in Gaza is an obligation under international law, which requires providing aid and facilitating rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief to civilians in need.

We remind that in an occupied territory, the Occupying Power must ensure that food and medical supplies are provided to the population in a manner that does not put their lives in mortal danger.

Mr. President, Colleagues,

Guyana is also concerned about the continued attacks on schools that have become a sanctuary for displaced persons, resulting in new waves of forced displacement.

According to UN estimates, over 725,000 people have been displaced since the breakdown of the ceasefire in March, with the Israeli military continuing to issue new displacement orders every day.

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and military forces have also intensified their attacks against Palestinian civilians, resulting in the killing of civilians and the demolition of their homes. According to OHCHR, some 30,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced since the launch of Israel’s operation “Iron Wall” in the north of the occupied West Bank earlier this year.

An immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza remains the only viable hope for its suffering population. There must also be an immediate, dignified, and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.

Guyana continues to appeal for peace to be given a chance in the Middle East. Peace premised on a resolution of the Palestinian conflict in line with the two-state solution, where the Palestinian people can live in peace, dignity, and in harmony with their neighbors.

Mr. President, the Middle East deserves peace!  I thank you.