UN warns of catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon
November 01, 2024 | United Nations, Federal
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In a recent government meeting, alarming updates regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon were discussed, highlighting the dire conditions faced by civilians and the pressing need for international intervention.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations addressed the UN International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East, emphasizing the unprecedented level of journalist fatalities in Gaza, which has seen the highest number of killings in decades. A report from UNESCO revealed that 85% of journalist killings since 2006 remain unresolved. The Secretary-General condemned the ongoing ban on international journalists in Gaza, stating it further suffocates the truth.
The UN's interagency standing committee described the situation in North Gaza as \"apocalyptic,\" with hospitals nearly cut off from supplies and under attack, leading to civilian casualties and the disruption of life-saving services. Reports indicated that civilians seeking safety have been targeted, and many have been arrested and taken to unknown locations. The committee warned that recent legislative changes in Israel could severely hinder humanitarian efforts, violating international law and impacting millions of Palestinians reliant on UN assistance.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that humanitarian supplies to North Gaza have ceased due to an ongoing siege, displacing approximately 100,000 people who are now sheltering in makeshift sites. The lack of electricity and operational health services has exacerbated the crisis, with only a fraction of water wells and hospitals functioning.
In Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping force commander met with government officials to discuss the ongoing conflict's impact on civilians. Recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in multiple fatalities, including children, while Hezbollah's retaliatory strikes have also claimed civilian lives in Northern Israel. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is deteriorating, with over 842,000 people displaced since October 2023, and significant damage to water facilities affecting hundreds of thousands.
Despite the escalating violence, humanitarian partners continue to deliver emergency supplies to affected areas. However, the situation remains critical, with urgent calls for a political resolution to restore peace and protect civilians in both Gaza and Lebanon.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations addressed the UN International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East, emphasizing the unprecedented level of journalist fatalities in Gaza, which has seen the highest number of killings in decades. A report from UNESCO revealed that 85% of journalist killings since 2006 remain unresolved. The Secretary-General condemned the ongoing ban on international journalists in Gaza, stating it further suffocates the truth.
The UN's interagency standing committee described the situation in North Gaza as \"apocalyptic,\" with hospitals nearly cut off from supplies and under attack, leading to civilian casualties and the disruption of life-saving services. Reports indicated that civilians seeking safety have been targeted, and many have been arrested and taken to unknown locations. The committee warned that recent legislative changes in Israel could severely hinder humanitarian efforts, violating international law and impacting millions of Palestinians reliant on UN assistance.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that humanitarian supplies to North Gaza have ceased due to an ongoing siege, displacing approximately 100,000 people who are now sheltering in makeshift sites. The lack of electricity and operational health services has exacerbated the crisis, with only a fraction of water wells and hospitals functioning.
In Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping force commander met with government officials to discuss the ongoing conflict's impact on civilians. Recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in multiple fatalities, including children, while Hezbollah's retaliatory strikes have also claimed civilian lives in Northern Israel. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is deteriorating, with over 842,000 people displaced since October 2023, and significant damage to water facilities affecting hundreds of thousands.
Despite the escalating violence, humanitarian partners continue to deliver emergency supplies to affected areas. However, the situation remains critical, with urgent calls for a political resolution to restore peace and protect civilians in both Gaza and Lebanon.
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