The heads of all major UN agencies have jointly expressed their deep concern over the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza and have called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In a rare joint statement, the leaders of 18 organizations, including UNICEF, the World Food Program, and the World Health Organisation, have voiced their shock and horror at the escalating loss of life and suffering in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The statement highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on both sides since the Hamas cross-border attack from Gaza into Israel on October 7.
It condemns the siege and attacks on Gaza’s population, including the denial of access to essential necessities, and bombings in homes, shelters, hospitals, and places of worship. The UN leaders find this situation unacceptable.
They emphasize the urgent need to allow more food, water, medicine, and fuel into Gaza to assist its besieged population, especially as Israel pursues its stated goal of destroying Hamas. The statement calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, stressing that 30 days of conflict is enough and that it must end now.
Hamas has reported intense bombings by the Israeli army near several hospitals in northern Gaza, coinciding with a telecommunications blackout in the area.
This blackout is the third of its kind since the conflict began on October 7, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the people in the region.
According to the Ministry of Health, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have led to a tragic loss of over 9,500 lives, with a significant toll on civilians, including 3,900 children and more than 2,400 women, as reported by Al Arabia.
