UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland said Sunday that “the nightmare in Gaza is intensifying,” emphasizing an “ever-worsening humanitarian crisis.”
Wennesland condemned ongoing attacks on civilians, asserting, “Nowhere is safe in Gaza.” He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, calling for the hostages held by Hamas to be released, the displacement of Palestinians to end, and the protection of civilians to be prioritized across the region.
The UN coordinator underlined the necessity for unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery, stating “The path ahead will require courage, political will, and renewed dialogue.” Wennesland stressed that immediate action is essential to alleviate the suffering of families both in Gaza and Israel, declaring, “The war must stop now.”
This statement comes as Gaza’s health ministry, governed by Hamas, reported that at least 87 people were killed and over 40 injured in an Israeli airstrike on the city of Beit Lahia, located in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave, on Saturday.
In recent days, the UK has joined forces with France and Algeria to request an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK is also contemplating sanctions against Israeli cabinet ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who serve under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Starmer stated that the UK government is “looking at” imposing sanctions due to their “abhorrent comments.”
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported last week that since October 7, 2023, more than 700 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, while The World Food Programme has warned that food insecurity is projected to affect 600,000 people, an increase from 352,000 at the start of 2023, prompting a joint statement from 12 diplomatic missions urging Israel to ensure the success of the olive harvest. In the latest reporting period from October 8 to 14, Israeli forces killed nine Palestinians, including one child, and injured 104 others, with 94 injuries attributed to Israeli forces and 10 to settlers, as violence escalates within the region.
