In a statement on Saturday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his surprise at the recent escalation of Israel's bombardments in Gaza and called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow the delivery of aid. Guterres had previously been encouraged by the growing consensus in the international community for a humanitarian pause in the fighting.

However, instead of a pause, Guterres noted that there had been an unprecedented escalation of the bombardments, resulting in devastating impacts that go against the intended humanitarian objectives. This escalation comes as a reprisal for the October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas, which claimed the lives of 1,400 Israelis.

Aid agencies have warned that Gaza's 2.3 million people are facing a humanitarian catastrophe due to the ongoing Israeli blockade. According to health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave, 7,650 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed since the start of the Israeli bombardment.

Adding to the dire situation, Gaza has been plunged into a communications blackout since Friday evening, which the Palestinian Red Crescent attributed to Israel. Concerns have been raised about the safety and well-being of UN staff who are in Gaza to deliver humanitarian assistance. The breakdown in communication is impeding the work of aid agencies, blocking ambulances, and preventing the evacuation of patients.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), voiced his distress over the blackout, as it hinders the provision of safe shelter and medical support to the affected population. While aid agencies have been unable to contact their staff, a representative from the International Committees of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Red Crescent in Gaza managed to send an audio message out.

Calls for a ceasefire have been intensifying across the globe, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets in cities worldwide on Saturday to express their solidarity with Palestine. The international community remains hopeful that a humanitarian ceasefire can be achieved, allowing for the delivery of crucial aid and the cessation of further bloodshed.

As the situation in Gaza continues to worsen, it is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being and safety of civilians and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to address this escalating crisis and bring about much-needed relief for the people of Gaza.