International Desk (EFE).- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres accused the international community, on Friday, of failing Gaza as famine and despair grew under Israel’s military offensive, echoing calls from Germany, France, Mexico, and others for an urgent ceasefire.
In a statement addressed to Amnesty International’s annual assembly and shared by the UN, Guterres said he is unable to comprehend “the level of indifference and inaction we are seeing from too many in the international community,” as Gaza descends into devastation.
“This goes beyond anything we have seen in modern times,” he said.
Guterres painted a grim picture of despair, citing children who say they would rather “go to heaven, where at least they’ll have food,” and humanitarian workers so overwhelmed they feel “neither alive nor dead.”
“This is not just a humanitarian crisis. It is a moral crisis that challenges the global conscience,” Guterres warned, adding that although “words do not feed hungry children,” he would continue to speak out at every opportunity.
Guterres has consistently criticized Israel’s conduct in Gaza, leading to a diplomatic freeze between his office and the Israeli government, which accuses the UN of bias.
International calls for ceasefire grow louder
Guterres’s remarks came as diplomatic pressure mounted on Israel.
Germany, France, and the United Kingdom jointly urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, calling on Israel to end what they described as a “humanitarian catastrophe.”
“It is time to stop the war,” the three nations said in a joint statement, backing efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker peace.
The E3 countries demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas and insisted the group must be disarmed and excluded from any future governance in Gaza.
They also criticized Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid.
“Preventing the delivery of life-saving aid to civilians is unacceptable,” the statement read. “We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions and allow the UN and humanitarian organizations to prevent further famine.”
Latin American countries raise their voices
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, also condemned the famine in Gaza on Friday and called for a “construction of peace” between Israel and Palestine.
“Mexico condemns what is happening and supports peace between the two states,” she said, reaffirming her position in global forums.
From Brazil, the government welcomed France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine in September and encouraged other countries to follow suit.
Brazil also reiterated its support for Palestine’s full UN membership and its commitment to the two-state solution.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva previously denounced Israel’s military response in Gaza as “genocide,” drawing parallels with the Holocaust, a statement that led to diplomatic tensions with Israel.
Chile and Uruguay have also joined in criticizing the humanitarian blockade.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric referred to the situation as a “Palestinian genocide,” while Uruguay called on Israel to allow immediate humanitarian access via the UN.
Trump downplays France’s recognition of Palestine
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump dismissed France’s plan to recognize Palestine, stating, “It doesn’t matter. It’s not going to change anything.”
Speaking to reporters before departing for Scotland, Trump downplayed French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement, calling it “irrelevant.”
Current US policy remains aligned with Israel.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the French decision as “a propaganda win for Hamas” and “a slap in the face to the victims of Oct. 7.”
Since 1948, Israel has received over 310 billion dollars in US aid, making it Washington’s largest foreign aid recipient. EFE
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