The Israeli regime prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, agreed on Friday with "temporary" humanitarian aid deliveries into northern Gaza through the Erez checkpoint, previously closed since Israel initiated a near-total siege on October 7.
"We need a paradigm shift, not just scattered measures," Guterres remarked to reporters in New York on Friday.
Since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza, aid has only entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing with Egypt in the south. However, Israel determines when the crossing opens, and Israeli troops inspect every passing truck.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Rafah, Guterres observed that "long lines of trucks loaded with humanitarian aid continue to face obstacle after obstacle."
"When aid gates close, starvation doors open," he asserted.
A UN-supported report warned last month that over 70% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents are experiencing "catastrophic hunger," with famine conditions prevailing in the northern part of the strip.
"This is incomprehensible and entirely avoidable," Guterres emphasized.
Israel faced international condemnation after its military killed seven humanitarian workers in a drone strike on a clearly marked aid convoy on Monday. Amid reports of deliberate targeting and international condemnation, the Israeli military was forced to admit guilt on Friday, announcing the dismissal of two senior officers involved in ordering the strike.