Criticism of Israel's offensive: Guterres demands humanitarian aid for Gaza!

Criticism of Israel's offensive: Guterres demands humanitarian aid for Gaza!

The location in the Gaza Strip is still tense because the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues after the massive attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed sharp criticism of the major offensive of Israel in the Gaza Strip on May 18, 2025. He described the humanitarian Situation in Gaza as "more than inhuman" and called for the immediate termination of the blockade of humanitarian aid, since this further exacerbates the already catastrophic conditions for the civilian population.

EU Council President António Costa was shocked by the continuing violence and also called for an end to the military conflicts in the region. The Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz reported that Hamas has announced a return for negotiations on a hostage agreement that takes place under Qatari and US mediation in Doha. These negotiations are done without preconditions, but there are significant issues between the parties.

Humanitarian crisis

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has worsened considerably in the past few months. The German Red Cross (DRK) reacted to the catastrophic conditions and launched humanitarian aid goods. Secretary General Christian Reuter emphasized the enormous need for support and warned of the dramatic lack of medication, food and drinking water. The DRK has already flown 1,020 family tents and other important relief supplies to Egypt, which are to be transported into the Gaza Strip with the support of the Egyptian red crescent.

According to current estimates, there are at least 20 hostages in the Gaza Strip, while 35 deceased hostages are held there. The status of three other hostages is unclear. Relatives of the hostages express great concerns about their fate, and in Israel protests take place for the release of the deported persons.

ceasefire and possible views

On January 15, 2025, a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was agreed, which came into force on January 19 and was to apply for 42 days. This agreement included a stop of all fights and stipulated that the Israeli armed forces withdraw from heavily populated areas in the Gaza Strip. The reconstruction of the infrastructure and the return of Palestinian refugees to their Nordic hometowns were also planned.

A total of around 1,900 prisoners could be affected, since Israel dismisses 30 convicted Palestinian prisoners for every freed -in civilian hostage. Negotiations on a second phase of the ceasefire should begin on the 16th day after the start of the current ceasefire. Nevertheless, the question remains whether the agreement will last in the long term. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of military measures if the negotiations fail.

For the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, the signs are on storm, while the international community is pursuing the development. It remains to be seen whether the negotiations will actually lead to permanent ceasefire or whether violence breaks out again.