Urgent Need for Humanitarian Relief in Gaza: U.N. Security Council Highlights Crisis

The United States called for urgent action from Israel at the U.N. Security Council to address dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. A year after a conflict with Hamas militants, the Gaza Strip faces severe hardships. U.N. officials highlight severe aid delivery barriers exacerbating the situation.

In response to reports of dire humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, the United States urged Israel at the U.N. Security Council meeting to address the "catastrophic conditions" facing Palestinian civilians. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the need for urgent action to alleviate the suffering of Gaza's population.

The humanitarian crisis follows a deadly attack by Palestinian militants on southern Israel a year ago, resulting in a conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip. Almost the entire population of 2.3 million has been displaced, with thousands reportedly killed in the ongoing Israeli reprisal.

Despite claims by Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon that there are no restrictions on humanitarian aid, U.N. officials report significant barriers to aid delivery. Calls for more access and a reduction in obstacles were echoed by multiple members of the Security Council, highlighting the urgent need for relief efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)