THE United Nations has called on Israel to facilitate the entry of vital humanitarian supplies into Gaza, stressing the urgency of addressing “catastrophic levels of hunger” and the dire conditions facing the enclave’s displaced population.
"Civilians must be respected, and they must be protected," UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said at a press briefing on Monday, according to Anadolu Ajansi (AA), as carried by Bernama.
He underlined the need for "full, safe, and sustained humanitarian access in accordance with humanitarian principles."
The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported that one in five people in Gaza is facing catastrophic hunger due to significant restrictions on humanitarian operations.
"Given the heavy constraints on bringing in supplies and carrying out humanitarian operations across Gaza, people are going hungry," said Dujarric. He added that large quantities of food are ready for distribution in the region, pending increased access.
Dujarric also said UN Secretary-General António Guterres was "alarmed" by new evacuation orders issued by Israeli authorities in northern Gaza, which he said had displaced tens of thousands more people.
"People are being pushed into overcrowded areas where thousands of others are already staying. These spaces lack shelter. They lack water, they lack sewage systems, not to mention medical facilities," he said.
The UN further urged Israel to permit the entry of fuel into Gaza to support critical infrastructure, including hospitals, desalination plants, and telecommunications.
"If the ban on fuel continues, more of these critical services will shut down soon, and in some areas very soon," Dujarric warned, noting that fuel also powers community kitchens and enables the movement of humanitarian cargo.
Guterres, he added, "condemns" the continued civilian casualties from Israeli military operations and "welcomes" ongoing international efforts toward securing a permanent ceasefire.
Since the Israeli assault on Gaza began in October 2023, more than 56,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to reports.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a separate genocide case at the International Court of Justice. - July 1, 2025
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