In a high-level meeting held in Paris, top UN officials emphasized the urgent need for a significant break in the fighting in Gaza and called for greater protection for displaced civilians. Martin Griffiths, the UN's top relief official, and Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), highlighted the dire situation faced by the people in Gaza, particularly children.

Griffiths, representing the UN Secretary-General at the conference, expressed his concerns over the mass displacement and severe overcrowding in shelters. He emphasized the need for a humanitarian ceasefire to provide respite to Gazans and allow vital services to resume. He also called for the protection of civilians, regardless of their location, and raised alarm over the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people from the north to the south of the enclave.

Lazzarini underscored the heartbreaking plight of children in Gaza, recounting how he witnessed them "pleading for a piece of bread and a sip of water." He stressed the need for unimpeded access to bring essential supplies, including food, water, medical aid, and fuel, to the desperate Gazans.

During the conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the "abhorrent acts of terror" committed by Hamas against Israel. He called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, full respect for international humanitarian law, and increased assistance and protection for Gaza. Guterres also urged the international community to support the $1.2 billion humanitarian appeal recently launched by the United Nations to assist the people of Gaza.

The UN officials emphasized the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and advocated for the opening of additional border crossings to facilitate the delivery of aid. They called for increased funding to support humanitarian operations in Gaza, highlighting the critical role played by UNRWA in providing assistance and services to the civilian population. Lazzarini warned that UNRWA would be unable to pay its workers' salaries by the end of the year without additional support.

Griffiths also expressed concerns over the potential for further escalation in the region, citing recent flare-ups of violence in Lebanon and Yemen. He emphasized the need for multilateral diplomatic efforts to protect civilians, ensure aid access, and facilitate the release of hostages.

The Paris conference aims to mobilize funding and support for Gaza's humanitarian needs, as the situation in the region continues to worsen. With the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for assistance, the international community must act decisively to address the growing crisis in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of its people.

As the situation remains critical, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and to work collectively to bring an end to the violence and provide essential aid to those in need.