All articles tagged with #humanitarian ceasefire
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns of an "age of chaos" as the Security Council remains divided over Israel's war on Gaza, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages. Guterres also urges reforms to the Security Council and emphasizes the need for world leaders to shape multilateralism at the upcoming "Summit of the Future" in September.
France has announced that one of its workers, a Palestinian national who had worked for the French Institute for decades, has died from wounds sustained during an Israeli attack in Rafah, Gaza Strip. The man was seeking refuge in a colleague's house when it was hit by an Israeli airstrike, resulting in his serious injury and the death of approximately 10 others. France has condemned the bombing and called for an immediate and lasting truce between Hamas and Israel to allow for a humanitarian ceasefire.
Israeli forces have launched deadly raids in the occupied West Bank, killing four Palestinians in Jenin and conducting arrests in several other towns. In Gaza, Israeli attacks have killed at least 22 people, including children and women, and a hospital has been raided. The escalating violence comes ahead of a United Nations General Assembly vote on an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire."
Israeli military raids in the occupied West Bank have resulted in the deaths of two teenagers and the detention of at least 15 Palestinians. The raids come as heavy fighting continues in the Gaza Strip, despite international calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The Israeli forces have been carrying out daily raids in various Palestinian towns and cities, leading to an increase in arrests. Meanwhile, the bombardment of Gaza has caused widespread destruction, displacement, and dire shortages of food, fuel, water, and medicine. The death toll of medical workers is also rising, prompting a draft resolution urging Israel to protect medical and humanitarian workers and facilities.
The United States has faced widespread criticism for vetoing a UN resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, with world leaders, international rights groups, and UN officials condemning the move. The resolution failed to pass at the UN Security Council, with the US vetoing and Britain abstaining. Critics argue that the US veto shows a disregard for civilian suffering and a selective application of international humanitarian law. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a high death toll and extensive destruction, with Palestinians and Israelis both affected.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced a temporary suspension of military activities in a neighborhood in southern Gaza for residents to evacuate, citing humanitarian reasons and reinforcements. The IDF has completely encircled Khan Younis, the main city in southern Gaza, after breaching Hamas defenses. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the IDF had surrounded the home of Yehya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza. In response to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoking Article 99, Israel's foreign minister criticized the move, calling it support for Hamas. Guterres invoked Article 99 to draw attention to the enormous loss of life and urge the Security Council to press for a humanitarian ceasefire. Israel has agreed to a "minimal" increase in supplying fuel to Gaza to prevent a humanitarian collapse.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expresses deep concern over the resumption of fighting in Gaza, stating that it has once again become the most dangerous place for children. She highlights the devastating impact of previous violence, with over 5,300 Palestinian children reportedly killed, and warns that hundreds more could die if violence escalates. Russell emphasizes the urgent need for humanitarian aid, including water, food, medical supplies, and warm clothing, to prevent a catastrophe. She calls for a lasting humanitarian ceasefire and urges all parties to protect and assist children in accordance with international humanitarian law.
French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected Israeli plans for safe zones in southern Gaza, stating that a political agreement is necessary for their effectiveness. At a humanitarian conference in Paris, Macron called for a humanitarian ceasefire and support for a maritime corridor from Cyprus to southern Gaza. The conference also discussed proposals for humanitarian aid drops and field hospitals in Gaza. Israel declined the invitation to the conference, but the Palestinian prime minister attended and criticized the Israeli plan. The head of the UN humanitarian agency OCHA warned that the conflict could escalate further and proposed increasing aid to Gaza. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed the call for a maritime humanitarian corridor, while the Greek prime minister offered naval assets.
The head of the UN agency for Palestine refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, called for a humanitarian ceasefire and urged the international community to take concrete action to address the dire situation in Gaza. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the acts of terror committed by Hamas and called for support for civilians in Gaza. The UN relief chief stressed the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire, protection of civilians, and increased aid access. Both UN leaders appealed for respect for international humanitarian law and the opening of additional border crossings for aid. The UN and its partners issued a $1.2 billion funding appeal to scale up humanitarian operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, addressed the International Humanitarian Conference for the Civilian Population in Gaza, expressing gratitude to President Macron for convening the conference and highlighting the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza. Griffiths emphasized the need for respect for international humanitarian law and human dignity, access to essential supplies and humanitarian relief, and a humanitarian ceasefire. He warned of the escalating conflict and its potential regional and global impacts, urging multilateral and diplomatic efforts to protect civilians and secure the release of hostages. Griffiths praised UNRWA and humanitarian colleagues for their courageous work on the ground in Gaza.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have stated that they are currently fighting in "significant centers" of the Gaza Strip, including the heart of Gaza City, as part of a month-long war with Hamas militants. Israeli soldiers are engaged in eliminating terrorists, discovering tunnels, destroying weapons, and advancing into the center of the enemy. The IDF's southern command aims to strike at the core of Hamas' capabilities. The war has been described as complex and difficult, with significant costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) chief has called for a humanitarian ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged people in Gaza to move south and stated that there will be no ceasefire without the release of hostages.
At least eight people have been killed and an unknown number injured after an Israeli airstrike caused significant damage to the al-Rantisi Pediatric Hospital in Gaza City. The hospital, which houses the territory's only pediatric cancer ward, was also sheltering 1,000 refugees. The Palestinian Children's Relief Fund has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow aid to flow into the besieged enclave. The United Nations Secretary General has condemned the bombing, stating that Gaza is rapidly becoming "a graveyard for children."
The United Nations has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, describing it as a "graveyard for children." The UN chief, Antonio Guterres, urged all parties to stop the inhuman suffering and expand humanitarian aid to the region. The US acknowledged that the death toll in Gaza is in the thousands, as it pushes for short tactical breaks in Israel's military offensive to allow for aid and hostage negotiations. Israel intensified its strikes on Gaza, hitting hundreds of targets, while Hamas launched rockets from Lebanon towards Israel. The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza partially reopened, allowing some people to leave and aid to enter. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken began talks in Turkey to address the conflict, and the UK temporarily withdrew embassy staff from Lebanon due to the security situation. Jordan's air force dropped urgent medical aid into Gaza, and Lebanon reported that four civilians, including children, were killed in an Israeli strike.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, which he described as a "graveyard for children." The UN chief condemned the violations of international humanitarian law by both Israel and Hamas and urged all parties to respect their obligations. The US acknowledged that the civilian death toll in Gaza is in the thousands, while Israeli airstrikes intensify and Hamas continues to launch rockets from Lebanon. The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza has partially reopened, allowing some people to leave, and internet and cell services have been restored in Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Turkey for talks amid anger over the Gaza conflict, and the UK has temporarily withdrawn some embassy staff from Lebanon due to the security situation. Jordan's air force has air-dropped urgent medical aid into Gaza, and Lebanon has reported that four civilians, including children, were killed in an Israeli strike.
Israeli troops have divided the northern and southern parts of Gaza and are expected to enter Gaza City soon, while communications in the besieged territory have been temporarily cut for the third time since the war began. Israeli airstrikes hit two refugee camps in central Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties. The death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 9,700, with over 4,000 children and minors among the victims. Meanwhile, protests against the US and Israel have erupted in Turkey, and the UN Security Council has scheduled closed-door consultations on the conflict. The heads of 11 UN agencies and six humanitarian organizations have called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.