Israel-Gaza Crisis | United Nations

Israel-Gaza Crisis | United Nations


Background

The United Nations has been instrumental in addressing the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, actively pursuing a peaceful resolution to the Question of Palestine. 

On 7 October 2023, Palestinian armed groups in Gaza launched thousands of rockets toward Israel and breached through the perimeter fence of Gaza at multiple locations, entering into Israeli towns and killing and capturing Israeli forces and civilians. The Israeli military declared “a state of war alert,” and moved its troops into Gaza, subsequently targeting numerous locations including residential and healthcare facilities. 

The Israeli military operation has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in the first six months of the war, two-thirds of whom were women and children, and displaced over 2 million individuals. Extensive damage to Gaza’s infrastructure has precipitated a healthcare crisis, with an increase in communicable diseases, especially among children, and brought the entire educational system in Gaza to a standstill. 

Moreover, Gaza’s entire population is facing a severe food crisis, escalating the risk of famine and disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. Additionally, more than 200 humanitarian workers have been killed in first six months of this conflict – including more than 175 UN employees.
 

Learn more at Question of Palestine website.

UN urges parties to …

Allow Humanitarian Access

The UN chief underscored that UN premises, hospitals, schools and clinics must never be targeted, and stressed the urgency of humanitarian access to the enclave. “Crucial life-saving supplies – including fuel, food and water – must be allowed into Gaza. We need rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access now,” he stated.

Avoid ‘collective punishment’

Since Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched an attack including thousands of indiscriminate rockets that have reached central Israel, the UN warned against indiscriminate or disproportionate action against Gaza and expressed concern over the “full siege” of the territory ordered by the Israeli authorities, shutting off electricity, water, food and fuel supplies.

Release Hostages

Mr. Guterres reiterated the need to always protect civilians, as guaranteed by international law. “I call for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza,” he said.
 



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