Food aid in Gaza. Middle East: Humanitarian catastrophe unfolds in northern Gaza Peace and security
Conditions in northern Gaza are ‘absolutely appalling’, UN aid agencies say, amid reports of continued bombing across the enclave and a catastrophic situation in Beit Lahia.
At least 90 people, including at least 25 children, were killed or missing in an Israeli strike on a residential building on Tuesday.
“This horrific strike is yet another in a series of recent fatal incidents with mass casualties, in addition to a campaign of mass displacement that raises grave concerns due to violations of [international humanitarian law],” UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Thor Wennesland said of the Beit Lahia attack.
Catastrophic Conditions
UNRWA spokesman Sam Rose described conditions in northern Gaza as “absolutely appalling” and “catastrophic” due to the escalation of fighting.
He said civilians who had faced “merciless attacks” in Jabaliya had fled to Beit Lahiya, where they were again bombed.
Rose said it was difficult to obtain more detailed information on the situation of the population due to the intense fighting and lack of humanitarian access.
According to the latest figures from local health authorities, some 43,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October last year and another 101,200 wounded.
Security Council expressed support for UNRWA
Meanwhile, Security Council members issued a statement on Wednesday stressing the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in providing humanitarian support in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Jordan, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic.
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Security Council members expressed grave concern over legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset. In this regard, they urged the Government of Israel to fulfil its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and facilitate the prompt and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance in all its forms throughout the Gaza Strip.
War crimes
The Chairperson of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, Navi Pillay, presented her report to the General Assembly Humanitarian Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
The commission, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, found that Israel is pursuing a policy of destroying the Gaza health system as part of its offensive and is committing war crimes by deliberately targeting medical personnel and facilities.
The report also said that Israel and Palestinian armed groups are responsible for torture and sexual and gender-based violence.
According to Pillay, hostage-taking in Israel also amounts to a war crime.