World News: UN chief calls Gaza a 'killing field', condemning Israel for aid blockade

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described Gaza as a "killing field," following urgent appeals from UN agencies for immediate action to ensure the delivery of food and aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

On Tuesday, the UN chief addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling the area a "killing field" where civilians face extreme suffering.

He emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian access to the enclave.

Guterres also rejected an Israeli proposal to control aid deliveries into Gaza, saying it could potentially restrict humanitarian support "down to the last calorie and grain of flour."

The heads of six UN agencies issued a joint appeal to world leaders calling for urgent action to facilitate the delivery of food and aid to Gaza's residents, who have been without supplies since March 2.

In the Dominican Republic's capital city Santo Domingo, at least 79 people died and over 150 were injured after the roof of a nightclub collapsed during a live performance.

In the early hours of Tuesday, local time, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a concert by merengue singer Rubby Perez, with hundreds of people inside when the incident occurred.

Among the deceased are Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province, and the sister of former Major League Baseball player Nelson Cruz, as well as former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel.

Rubby Perez sustained injuries but is reported to be in stable condition.

While investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse, the country's president expressed his condolences and assured all resources are being deployed for ongoing rescue efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday, local time, that Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese nationals fighting alongside the Russian army in the eastern part of the country.

Zelenskyy stated that intelligence suggests more Chinese individuals are present in Russian military units.

He directed Ukraine's foreign minister to engage with Beijing to seek clarification on this matter, but has not heard from the Chinese government yet.

The development raises questions about China's role in the conflict, given its previously declared stance for peace.

Finally, in the United Arab Emirates, Sotheby's has unveiled a collection of rare diamonds valued at over 100 million U.S. dollars in an exhibition center in Abu Dhabi.

The exhibition's centerpiece is the Mediterranean Blue, a 10.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond from South Africa, regarded as one of the most significant blue diamonds ever discovered.

The gem is expected to be valued at up to 20 million dollars at an auction scheduled for May in Geneva.

The exhibition features eight diamonds totaling over 700 carats and will be open to the public from April 9 to 10.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.