UN chief ‘shocked’ by horrific death and destruction in northern Gaza – Global Issues

Since the attack began earlier this month, hundreds of people have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and more than 60,000 others have been driven from their homes, many fearing that they will never return.

Residents are reported to be trapped under the rubble, while the sick and injured are unable to receive life-saving assistance. They also face severe food and shelter shortages, amid reports of family separations and mass arrests.

“The plight of Palestinian citizens trapped in Northern Gaza is unbearable,” reads the statement of the spokesperson of the UN official.

Mr. Guterres warned that “widespread destruction and deprivation” caused by Israeli military attacks – especially in the area of ​​Jabalya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun – has made life “unacceptable” for Palestinians there.

Despite repeated efforts to deliver essential humanitarian supplies, including food, medicine and shelter, access continues to be denied by the Israeli authorities, with few exceptions, putting countless lives at risk.

Adding to the problem, the postponement of the last phase of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza has put thousands of children at risk.

Disregarding international law

“These conflicts continue to be waged without regard to the requirements of international humanitarian law,” the statement noted.

Mr. Guterres stressed that the parties to the conflict must respect and protect civilians, including humanitarian workers and first responders, whose essential work must be facilitated and protected, not hindered and endangered.

“In the name of humanity, the Secretary-General reiterates his calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and accountability under international law.,” the statement concluded.

It’s a dire situation

On Saturday, some senior UN officials voiced urgent appeals for a halt to Israel’s offensive in northern Gaza.

Joyce Msuya, acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, warned that the entire population of northern Gaza is “at risk of death”, and called for an immediate end to the “blatant disregard for basic humanity” by Israeli forces.

Meanwhile, WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the situation as “catastrophic”, emphasizing the collapse of Gaza’s health system amid ongoing attacks on hospitals and health care workers, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to save lives.