"UN Urges Immediate End to Israel-Palestine Crisis as Death Toll Soars"

UN relief chief Martin Griffiths and other UN agency leaders have called for the immediate release of over 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7th. They urged all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law and protect civilians and essential infrastructure. The leaders condemned the killings of civilians and the ongoing deprivation of food, water, medicine, electricity, and fuel in Gaza. The death toll has reached 9,770, including 4,008 children and 2,550 women, with many people missing and presumed trapped under rubble. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have been targeted, and over 100 attacks on healthcare have been reported. The situation has led to a halt in medical evacuations and a rise in diseases due to displacement and water shortages. UNRWA shelters have been repeatedly hit by Israeli fire, making them unsafe for displaced people seeking refuge.