In a briefing to the United Nations Security Council, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Martin Griffiths, addressed the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Mr. Griffiths appealed for urgent action to put an end to the ongoing conflict that has resulted in widespread civilian casualties and displacement, along with a severe strain on essential services.

For nearly 100 days, the war in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory has disregarded the welfare of civilians, with devastating consequences. In Gaza, relentless Israeli military operations have led to an alarming number of casualties, predominantly among women and children. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, over 23,000 people have been killed, and more than 58,000 injured since October 7.

The situation in Gaza remains horrific, with a staggering 1.9 million civilians, representing 85% of the population, forcibly displaced and traumatized by repeated bombings. The already fragile health system has collapsed, preventing safe childbirth, vaccinations, and proper medical treatment. The rise of infectious diseases further worsens the situation, forcing people to seek refuge in hospital yards.

As winter arrives in Gaza, the bitter cold exacerbates the struggle for survival. However, critical facilities vital for the civilian population's survival have come under relentless attack, with 134 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) facilities hit, along with the tragic loss of 148 UN personnel and NGO staff in Gaza. Despite their identification and notification to the Israeli Defense Forces, humanitarian sites have been repeatedly struck, even in the past few days.

The displacement crisis has reached alarming proportions, with one million displaced persons seeking refuge in Rafah, previously home to only 280,000 people. Efforts to provide humanitarian aid have been obstructed, with delays, denials, and unreasonable conditions hindering the delivery of essential supplies. Those who have managed to deliver aid to the North have witnessed scenes of horror, including starvation and desperation for survival.

Gaza is facing an almost impossible task of providing humanitarian assistance amidst the devastation. The expansion of hostilities into Rafah would further challenge already overstretched operations striving to deliver meager assistance. While some humanitarian supplies have entered via Rafah and Kerem Shalom, they alone cannot sustain the over two million people in Gaza. Urgent scale-up of commercial goods is needed to alleviate the crisis.

The risk of mass displacement into neighboring countries looms large, with several countries offering to host Gaza civilians seeking protection. It is crucial to emphasize that any displaced individuals from Gaza must be allowed to return, as required by international law. Recent statements by Israeli ministers regarding plans for mass civilian transfer raised concerns about possible forced mass deportation, strictly prohibited by international law.

The conflict's impact is not limited to Gaza alone, as over 1,200 people were killed, and thousands injured in a brutal attack by Hamas and other armed groups on Israel. Rocket-fire into populated areas continues, causing additional civilian casualties and trauma. In Israel, more than 100,000 individuals have been displaced due to the October 7 attack and ongoing rocket fire.

Mr. Griffiths expressed deep concern over the potential regional spread of the conflict, citing increasing tension and hostilities in the West Bank, along with rising settler violence and demolitions of homes. He further highlighted the escalating tensions and military activities in Lebanon, the Red Sea, and Yemen, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent further escalation for the sake of unimaginable consequences.

The situation unfolding in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory demands immediate action. Mr. Griffiths reiterated his call for greater compliance with international humanitarian law, prioritizing the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure, provision of essential supplies, facilitation of humanitarian assistance, humane treatment of hostages, and a ceasefire. He urged the Security Council to take prompt and decisive measures to bring an end to the ongoing war and alleviate the suffering of civilians in the region.