In a heartbreaking update, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, has declared that three months after the devastating October 7 attacks, Gaza has become “uninhabitable.” The region is facing an urgent need for a ceasefire to halt the ongoing hostilities. Tens of thousands, mainly women and children, have suffered casualties, and families are forced to sleep in the open as temperatures drop.
Griffiths emphasized the dire situation, stating that Gaza is witnessing daily threats to its people’s existence, with infectious diseases spreading in overcrowded shelters and sewer overflows. Civilians following relocation advice for safety have come under bombardment, and medical facilities are under relentless attack. The few partially functional hospitals are overwhelmed with trauma cases, lacking essential supplies.
The crisis extends to daily life, with around 180 Palestinian women giving birth daily amidst chaos. Food insecurity is at its highest recorded levels, pushing Gaza towards the brink of famine. Griffiths underlined the traumatic experiences of war-torn children, facing a scarcity of food, water, and education amid the terrifying sounds of ongoing conflict.
The humanitarian community faces an impossible mission, supporting over 2 million people amidst communication blackouts, damaged roads, and limited vital supplies. Rocket attacks on Israel persist, and over 120 people remain held hostage in Gaza. Tensions in the West Bank are escalating, raising concerns about the potential regional spillover of the conflict.
Despite moments of heroism, Gaza has showcased the worst of humanity. Griffiths stressed that violence cannot resolve differences but only inflame passions and breed new generations of danger and insecurity. Urging parties to meet international law obligations, including protecting civilians and releasing hostages, Griffiths emphasized the need for the international community to use its influence to bring about a swift end to the war, stating, “This war should never have started. But it’s long past time for it to end.”
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