The Gaza Strip's escalating conflict has reached a dire level, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres describing the situation as a "graveyard for children" amidst calls for an immediate ceasefire.
The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 10,000, as reported by Palestinian health authorities, following a series of Israeli strikes in response to Hamas's onslaught in southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in over 1,400 deaths, mainly civilians, and more than 240 abductions, as per Reuters.
UN Pushes For Gaza Truce as Ceasefire Calls Unheeded
Despite global calls for de-escalation, both Israel and Hamas have dismissed the idea of a ceasefire. Israel's position is that hostages held by Hamas should be released before any truce, while Hamas insists on continuing their fight unless the assault on Gaza ceases.
Guterres, during a briefing at the UN headquarters, emphasized the urgency for a humanitarian ceasefire, highlighting the catastrophic situation in Gaza. Israel, however, criticized Guterres for not urging Hamas to surrender and for failing to condemn the group for initiating the conflict. Israel has been targeting what it asserts are Hamas's terror infrastructures, aiming to minimize civilian harm, but has been accused by Hamas of using civilians as shields.
The toll on children has been particularly severe, with Guterres noting the high numbers of young casualties, which has spurred the heads of UN humanitarian organizations to issue a unified call for a truce. Deadlocked efforts at the UN Security Council to broker a resolution for a ceasefire are underway, with the potential challenge of veto power by permanent members like the US or Russia.
Israel has stated its goal to eradicate Hamas following the militants' deadly attacks, and on Monday, reported that Gaza City had been wholly encircled after extensive military operations, effectively bisecting the territory.
Guterres highlighted apparent breaches of international humanitarian law, stressing the need for substantial aid to support millions in Gaza and the West Bank. However, delivering this assistance remains problematic due to ongoing hostilities, according to The Times of Israel.
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Record UN Worker Casualties in Gaza Strikes, Says Guterres
Guterres also reported that UN facilities, including schools and shelters, are being hit, and the casualty count among UN workers in Gaza is the highest in any similar period in the history of the organization.
Amidst these developments, US President Joe Biden has reiterated calls to protect Palestinian civilians. Still, there seems to be little evidence that such calls are influencing the course of the conflict. A White House spokesperson acknowledged efforts to minimize civilian casualties, though the extent of these efforts remains unclear.
Some aid is finally reaching Gaza through Egypt's Rafah crossing, as reported by Guterres, but it is insufficient against the backdrop of the overwhelming needs of the population. The UN has indicated that multiple border crossings, including the Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom, are essential to deliver adequate aid, a proposition Israel has rejected due to security concerns.
The situation remains fluid and dire, with international actors seeking pathways to peace and humanitarian relief for the embattled population of Gaza amidst the worst violence the enclave has seen in recent history, The Guardian reported.
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