UN warns of dire humanitarian crisis as Gaza descends into ‘abyss’

The United Nations Security Council received a sobering briefing on the escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, as the crisis continues to worsen.

Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag described the deteriorating conditions as a "man-made humanitarian crisis," warning that Gaza has been pushed into “the abyss.” With time slipping away, Kaag stressed that without substantial political will, the situation will continue to spiral.

"Time is slipping away," Kaag stated during the Security Council meeting, emphasizing that despite severe restrictions, humanitarian efforts in Gaza are still possible, evidenced by the recent completion of a two-round polio vaccination campaign.

She warned, however, that these efforts fall far short of meeting the needs of Gaza’s civilians. "That goal is not being met," Kaag reiterated, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access to the besieged region.

Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), echoed Kaag’s concerns. He stressed that the lack of political will and security guarantees is undermining large-scale humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

Despite this, UNOPS has managed to deliver over 22,000 metric tons of aid cargo. "The challenges are enormous," Silva stated, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to address the growing crisis.

Humanitarian catastrophe deepens in Gaza

AFP

As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, Gaza has suffered an unprecedented loss of life. According to Gaza-based health authorities, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, and over 93,000 have been injured. The World Health Organization (WHO) further reported that over 22,000 people have sustained life-altering injuries in the war. The death toll continues to rise as Israeli attacks persist.

Push for political action to end occupation

Amid the dire situation, UN member states will debate Tuesday a push by the Palestinians to formally demand an end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories within 12 months.

The text, which has faced fierce criticism from Israel, is based around an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice calling Israel's occupation since 1967 "unlawful."

Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour emphasized that the resolution, which demands the withdrawal of Israeli forces, a halt to new settlements, and the return of seized land, is a vital step toward forcing Israel to act. "The idea is you want to use the pressure of the international community in the General Assembly and the pressure of the historic ruling by the ICJ to force Israel to change its behavior,” Mansour said.

While the draft resolution has garnered significant support, it has faced fierce criticism from Israel. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the text, calling it "disgraceful" and accusing it of rewarding terrorism.

In May, the assembly overwhelmingly supported a symbolic resolution calling for full Palestinian membership in the UN. Though non-binding, these resolutions reflect growing international sympathy for the Palestinian cause.

However, as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community faces increasing pressure to find a sustainable political solution. Without immediate intervention, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will only deepen, leaving millions of civilians in peril.