“While Ramadan has commenced, there is still ongoing violence and destruction in Gaza…I urge for a cessation of hostilities and the elimination of any barriers that may hinder the distribution of necessary aid as we honor the essence of this holy month.”

The UN Secretary-General stated that any hostages still held from the Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on October 7 must be released immediately. He also acknowledged that the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza, which have now been ongoing for six months, are having a catastrophic impact.

Restating his plea for the warring factions to cease the conflict, Mr. Guterres emphasized a similar urgent request from the families of those affected, who recently visited the UN in New York.

One family member expressed that they are not seeking condolences or apologies, but rather immediate action.

Northern Gaza anxiety

Juliette Touma, spokesperson for the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), stated that nearly six weeks have passed since aid was last delivered to northern Gaza. She expressed that the community is experiencing high levels of worry and tension. This information was shared on X, previously known as Twitter.

“We need additional humanitarian aid to be delivered by road, potentially through UNRWA, as our organization has the greatest presence on the field and considerable experience in this matter.”

Maritime corridor

An NGO ship carrying much-needed aid for northern Gaza was scheduled to leave from Cyprus on Monday, in efforts to provide relief for the hundreds of thousands of people suffering from severe hunger.

New announcements were made on Friday by the European Commission, United Arab Emirates, United States, United Kingdom, and others in collaboration with Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s Senior Humanitarian Coordinator for Gaza, about joint attempts to establish a secure maritime route to the area.

Safe harbour

A ship belonging to an international NGO, Open Arms, was anchored at Larnaca in southeast Cyprus carrying approximately 200 tonnes of food. The vessel, located about 200 nautical miles away from Gaza, was waiting for permission from the Israeli authorities to dock.

In a similar update, the government of Cyprus confirmed the recent announcement made by US President Joe Biden stating that a temporary pier will be erected off the coast of Gaza to facilitate aid delivery. According to media reports, it is estimated to take at least two months to finish construction.

Essential needs are crucial within the enclave, but are especially urgent in the northern region. UN officials have repeatedly cautioned about the dire situation of approximately 300,000 residents in Gaza who have limited access to humanitarian aid due to instability and various restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities.

Northern hospitals lifeline

Following the United Nations leader’s request for a ceasefire, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it successfully delivered aid to two hospitals in northern Gaza over the weekend. This included trauma supplies for 150 patients and 13,000 liters of fuel to Al-Ahil Arab Hospital, and 12,000 liters of fuel to Al-Sahaba Hospital.

However, according to the director-general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, medical personnel in these areas do not have access to essential resources such as sustenance, energy, qualified team members, anesthesia medications, antibiotics, and devices for internal repair. He emphasized this on Sunday.

“We need sustained, safe access to health facilities in order to supply them with urgently needed lifesaving healthcare on a regular basis,” he insisted, ending his message with: “ceasefire”.

The UNICEF reports that there is a severe issue of malnutrition among children, resulting in at least 18 deaths from hunger and dehydration in the northern part of the area. Additionally, the UNFPA has cautioned that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are also experiencing alarming levels of malnutrition in the region.

Source: news.un.org