U.N. Calls for End to Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

United Nations officials have called for an end to the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, nearly a year into the conflict between Israel and Hamas. They highlighted the significant obstacles in providing aid and the dire need for food and healthcare among the enclave's 2.3 million residents.

Leading United Nations officials have demanded an immediate end to the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, almost a year into the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants. 'These atrocities must end,' they declared in a joint statement signed by heads of U.N. agencies including UNICEF and the World Food Programme, coinciding with the annual U.N. General Assembly in New York.

The officials emphasized the necessity for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need. 'We can't fulfill our duties amid such overwhelming need and persistent violence,' they stated. The U.N. has criticized the obstructions in delivering aid to Gaza, where 'total lawlessness' prevails. Nearly 300 humanitarian workers, most of them U.N. staff, have lost their lives.

The statement also warned of a looming famine with 2.1 million residents in urgent need of food and livelihood assistance. They pointed out that healthcare infrastructure has been significantly damaged, citing over 500 recorded attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza. The conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed Israeli communities, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages being taken to Gaza.

In the months since, Israel's military actions have devastated large areas of Gaza, driving almost all 2.3 million inhabitants from their homes, exacerbating hunger and disease, and resulting in more than 41,000 deaths, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel claims at least a third of the fatalities are militants, accusing Hamas of using civilians as human shields, which Hamas denies.

(With inputs from agencies.)