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We, the leaders of 15 United Nations and humanitarian organizations, once again implore all factions engaged in the conflict in Gaza to prioritize the safety of civilians. We specifically call upon the State of Israel to halt its military operations against Gaza and to allow humanitarian workers safe passage to assist those in need.
The current situation in Northern Gaza is catastrophic. For nearly a month, this region has been under siege, deprived of essential aid and life-saving resources while relentless bombardments continue. In recent days alone, hundreds of Palestinians have lost their lives—predominantly women and children—and thousands more have been forcibly displaced from their homes.
Medical facilities are facing severe shortages as they are cut off from necessary supplies and have come under attack themselves. This has resulted in fatalities among patients, destruction of critical medical equipment, and disruption of vital health services. Reports indicate that both healthcare professionals and patients have been detained amid ongoing hostilities within hospitals.
Numerous schools designated as shelters for displaced individuals have either been bombed or evacuated under duress. Tents housing families who fled violence have also come under fire, leading to tragic loss of life.
Rescue teams attempting to save those trapped beneath rubble face deliberate attacks that hinder their efforts.
The urgent needs faced by women and girls are escalating daily. Communication with those we support—including providers of essential sexual and reproductive health services—has been severed.
There are alarming reports indicating that civilians seeking refuge are being targeted; men and boys face arrest without knowledge of their whereabouts following detention.
Agricultural systems are collapsing: livestock perishing, farmland devastated, trees reduced to ashes—all contributing to a dire food security crisis.
The entire population in Northern Gaza is at grave risk from disease outbreaks, starvation, and violence.
Humanitarian assistance is struggling to meet these overwhelming needs due to significant access restrictions. Basic necessities remain unavailable; humanitarian workers face threats from Israeli forces as well as insecurity that prevents them from reaching vulnerable populations effectively.
A further setback for humanitarian efforts occurred when the polio vaccination initiative was postponed due to ongoing conflicts—endangering countless children’s lives across the region.
This week saw legislation passed by the Israeli Parliament aimed at banning UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) operations while revoking its privileges—a move that could spell disaster for humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Such actions contradict principles outlined in the United Nations Charter while jeopardizing human rights for millions reliant on UNRWA’s support; they also violate Israel’s obligations under international law.
The Necessity for UNRWA
It must be emphasized: there exists no viable alternative to UNRWA’s role within this context.
A Call for Humanity
The blatant neglect towards fundamental human rights amidst warfare must cease immediately.
Respecting International Humanitarian Law
- The principles governing distinction between combatants and non-combatants must be upheld;
- No party can evade legal responsibilities based on another’s violations;
- Civilians along with remaining infrastructure should not be targets during hostilities;
Pledging Support for Humanitarian Efforts
- Civilian relief initiatives require facilitation; we urge all involved parties ensure unobstructed access;
- Commercial goods should be permitted entry into Gaza;
Caring for Those Affected
- Sick or injured individuals deserve immediate medical attention;
- Healthcare personnel along with facilities must remain protected—not transformed into battlegrounds;
Detainees’ Rights Must Be Honored
- Pursue release protocols concerning unlawfully detained Palestinians;
An Appeal Towards Compliance with International Norms
- < li >Israel ought adhere strictly towards provisional orders issued by the International Court Of Justice;< / li >
- < strong >< span style="text-decoration:underline;">Ms.Paula Gaviria BetancurUN Special Rapporteur on HR IDPs
- < strong >< span style="text-decoration:underline;">Mr.Achim SteinerAdministrator UNDP
- < strong >< span style="text-decoration:underline;">Ms.Anacláudia RossbachExecutive Director UN-Habitat
- < strong >< span style="text-decoration:underline;">Mr.Filippo GrandiHigh Commissioner UNHCR
- < strong >< span style=" text -decoration : underline;" class = "highlight" title = "UNFPA" data -highlight = "true">Dr.Natalia KanemExecutive Director
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<s pan s t y le= “t e x t -d e c o r a t ion : u n d e r l ine;” c l ass= “high light” title= “U N C E F”>
M s . C a th e ri n e R u ss el l
E x ec ut iv e D ir ec tor U N C E F
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< li >Hamas alongside other Palestinian armed factions should unconditionally release hostages whilst complying fully with international humanitarian standards;< / li >
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< p > Member States hold responsibility utilizing leverage ensuring adherence towards global laws—including withholding arms transfers where risks exist regarding potential misuse violating such laws.< / p >
< p > The entire region stands precariously close toward catastrophe—a prompt cessation regarding hostilities alongside an enduring unconditional ceasefire remains critically overdue.< / p >
< h6 > Signatories: < / h6 >
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< li > Ms.Joyce Msuya , Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator & Under-Secretary-General (OCHA);
< li > Ms.Nimo Hassan , MBE , Chair ICVA ;
< li > Mr.Jamie Munn , Executive Director ICVA ;
< li > Ms.Amy E.Pope , Director General IOM ;
< li > Mr.Volker Türk , High Commissioner OHCHR ;
< l i >< strong >< span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ms.Abbey MaxmanPresident & CEO Oxfam
