“Tragically, an unknown number of people lie under rubble,” António Guterres added, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, reiterating his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and unconditional release of all the hostages seized during the Hamas-led terror attack of 7 October.

The UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, reiterated the need for immediate actions to allow essential humanitarian assistance to reach and be distributed throughout Gaza to assist all those who require it.

Many people died while waiting for assistance.

As the number of deaths continued to rise, conflicting information surfaced on Thursday regarding the reported death of over 100 Palestinians who were awaiting urgent aid.

According to a statement by UN relief coordinator Martin Griffiths shared on X, Gaza continues to surprise us despite almost five months of intense conflict.

I am horrified by the news of hundreds of people being killed and injured during the delivery of aid supplies near Gaza City today,” he expressed. “Gaza is rapidly losing its people at an alarming rate.”

The Secretary-General censured the occurrence.

According to a statement from spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the people in Gaza, especially those in the northern area that is under siege, are in desperate need of immediate assistance. The United Nations has been unable to provide aid for over a week.

According to the newest update from the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, there are ongoing reports of severe Israeli attacks via air, land, and sea in many areas of the Gaza Strip. These intense attacks are causing more harm to civilians, displacing them, and damaging civilian infrastructure in the area.

The report indicated that there are ongoing ground operations and intense battles between Israeli military and armed Palestinian groups. These activities are concentrated in the north of Gaza, as well as in Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis.

Concerns regarding a possible invasion of Rafah.

Concerns remain regarding the proposed Israeli invasion of Rafah, a city currently housing over one million individuals who have sought refuge from the recent violence caused by terror attacks led by Hamas in early October. These attacks resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths in Israel and 240 individuals being held captive.

Georgios Petropoulos, the head of OCHA’s Gaza sub-office, stated that Rafah is subjected to daily attacks.

“We are committed to using the resources available to us to serve those in need,” he stated. “We recognize the importance of our presence here and the need for people to symbolize hope and uphold human dignity.”

Famine and health crises

If additional help is not provided, the United Nations representatives cautioned that a famine is likely to occur in Gaza. According to a report from the OCHA, regional medical officials declared that six babies have already passed away due to malnutrition and lack of hydration.

Doctors, who are confined in the enclave, are still tending to patients despite ongoing raids and assaults on the besieged hospitals. They are facing immense challenges as they strive to provide the best care possible under the circumstances.

The PRCS medical point in Jabalya, located in northern Gaza, is currently facing a daily influx of approximately 100 to 150 patients with hepatitis A. The healthcare facilities in this area are enduring raids and struggling with limited resources, yet they continue to provide lifesaving treatment.

In the meantime, relief supplies are at a standstill at the borders between Egypt and Israel. According to news sources, Israeli civilians are obstructing the passage of trucks into Gaza at the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Numerous fatalities and injuries reported in vicinity of relief vehicles.

Gazans are feeling increasingly desperate as aid slowly makes its way into the area. According to UN officials, the limited deliveries are not enough to meet the basic needs of the people.

On Thursday, there were early reports of over 100 fatalities in Gaza City as aid trucks tried to bring essential supplies near an Israeli checkpoint.

The first updates from the Gaza health ministry stated that Israeli forces had discharged into a gathering of thousands.

According to the Israeli Defense Force, soldiers used gunfire as a means of deterring crowds from approaching their checkpoint. However, there are reports indicating that amidst chaotic situations and a rush for aid, numerous injuries were caused by vehicles running over individuals.

Mr. Dujarric briefed reporters in New York and said the aid convoy involved was not part of UN operations. Responding to questions, he spelled out that “the way we operate right now is not safe”

He stated that both the deliverers and recipients of aid are at risk, as this humanitarian effort is disorganized and unpredictable. He emphasized the need for a prompt ceasefire in order to administer aid in a safe and orderly manner, which is not currently possible.

Request for reinstating funding to support UNRWA

On Thursday, 17 NGOs in the EU came together to sign a joint plea urging for the restoration of funds to the UN agency that provides assistance to Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

The statement stated that the EU and Member States should recognize that no other aid organizations can fulfill UNRWA’s crucial role in the humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. In the midst of the current crisis, many organizations will face challenges in continuing their operations without the partnership and support of UNRWA.

The collective call was made after key donors of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) ceased financial support due to Israel’s claims that twelve staff members were connected to the Hamas attacks in October, which sparked the current destructive conflict in the area. The donors chose to withhold funds until the results of independent investigations by the UN were released.

UNRWA, which provides education, healthcare, and other essential services to nearly 6 million Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, stated that the halt of funding to their primary aid provider will have dire consequences for more than 2 million individuals in need of life-saving assistance.

“Mr. Petropoulos of OCHA urges us to not turn a blind eye to Gaza. It is important to seek out the truth and hold onto our belief in humanity. The only positive outcome of war is its end.”

Source: news.un.org