In a stark plea for action, United Nations experts issued a call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, expressing concern that time is running out for the Palestinian population facing a “grave risk of genocide.”
The experts, comprising seven UN special rapporteurs, emphasized the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities to ensure that vital aid reaches those most in need.
Over the past four weeks, Israeli bombardment in response to Hamas attacks on southern Israel has resulted in a devastating toll, with over 9,000 casualties reported by health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave.
Shockingly, the majority of the victims are women and children, underscoring the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict.
While Israel contends that its attacks target Hamas and not civilians, accusations persist that the group is employing civilians as shields.
The UN experts, however, stand firm in their conviction that the Palestinian people are in imminent danger of genocide and stress the critical importance of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
In response to the UN experts’ statement, the Israeli mission to the UN in Geneva condemned the comments as “deplorable and deeply concerning,” placing blame on Hamas for civilian deaths. The mission cited the October 7 attacks by Hamas terrorists, labeling them a massacre that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people and the kidnapping of 243 children, men, and women.
As the international community grapples with the deepening crisis, the call for a ceasefire gains urgency, highlighting the pressing need for diplomatic intervention to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
