Fifteen UN and humanitarian organization leaders have urgently appealed for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza, calling on Israel to cease its assault on Gaza and protect civilians and humanitarian workers. The statement, issued in response to the worsening situation, emphasizes the severe humanitarian toll and calls for full compliance with international humanitarian law to ensure civilian safety and access to aid.
According to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, the current conditions in northern Gaza are described as “apocalyptic.” The area has endured nearly a month of siege, with civilians denied access to basic supplies, while bombardments continue unabated. Just in recent days, hundreds of Palestinians—predominantly women and children—have lost their lives, and thousands more have been displaced. Vital facilities, including hospitals, have been attacked, cutting off critical medical supplies, endangering patients, and putting healthcare providers in life-threatening conditions. Rescue teams have faced deliberate attacks, obstructing their ability to reach those trapped beneath rubble.
[코리안투데이] Vital facilities, including hospitals, have been attacked ©이지윤 기자
Education and shelter facilities have also been severely impacted. Schools serving as shelters for displaced families have been bombed or evacuated by force, leaving vulnerable populations without sanctuary. Additionally, reports indicate that civilians seeking safety are being targeted, and many men and boys have been detained without disclosure of their whereabouts. Livelihoods are further destroyed as livestock perish, and farmlands and food supply systems face ruin, placing the entire population at risk of disease and starvation. Despite these immense needs, humanitarian organizations face barriers from Israeli forces and security issues, leaving crucial supplies unable to reach those in need.
UN leaders also raised concerns regarding Israel’s recent legislative actions against UNRWA, the UN agency providing aid to Palestinian refugees. This legislation could effectively cut off millions of Palestinians from essential services, further exacerbating the crisis. The UN emphasized that such measures contravene international law and underscore the need for unimpeded humanitarian access. The leaders also called for an end to hostilities, advocating for a sustained ceasefire and urging Hamas and other armed groups to release hostages in accordance with humanitarian law.
The UN has called upon all parties to respect international law, urging them to protect civilians and ensure unrestricted access to essential goods and services in Gaza. Member states are encouraged to use their influence to support compliance with international norms, including halting arms transfers where there is a risk of misuse. The UN statement concludes with a stark warning: the region teeters on the brink, and an immediate, unconditional ceasefire is desperately needed to prevent further devastation.
