Gaza: Stéphane Dujarric addressed reporters at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, condemning the recent killing of dozens of Palestinians who were seeking food aid.
According to United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the rising reports of malnutrition among children and adults, and he strongly criticized the violence, including the shooting and killing of those attempting to secure food.
The situation in Gaza has further worsened with a new evacuation order for parts of Deir Al-Balah, leading to more desperate conditions and increased displacement. This order has also hindered the UN’s ability to deliver essential aid. Dujarric reported damage to two UN guesthouses in Deir Al-Balah, which were struck despite prior notification to involved parties. UN staff inside were notably distressed, but the organization is determined to maintain its presence in the area.
The Secretary-General has reiterated the urgent need for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, emphasizing the necessity of providing essential resources for their survival. He has once again called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The UN is prepared to significantly enhance its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, advocating that the time for a ceasefire is critical.
Amidst ongoing violence and displacement, reports continue to emerge of severely malnourished individuals arriving at medical facilities in dire health conditions. Gaza health agencies have reported that more than a dozen people, including children, have died from hunger in the last 24 hours. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has highlighted that approximately 88 percent of Gaza is currently under displacement orders or within displacement zones.
Gaza, with a population of around 2.1 million, now sees approximately 1.35 million in need of shelter and household items, but no new shelter supplies have entered the region for over four months. The fuel crisis remains critical, with recent limited entries insufficient to meet needs.
Ramiz Alakbarov, the new UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Ramallah. At a press conference, Alakbarov called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the lifting of access restrictions to Gaza. He stressed the importance of traditional aid delivery systems, which are currently compromised by violence, armed looting, and recurrent shootings at civilians seeking aid. These incidents, he stated, require independent investigation.