Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis has sounded the alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, declaring the situation has reached “catastrophic proportions” with an “unprecedented” level of human suffering.
Speaking at a UN Security Council debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, Gerapetritis, in his national capacity as chair of the annual session, highlighted that no humanitarian aid had entered Gaza in over two months and that more than 50,000 Palestinians had died since hostilities began in October 2023.
“The need to uphold international humanitarian law, particularly the Four Geneva Conventions, remains ever crucial,” he told Council members.
Gerapetritis also addressed other global crises, including conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Yemen and Myanmar.
“Worldwide, conditions degrading human dignity are widespread, with displaced populations and millions on the brink of poverty,” he said.
Ahead of the debate, Greece led the presentation of a joint declaration endorsed by 80 UN member states, urging all parties in armed conflicts to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians.
“The protection of civilians is not optional. It is a legal obligation and a moral imperative we cannot afford to neglect,” the declaration reads.
The document cites UN reports describing Gaza as facing the “worst humanitarian crisis” since the conflict began, with widespread famine risks and hundreds of aid workers killed. It also highlights the dire situation in Sudan, where over half the population now faces acute food insecurity.
The declaration condemns the use of humanitarian aid as a tool of war and demands unimpeded access to civilians in need.
Source: Ekathimerini
