‘Deteriorating’ Situation: UNSC Urges Humanitarian Action in Gaza
The council, which has failed to call for a ceasefire more than three months into the brutal Israeli war, issued a statement on Tuesday, calling on all parties to cooperate with the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, who oversees the delivery of aid to the besieged territory.
Kaag praised the work of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which has been facing funding cuts from some countries after Israel accused some of its staff of participating in a Hamas operation.
She said UNRWA was irreplaceable and vital for the survival of millions of Palestinians in Gaza. “There is no way any organization can replace or substitute the tremendous capacity and the fabric of UNRWA and its ability and knowledge,” she told reporters.
She also stressed the need for a humanitarian ceasefire and the increase of commercial goods into Gaza, saying that without them, there would be no hope for recovery or reconstruction.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) also warned on Tuesday that the reduction of funds to UNRWA would have a devastating impact on the health and well-being of over 2 million people in Gaza, who are already suffering from lack of water, food, shelter and electricity.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said the funding dispute was a “distraction” from the real humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric echoed the same message, saying that civilians in Gaza needed the support of everyone and that the UN’s humanitarian work in the region was essential and depended on it.
“Civilians in Gaza who are suffering, need the continued support of everyone,” he added. “The critical humanitarian work the UN does not only in Gaza, in the region, needs to be supported. People’s lives depend on it.”
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The Israeli regime launched its offensive on Gaza after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm in response to Israel’s violations of Palestinian rights. The Israeli assault has killed at least 26,751 Palestinians and injured 65,636 others, according to Palestinian sources.
On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to stop committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and to respect international law.
The court said Israel had to limit the harm caused by its military operations, prevent and punish any acts of genocide, and ensure access to humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
Source: Agencies
