Six United Nations agencies have emphasized the urgent need to renew the ceasefire in Gaza, citing an “utter disregard for human life” in the region.
In their statement, the agencies highlighted the dire shortages of aid and food as Israel resumed its extensive military operation.
Since the conflict reignited on 18 March, the death toll has surged, marking the deadliest week for Gaza’s children in the past year.
No new humanitarian supplies have been permitted to enter the Palestinian enclave since Israel halted the arrival of aid trucks on 2 March.
“More than 2.1 million individuals are trapped, being bombed and starved again, while essential supplies of food, medicine, fuel, and shelter are accumulating at crossing points, with vital equipment stranded,” the statement indicated.
The 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.
At least 1,000 children sustained injuries or lost their lives during the first week after the fighting resumed, with that week’s toll being the highest for children over the past year.
“We are witnessing warfare in Gaza that exhibits a complete disregard for human life … We urge world leaders to take action – firmly, urgently, and decisively – to uphold the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law,” read the statement.
A protest occurred in Ramallah in the West Bank against Israeli assaults on Gaza.
Israel rejects claims of breaching humanitarian law in the area and accuses Hamas fighters of endangering civilians by operating alongside them, a point disputed by the fighters.
The agencies also warned of severe shortages of food and medical supplies in Gaza.
Twenty-five bakeries that had received support from the World Food Programme during the ceasefire were compelled to shut down due to a lack of flour and cooking gas, the report stated.
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The leaders of France, Egypt, and Jordan have simultaneously called for an “immediate return” to the truce.
They also asserted that the Palestinian Authority must solely oversee the governance of Gaza in the aftermath of the war.
“Governance, law and order, and security in Gaza, as well as in all Palestinian territories, must solely rest with a strengthened Palestinian Authority,” the leaders expressed in a joint statement.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 50,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the Israeli campaign in Gaza.
The conflict erupted following a large-scale attack by Hamas-led militants on communities in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the abduction of 251 hostages, as stated by Israel.
One casualty following an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon
One person has died as a result of an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s health ministry, occurring amid a fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah and following a visit from a US envoy.
The “Israeli enemy” drone strike on Taybeh, near the border, “resulted in the death of one citizen,” the ministry reported.
The official National News Agency (NNA) clarified that the strike occurred “in front of a motorcycle repair shop” within the Marjayoun area of the town.
The Israeli military stated they are “looking into” the reports.
Israel has persisted with airstrikes in Lebanon following a ceasefire on 27 November that largely brought to an end over a year of hostilities with Hezbollah, which included two months of warfare.
UN peacekeepers conducting patrols near the Lebanese border with Israel.
The ceasefire agreement was based on a UN Security Council resolution stipulating that only Lebanese troops and peacekeepers should operate in southern Lebanon and called for the disarmament of all non-state groups.
During a visit, US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus engaged in discussions regarding the situation, including Hezbollah’s disarmament, with senior Lebanese officials over the weekend.
Economic reforms were also part of the discussions.
In an interview with Lebanese television channel LBCI, Mr. Ortagus stated that the United States continues to urge the Lebanese government “to fully execute the cessation of hostilities, which includes disarming Hezbollah and all militias,” stressing that this should occur “as soon as possible.”
Hezbollah emerged significantly weakened from the latest conflict with Israel.
