UN’s Guterres calls for Gaza aid to be delivered urgently

By Nathan Morley

UN Secretary-General Antonio  Guterres appealed for dozens of trucks on the Egyptian border to be allowed to cross into Gaza to deliver essential supplies of food, water, and medicine to the beleaguered population.

Speaking at the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian side of the border on Friday, October 20, Guterres said as many lorries as possible needed to be allowed to move into Gaza urgently.

UN agency: Gaza a 'hellhole' for civilians

Earlier, the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees said Gaza is now a "hellhole" for civilians and time is running out to get aid into the territory. Meanwhile, Israel has said the entrance of aid from Egypt was yet to be determined.

Elsewhere, Greek Orthodox Church officials have condemned an explosion at an ancient church in Gaza. Hamas said there were many casualties amongst those seeking shelter at the church. The Israeli military said the church was a Hamas command and control centre.

Under seige

As it stands, Gaza is still under siege with Israel blocking supplies of fuel, water, and food across its frontier. Palestinian officials say more than 3,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October, killing more than 1,400 people.

In other developments, Israel has announced the evacuation of the northern city of Kiryat Shomona as clashes continue with Hezbollah fighters across the border in Lebanon.