Gaza: Stéphane Dujarric addressed reporters at the UN Headquarters in New York, condemning the killing of Palestinians seeking food aid, as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the increasing reports of malnutrition affecting both children and adults in the region, and strongly denounced the violence, including the shooting and killing of civilians trying to obtain food.
According to EMM, new evacuation orders have been issued for parts of Deir Al-Balah, exacerbating the already desperate conditions and causing further displacement. These orders have also restricted the United Nations' ability to deliver aid effectively. Two UN guesthouses in the area were reportedly struck, despite prior notification to involved parties about their locations, causing damage and distress among UN staff.
The Secretary-General reiterated the urgent need for the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, emphasizing the importance of providing essential resources for their survival. He called for a ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages, stressing that the UN is prepared to significantly expand its humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Reports indicate that amid ongoing shelling and destruction, cases of severe malnutrition are rising, with people arriving at medical facilities in dire conditions. Gaza health agencies have reported that over a dozen people, including children, have died from hunger in the past 24 hours. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that approximately 88 percent of Gaza is under displacement orders or within displacement zones.
The humanitarian crisis is further compounded by a severe shortage of shelter supplies, which have not been allowed into the region for more than four months. Additionally, the fuel crisis persists, with recent deliveries deemed insufficient by aid organizations.
In a related development, Ramiz Alakbarov, the new UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, met with the Prime Minister of the State of Palestine in Ramallah. Dr. Alakbarov called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the removal of restrictions on access to Gaza. He emphasized the need for the traditional aid delivery systems, which are currently compromised by violence and looting, to be restored and protected.
