UN official stresses the world must act now

WAM

A senior United Nations official has urged immediate and substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza, highlighting the dire conditions faced by its residents.

Ajith Sunghay, Head of the Office of the UN Human Rights (OHCHR) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, appealed to Israeli authorities to ensure the swift delivery of aid to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians grappling with the collapse of public systems and security.

In a video briefing following his week-long visit to Gaza, Sunghay painted a grim picture of widespread hunger, destruction, and despair.

He described seeing women and children scavenging for food in rubbish dumps and hearing the concerns of young residents expressing hopelessness and a desire to leave the region.

“The complete breakdown of society, including education, local support networks, and safety, has left Gaza’s residents without hope or a future,” he said.

Sunghay warned of the catastrophic conditions faced by thousands of displaced individuals, particularly those fleeing relentless bombardments in Gaza City and the northern regions, including Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun. Many are forced to shelter in damaged buildings or overcrowded camps without adequate food, water, or sanitation.

With winter setting in, he emphasised the immediate need for adequate shelters and warm clothing to protect vulnerable populations from worsening conditions.

 

Sunghay condemned the ongoing devastation, urging an end to the bombardments and forced displacements. He called for urgent international intervention to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and provide relief to its struggling residents.

"The world must act now to prevent further suffering," he concluded.

More from International

  • 56 dead at Guinea Soccer Match

    A controversial refereeing decision led to violence and a deadly crush during a soccer match in southeast Guinea, resulting in at least 56 deaths, according to a provisional toll released by the government on Monday.

  • Pro-Iranian armed groups enter Syria to support Syrian army

    Iranian-backed groups entered Syria overnight from Iraq and were heading to northern Syria to beef up Syrian army forces battling a coalition of rebels, according to two Syrian army sources.

  • Egypt hosts Hamas in new Gaza ceasefire push

    Hamas leaders held talks with Egyptian security officials on Sunday in a fresh push for a ceasefire in the Gaza war, two Hamas sources said, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to hold security talks on the matter, two Israeli officials said.

  • UNRWA pauses aid delivery through Kerem Shalom as looting increases

    The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has paused its delivery of aid through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza, citing lack of safety as looting by armed criminal gangs continued. 

  • Biden says he has pardoned his son, Hunter

    US President Joe Biden said on Sunday he had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, a reversal after pledging to stay out of legal proceedings against the younger Biden who pleaded guilty to tax violations and was convicted on firearms-related charges.