Gaza is sinking deeper into disaster: UN – SABC News
A senior United Nations (UN) Secretariat official says that despite a renewed push by mediators to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, a breakthrough remains elusive and there is no end in sight to the conflict.
The official delivered the message to the UN Security Council during its monthly briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
The council was informed that the choice could not be clearer, either continue on the current path of perpetual conflict, entrenching the Israeli occupation or recommit to a political process that would resolve the conflict, end the occupation and realise a two-state Solution.
The developments in Gaza remain sobering, a human catastrophe and its immense personal toll that continues to unfold before the eyes of the international community and a conflict that grinds on without any clear end in sight.
UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov says, “Today the world looks on in horror as the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory continues to deteriorate to levels not seen in recent history.”
Alakbarov says, “Over 22 months into the hostilities, Gaza is sinking deeper into disaster, marked by rapidly mounting civilian casualties, mass displacement, and, now, famine. The hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups continue to languish in appalling conditions. On my recent visit to Gaza, I was stunned at the scale of the destruction and suffering.”
Famine
With famine confirmed in Gaza by a UN-backed collection agencies and NGOs, concerns that despite an uptick in aid deliveries getting into the enclave, it’s simply not at scale amid continued conflict that places the lives of humanitarian workers, journalists and other civilians at risk.
UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya says, “Over half a million people currently face starvation, destitution and death. By the end of September, that number could exceed 640 000. Approximately one million people are in Emergency IPC (Infection prevention and control) Phase 4 and over 390 000 are in Crisis IPC Phase 3. Virtually no one in Gaza is untouched by hunger.”
Msuya says, “At least 132 000 children under the age of five are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition between now and mid-2026. The number of those at risk of death among them has now tripled to over 43 000. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, that number is predicted to surge from 17 000 to 55 000.”