UN Demands Real Ceasefire in Gaza After Over 1,000 Palestinians Killed

The United Nations has issued a stark call for a genuine ceasefire in Gaza, as over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since a previous cessation of hostilities took effect. Tom Fletcher, the UN's deputy secretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs, addressed the UN Security Council, demanding immediate action to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian aid can reach those in need.

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That is what happens when children are described as collateral damage and potential terrorists instead of human beings and potential neighbors for humanitarians.

Fletcher highlighted the dire situation, stating that despite a decrease in active fighting, civilians are still being killed and injured daily, with airstrikes continuing despite the ceasefire. He specifically called for the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, which has been closed by Israel, and for guaranteed unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. "That is what happens when children are described as collateral damage and potential terrorists instead of human beings and potential neighbors for humanitarians," Fletcher remarked, criticizing the dehumanizing language used in the conflict.

While acknowledging some progress stemming from a US-backed plan, Fletcher stressed that Gaza remains highly unstable. He reported that 70% of the population requires shelter, and essential services are collapsing. UNICEF has warned that water is not guaranteed for 1.1 billion children. The UN official urged member states to increase financial aid for the occupied Palestinian territories and demanded better protections for humanitarian workers, describing Gaza as "the most dangerous place in the world to deliver aid."

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The 70% of the population needs accommodation and essential services are on the brink of collapse. Unicef warns that for 1.1 billion children, water is not guaranteed.

Furthermore, Fletcher denounced the intensification of discriminatory policies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, citing over 1,000 incidents of settler violence recorded, averaging six per day. The overall death toll in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has surpassed 73,000, following Israel's offensive in response to Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in Israel.

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Gaza remains the most dangerous place in the world to deliver aid.