UN Agency Warns of Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza, Calls for Immediate Cease-fire
The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, has issued a dire warning about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Speaking at a U.N. emergency meeting, Lazzarini stressed that an immediate humanitarian cease-fire was a matter of life and death for the millions of people affected. He accused Israel of imposing collective punishment on Palestinians and forcibly displacing civilians.
Lazzarini also expressed concern about the breakdown of civil order following the raiding of the agency’s warehouses by desperate Palestinians in search of food and aid. If the situation worsens, it could become extremely challenging or even impossible for the U.N. agency to continue its operations in Gaza.
The U.N. meeting included briefings from the heads of other key agencies, such as the U.N. children’s agency UNICEF. Catherine Russell, the Executive Director of UNICEF, revealed shocking statistics about the toll the violence has taken on children in Gaza. Over 3,400 children have been killed, and more than 6,300 have been injured since the conflict began. Russell emphasized that this meant an average of more than 420 children were killed or injured each day—a figure that should deeply concern us all.
While some speakers at the meeting criticized Hamas’ attacks on Israel and called for the release of hostages, they also emphasized that Israel has an obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and crucial infrastructure. Israel has faced criticism for cutting off essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and medicine to Gaza, as well as disrupting communication channels for several days.
Lazzarini highlighted the limited aid convoy access through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, arguing that it falls far short of meeting the needs of the over two million people in Gaza who are trapped and in desperate need. He further emphasized that unless the flow of supplies is significantly increased and aligned with the unprecedented humanitarian needs, the current system is bound to fail.
The commissioner-general of UNRWA, the U.N. agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, also raised alarm about the worsening conditions in Gaza. There is no safe place left, and basic services are deteriorating rapidly. The lack of clean water and sanitation facilities poses a significant health hazard, and the streets are starting to overflow with sewage.
The United States Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, called on the Security Council to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She stressed the importance of protecting innocent civilians, demanding the release of hostages, and meeting the immense humanitarian needs of Palestinians. Thomas-Greenfield supported President Joe Biden’s calls for humanitarian pauses to evacuate hostages and deliver aid while also advocating for the safe passage of civilians.
However, the Security Council has previously rejected four resolutions aimed at addressing the conflict, with some members vetoing them. In response, Arab nations appealed to the U.N. General Assembly, where vetoes do not apply. A resolution was adopted, endorsing humanitarian truces leading to a cessation of hostilities, with an overwhelming majority in favor.
The situation continues to escalate, with diplomats exchanging sharp criticisms. Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, lamented the focus solely on the humanitarian needs of Gazans and demanded condemnation of Hamas’ attacks and the release of hostages. In a symbolic act, he and other Israeli diplomats wore a yellow star, reminiscent of the Holocaust, to express their commitment to defend themselves and prevent another genocide.
On the other hand, the Palestinian Ambassador to the U.N., Riyad Mansour, urged the Security Council to follow the General Assembly’s lead and end its paralysis. He called for an end to the bloodshed, which he argued constituted war crimes and crimes against humanity, threatening regional and international peace and security.
The urgency for action is clear, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens day by day. The world looks to the international community, particularly the Security Council, to find a resolution that can address the ongoing violence, protect civilians, and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
