The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, addressed critical issues concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. One of the foremost concerns raised by the UN official was the situation of seriously injured or sick patients in Gaza who are unable to receive necessary medical treatments.
He urged for the swift facilitation of medical evacuations to address this pressing issue. Griffiths noted that the matter is a subject of daily negotiations within the COGAT group, which convenes daily to discuss logistics and plans related to humanitarian operations.
Highlighting the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law, Griffiths stressed that evacuations should prioritise individuals such as the wounded, sick, persons with disabilities, older children, and pregnant women in certain circumstances. He highlighted the significance of granting displaced persons from Gaza the right to voluntarily return, in accordance with international legal obligations.
The UN official also expressed serious concerns about the grossly inadequate ability of the humanitarian community to reach the people of Gaza with essential relief. Griffiths went further to emphasize the severity of the situation, stating that describing it as “grossly inadequate” is an understatement – the challenges faced are much more profound and complex.
Another significant issue raised by Griffiths pertained to the rejection of entry for much-needed items into Gaza by Israel. According to Griffiths, the reasons for these rejections remain unclear and inconsistent, posing additional obstacles to the already challenging humanitarian efforts.
Palestinian officials accused Israeli troops of executing at least 30 civilians in northern Gaza. The blindfolded bodies, hands bound, were discovered in a mass grave. Despite mounting pressure for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the Gaza attack.
Tehran envoy issued a warning that any strikes on Iran’s territory or interests would face a decisive response. The death toll in Gaza reached 26,900, with 65,949 wounded.
UK aid groups, including Christian Aid, Global Justice Now, Oxfam, and War on Want, pointed out that the UK’s weapons export to Israel implicates it in civilian deaths. Over 70% of the UK public supports a ceasefire, contrasting sharply with less than 20% approving of the government’s handling of the conflict. The aid groups urged the UK government to enforce the ICJ’s recent ruling compelling Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza.
Physicians for Human Rights Israel condemned an operation in Jenin where Israeli forces disguised as civilians, including medical staff, entered a hospital, resulting in the death of three Palestinians. The group highlights the military’s use of disguise as a reflection of Israel’s disregard for the medical profession.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s expected arrival in Cairo for ceasefire discussions coincided with intense fighting in both the south and north. Talks on a ceasefire proposal, possibly involving the staged release of Israeli hostages, are anticipated this week.
The Israeli military started flooding tunnels beneath Gaza hospitals, citing the need to “neutralise the threat of Hamas’s subterranean network.”