Montenegro's President Jakov Milatović said at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday that humanitarian responsibility in Gaza begins with protecting people's lives.
Milatović said humanitarian aid for those in need must enter the region safely and without obstruction, calling for the protection of civilians in Gaza.
Call to uphold international law
Milatović said that, when the United Nations Charter was drafted, the world's peoples pledged to protect future generations from the devastation of war. Despite this, conflicts and wars continue to claim lives.
The Montenegrin president stressed that international court rulings must be respected and called for equal respect for the dignity of all victims, without distinction based on identity or background.
Ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Reiterating that protecting civilians in Gaza is a priority, Milatović renewed his call for humanitarian aid to reach those in need safely and without obstruction.
Although a ceasefire agreement was reached in Gaza on October 25, 2025, Israel's blockade and daily attacks continue, killing and injuring people. Approximately 74,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 175,000 injured in the attacks that began in October 2023.
Sufficient quantities of food, medicine, medical supplies and shelter materials have not been allowed to enter Gaza.