UNRWA Chief Warns of Rising Death Toll in Gaza, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
The Gaza Strip is experiencing a sharply increasing death toll and severe shortages of food and medical supplies due to nearly three weeks of continuous bombardments by Israeli forces, according to the UN agency for Palestine refugees.
Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), expressed alarm over reports from staff in Gaza struggling to find food, water, and medical care. “Bodies are left lying on the roads or under the rubble, while missions to remove bodies or provide humanitarian assistance are being denied,” he stated on the social media platform X.
Lazzarini called for an immediate truce, even if temporary, to allow safe passage for families wishing to leave conflict zones. He described this as essential for saving innocent lives.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces announced that their troops are continuing operations in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza while facilitating the evacuation of civilians along designated routes. They reported that thousands of civilians have been evacuated and that several individuals identified as terrorists were apprehended among them.
The Israeli military’s ground operation in Jabalia, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Gaza, has been ongoing for 17 days. The operation aims to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping for future attacks.
This escalation follows a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in Israel and approximately 250 individuals taken hostage.
According to Gaza-based health authorities, the Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli assaults has now reached 42,718.
