As the humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza, senior UN officials reiterated their urgent plea for an immediate ceasefire and full humanitarian access on Tuesday, following a devastating Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter over the weekend.
The al-Taba’een school in Gaza City, where more than 100 people were killed during morning prayers, was the latest in a series of attacks, marking at least 21 strikes on school shelters since July 4th.
Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, emphasized the critical need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the scaling up of humanitarian aid during her address to the Security Council. She highlighted that this recent attack was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence causing immense suffering and devastation.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with civilians being ordered to evacuate to increasingly smaller areas, leaving no place truly safe, according to DiCarlo. The escalating regional tensions, particularly along the Blue Line between Israeli and Lebanese forces, as well as ongoing violence in the West Bank, add to the growing crisis.
Lisa Doughten, Director of Partnerships at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), also addressed the council, describing the unbearable suffering inflicted by the conflict. She noted that the recent attacks on schools sheltering displaced people had intensified, with nearly 40,000 Palestinians killed and over 90,000 injured since the conflict began on October 7th, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
Doughten stressed the urgent need for an end to hostilities, adherence to international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians. Despite severe challenges, including insecurity and restrictions on aid, the humanitarian community continues its efforts to provide essential assistance in Gaza.
Both DiCarlo and Doughten underscored the necessity of a sustained ceasefire and called on all parties to de-escalate and cooperate in upholding international humanitarian law.
