Six agencies of the United Nations have urgently called for the renewal of the ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting an “utter disregard for human life” in the region.
The agencies indicated in a statement that there are significant shortages of aid and rampant hunger since Israel resumed its extensive military offensive.
The death toll has increased since the war reignited on March 18, marking the deadliest week for Gaza’s children in the past year.
No new humanitarian supplies have reached the Palestinian enclave since Israel halted the entry of aid trucks on March 2.
“More than 2.1 million people are once again trapped, bombed, and starved, while at crossing points, supplies of food, medicine, fuel, and shelter are accumulating, leaving vital equipment stuck,” the statement noted.
This statement was co-signed by the heads of six UN agencies, including the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Food Programme.
According to the statement, at least 1,000 children were killed or injured in the first week after fighting recommenced, with the toll described as the highest for children in the past year.
“We are witnessing acts of war in Gaza that disregard human life entirely … We urge world leaders to take action – firmly, urgently, and decisively – to ensure adherence to the basic principles of international humanitarian law,” the statement asserted.
A protest in Ramallah in the West Bank against Israeli attacks on Gaza
Israel has denied breaching humanitarian laws in the region, attributing civilian harm to Hamas fighters who operate among them, a claim that the fighters refute.
The agencies also highlighted critical shortages of food and medical supplies in Gaza.
According to the World Food Programme, twenty-five bakeries that were operating during the ceasefire have had to close due to a lack of flour and cooking gas.
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Leaders from France, Egypt, and Jordan have also demanded an “immediate return” to the truce.
They emphasized that the Palestinian Authority must solely oversee the governance of Gaza after the conflict ends.
“The governance, law and order, and security in Gaza, and all Palestinian territories, must be the sole responsibility of a strengthened Palestinian Authority,” the leaders stated in a joint declaration.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 50,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the Israeli campaign in Gaza.
The war ignited after numerous Hamas-led gunmen launched attacks on communities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, with Israel reporting 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.
One dead after Israeli strike on Lebanon
An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon has resulted in one death, according to the country’s health ministry, occurring despite a fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah and following a visit from a US envoy.
The ministry stated that the “Israeli enemy” drone strike in Taybeh near the border “led to the death of one citizen.”
The official National News Agency (NNA) indicated the strike happened “in front of a motorcycle repair shop” in the town, within the Marjayoun area.
The Israeli military confirmed that it is “looking into” these reports.
Since the ceasefire on November 27, which largely halted over a year of hostilities with Hezbollah, including two months of war, Israel has continued its strike operations in Lebanon.
UN peacekeepers on patrol near the Lebanese border with Israel
The truce agreement was predicated on a UN Security Council resolution stating that Lebanese forces and peacekeepers should be the exclusive powers in southern Lebanon and called for the disarmament of all non-state actors.
During the weekend, US deputy special envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, met with senior Lebanese officials to discuss the situation, including the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Economic reforms were also part of the discussions.
In an interview with Lebanese television channel LBCI, Mr. Ortagus emphasized that the United States continues to urge the Lebanese government “to fully complete the cessation of hostilities, which includes disarming Hezbollah and all militias,” adding that this should occur “as soon as possible.”
Hezbollah significantly weakened following the latest conflict with Israel.
