UN Calls on Israel to Protect Civilians Amid Impending Ground Assault on Gaza
As tensions escalate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has issued a fervent plea for Israel to safeguard the lives of civilians taking refuge in Gaza. With Israel’s military reportedly preparing for a ground assault on the territory, the agency has expressed grave concern for the safety of those seeking shelter in the enclave.
UNRWA stressed that the current situation is unparalleled, asserting that the organization’s shelters in Gaza and northern Gaza are no longer secure. In accordance with the rules of warfare, it is imperative that civilians, hospitals, schools, clinics, and United Nations premises are not targeted.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, UNRWA emphasized that certain vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, would be unable to flee to safer areas. As a result, it is crucial that these individuals are protected at all times.
The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with over 2,200 Palestinians killed during Israel’s ongoing aerial offensive, while Israel has lost 1,300 people in Hamas’ attacks. Against this backdrop, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concerns about the impact of an evacuation order on the civilian population, highlighting the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that could arise.
Guterres called on the international community to unite in their commitment to protecting civilians and finding a lasting resolution to the endless cycle of death and destruction. As efforts to ensure the safety of civilians intensify, an UNRWA school accommodating more than 225 displaced individuals, including families, was tragically hit, resulting in severe damages.
In an effort to address the growing need for medical assistance in Gaza, a plane carrying life-saving health supplies from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) logistics hub in Dubai has arrived in Egypt. These supplies, including trauma medicines, healthcare essentials, and equipment, are intended for approximately 1,200 individuals injured in the bombings, as well as 1,500 chronically ill patients. Additionally, basic health supplies have been provided to cater to the needs of 300,000 others, including pregnant women.
With hospitals in Gaza overwhelmed or incapacitated, the timely arrival of these supplies will undoubtedly contribute to saving lives and providing much-needed support to those seeking shelter in the region.
As the situation in Gaza remains dire, it is crucial for all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international law. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations are actively advocating for these principles while striving to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the ongoing violence.
