UNITED NATIONS—UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued an urgent appeal on Monday demanding Israel immediately reopen critical border crossings into Gaza that were sealed following military operations against Iran conducted jointly with the United States.
The closure, implemented Saturday as a security precaution, includes the strategically vital Rafah crossing—Gazans’ sole access point to the external world that bypasses Israeli territory. This passage had only resumed operations for civilian movement on February 2, ending a nearly two-year suspension after Israeli forces assumed control during conflicts with Hamas.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric detailed the severity of the situation, stating: ‘Israeli authorities have sealed all transit points, including Rafah, and halted all humanitarian operations in zones where Israeli military personnel remain stationed within Gaza.’
Dujarric emphasized the critical nature of resumed access: ‘The immediate reopening of all crossings is imperative. Our humanitarian partners have already begun rationing fuel supplies and prioritizing only the most critical life-saving operations due to rapidly diminishing local reserves.’
The spokesperson further explained the compounding challenges, noting that while some supplies remain within Gaza, the complete blockade forces aid organizations to meticulously stretch existing resources. This development significantly hampers the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s civilian population, creating potentially severe consequences for those dependent on international aid.