Since the onset of the military offensive earlier this month, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports a staggering toll, with hundreds of lives tragically lost and over 60,000 individuals forcibly displaced yet again, leaving many in despair as they confront the haunting possibility of never returning to their homes.
Civilians are reportedly trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, while the sick and wounded are desperately lacking access to crucial, life-saving care. They also face dire shortages of food and adequate shelter amid harrowing reports of family separations and mass detentions sweeping through the region.
“The plight of Palestinian civilians trapped in North Gaza is unbearable,” asserted a statement issued by the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.
Mr. Guterres emphasized that the “widespread devastation and deprivation” arising from Israel’s military operations—especially in the densely populated areas of Jabalya, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun—have rendered daily life “untenable” for the Palestinian population enduring these catastrophic conditions.
Despite numerous attempts to deliver critical humanitarian supplies such as food, medicine, and shelter, access remains largely denied by Israeli authorities, with only a few exceptions made, putting countless lives in imminent jeopardy.
Moreover, the postponement of the final phase of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of thousands of children who are now at risk of life-threatening diseases.
Little regard for international law
“This conflict continues to be waged with little regard for the requirements of international humanitarian law,” the statement noted.
Mr. Guterres underscored the imperative for all parties involved in the conflict to respect and protect civilians, including humanitarian workers and first responders, whose pivotal efforts must be supported rather than hindered, ensuring their safety as they provide essential services.
“In the name of humanity, the Secretary-General reiterates his calls for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and accountability for crimes under international law,” the statement concluded, underlining the urgent need for action.
Catastrophic situation
On Saturday, other high-ranking UN officials joined in the urgent calls for a cessation of Israeli military actions in northern Gaza.
Joyce Msuya, acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, warned that the entire population of northern Gaza is “at risk of dying,” insisting on an immediate halt to the “blatant disregard for basic humanity” being exhibited by Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus characterized the situation as “catastrophic,” illuminating the complete collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system in the face of ongoing assaults on hospitals and healthcare workers, and reiterating calls for an immediate ceasefire to preserve lives.
