Here’s a breakdown of the key points from the provided text:
The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza:
WFP (World Food Program):
Warns that measures to deliver aid are a “lifeline” but need to be upheld and expanded.
Has enough food stockpiled or en route for three months for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.
Emphasizes that without a ceasefire and consistent access, the scale of need is overwhelming current efforts.
States that an agreed ceasefire is the “only way to reach everyone” and calls for predictable and safe conditions.
WHO (World Health Institution):
Reports that malnutrition in Gaza is “spiralling out of control” with a sharp rise in deaths, particularly in July.
63 out of 74 malnutrition-related deaths this year occurred in July, including 24 children under five. Many died before reaching medical care, showing signs of severe wasting.
Calls the crisis “entirely preventable” due to deliberate obstruction of aid.
Children are disproportionately affected, with over 5,000 treated for malnutrition in July, many with life-threatening forms.
Specialized treatment centers are overwhelmed, lacking fuel and supplies, and staffed by weary health workers.
The health system is “on the brink,” with disease spreading due to lack of clean water and sanitation. Over 40% of pregnant and breastfeeding women are severely malnourished.
People are dying not just from hunger but also from the “desperate search for food.”
Over 1,000 people have been killed and over 7,000 injured as late May while trying to access aid. Calls for an immediate ceasefire and a sustained surge of diverse, nutritious food and medical supplies. Urges for consistent and unhindered aid flow and protection for civilians, health workers, and humanitarian operations.
Call for action and accountability:
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (Volker Türk):
Urges immediate action to end israel’s “unlawful occupation” and the “ongoing devastation in Gaza.”
Warns that countries failing to use their leverage may be “complicit in international crimes.”
Calls on governments to pressure Israel to halt the “carnage” and recommit to a two-state solution. Describes Gaza as a “dystopian landscape of deadly attacks and total destruction.”
Highlights that the militarized aid distribution system is failing.
Reminds that over 300 UN colleagues have been killed.
condemns the October 7th attacks by Hamas but states the scale of suffering inflicted on Palestinians since then cannot be justified.
Calls for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages and detainees.
notes that violence by Israeli forces and settlers continues in the occupied West Bank, with home demolitions and water supply cuts.
overall message:
The text paints a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing widespread malnutrition, a collapsing health system, and the immense suffering of the civilian population, particularly children.Both the WFP and WHO highlight the critical need for a ceasefire and unimpeded access for aid. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issues a strong call for international accountability and action to end the violence and occupation.
