“In a tumultuous world, it is crucial to adhere to principles that are clearly outlined in the UN Charter, international law, the preservation of a country’s territorial integrity, and international humanitarian law,” stated the Secretary-General of the United Nations, addressing the commencement of the European Council in Brussels.

We strongly believe that achieving peace in Ukraine is crucial, and for the same reasons, a ceasefire in Gaza is also necessary.

During a short media interaction, Mr. Guterres expressed his strong disapproval of the 7 October terror attacks carried out by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israeli and foreign citizens. He also restated his concern over the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza, which he says is the highest he has seen during his time as Secretary-General.

Tedros starvation alert

Agreeing with the statement made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the director of the United Nations’s health organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized on Thursday the distressing situation of numerous young individuals in northern Gaza who are currently hospitalized with serious injuries or facing malnutrition as a result of the ongoing conflict of six months.

In a post on social media, a video from Al-Shifa Hospital was shared along with Tedros’s plea. The video featured a young amputee named Rafiq, who was said to have been rescued from the wreckage of his home in Gaza City.

On March 17th, the video, verified by WHO, featured a doctor discussing the lack of essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in the northern Gaza Strip.

The anonymous healthcare worker also mentioned that, along with the undernourished child he was caring for in Gaza City, there were numerous other children whose parents claimed had died from malnutrition without receiving a medical evaluation at the overcrowded hospitals in Gaza.

The UN agency reported that the last person to arrive at the medical center was on 11 March in order to provide fuel and medication. Media sources have stated that the current Israeli military assault on Al-Shifa has been ongoing since Monday and is now in its fourth day.

“Tedros, the Director-General of the WHO, expressed on X (previously known as Twitter) that the current situation has been incredibly difficult for these children, and history will hold us accountable for it. He pleaded for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to be provided urgently and without restrictions.”

The UN-supported assessment of food insecurity issued a warning on Monday, stating that 1.1 million residents of Gaza are currently suffering from severe hunger and could face famine in the northern region between now and May.

The most recent data from WHO shows that there have been 410 instances of violence against healthcare facilities in Gaza since October 7th. These attacks have resulted in numerous injuries, significant damage to almost 100 facilities, and interference with over 100 ambulances.

The United Nations’ health department has recorded 403 instances of violence against healthcare facilities in the West Bank since October 7th.

The UN aid coordination office OCHA reports that nearly 31,200 people in Gaza have lost their lives and over 74,000 have been injured due to heavy Israeli bombing. The enclave’s health authorities have confirmed these numbers. The Israeli military has stated that 251 soldiers have been killed since the start of the ground operation on 27 October.

resolution

The US is requesting an “urgent ceasefire” in a recently proposed resolution.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the most recent version of the resolution proposed by Washington to the Security Council includes a demand for a prompt ceasefire linked to the liberation of hostages.

There is no definite timeline for the draft to be voted upon, but indications from news sources propose that it may occur as soon as Friday. The US has previously hindered efforts to approve a resolution for a ceasefire.

The US’s leading representative engaged in discussions while in Egypt and is currently traveling throughout the Middle East, as mediation between Israel and Hamas led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar persists. According to Mr. Blinken, there is a strong likelihood of reaching a resolution.

Weapon of war

In the meantime, Philippe Lazzarini, the leader of the United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees (UNWRA), once again emphasized the need to increase the amount of humanitarian assistance being provided to Gaza.

Mr. Lazzarini strongly denounces the artificial famine in the northern region and argues that the most straightforward solution is to open all land crossings into Gaza. He believes that providing an abundance of food to Gaza and reversing this detrimental situation is within our reach and failure to do so is a disgrace to our collective humanity.

The Commissioner-General of UNRWA also reiterated numerous pleas for Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire and release all remaining hostages from the Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on October 7th. “This should be a top priority, but in the meantime, food must not be used as a tool of warfare,” stated Mr. Lazzarini.

Source: news.un.org