The United Nations expresses its shock at the scale of death and destruction in northern Gaza

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, expressed “shock” at the appalling levels of death, injury and destruction in northern Gaza.

He said, “Civilians were trapped under the rubble, sick and injured people were deprived of life-saving health care, and families did not have food and shelter, among reports received by the United Nations confirming how families were dispersed and many people were arrested. “

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General, said in an official statement today that the situation of Palestinian civilians trapped in northern Gaza has been unbearable in the last few weeks alone. , hundreds of people have been killed, and more than 60,000 others have been forced to flee again, and many of them fear that they will not be able to return.

The statement noted that the Israeli authorities continue to reject repeated attempts to deliver basic humanitarian supplies of food, water and shelter to keep them alive, with few exceptions, which are and are still putting countless lives at risk.

The statement pointed to the cancellation of the final phase of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza, which also put the lives of thousands of children at risk.

In his statement, the Secretary-General warned that the widespread destruction and deprivation resulting from Israeli military operations in northern Gaza, particularly around Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun, make life conditions for -accessible to the Palestinian people there.

He expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, “This conflict continues without any regard for the requirements of international humanitarian law.”

The Secretary-General emphasized the need for the parties to the conflict in Gaza to respect and protect civilian life, including humanitarian workers and first responders whose vital work must be facilitated and protected, not hindered and exposed to danger.

“In the name of humanity, I reiterate my calls for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and accountability for crimes under international law ,” Guterres said.