OHCHR calls for Gaza ceasefire as humanitarian catastrophe worsens

In notes released from the visit, Laurence detailed the grim realities on the ground in Gaza, particularly concerning the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe which he says is continually worsening.  

He says most people he spoke to in Gaza have desperately pleaded for a ceasefire. Their mental and physical conditions were fragile, after being completely broken down by “13 months of unrelenting violence.” 

“Acquiring basic necessities has become a daily, dreadful struggle for survival. I saw dozens of women and children scavenging in large landfills.”

Laurence says the provision of humanitarian aid continues to top the list of major needs for the people of Gaza, “It is so obvious that massive humanitarian aid needs to come in”. His notes outline the situation is completely preventable and stressed the urgency to drastically increase the flow of life-saving aid, as to not exacerbate an already dire situation “It is so important the Israeli authorities make this happen.” 

Throughout almost 14-months of fighting, the UN highlighted in a recent report that much of Gaza’s infrastructure has been reduced to rubble. Some 1.9 million; approximately 90% of the population have been internally displaced multiple times. 

Israeli and Turkish media outlets say a Hamas delegation is set to arrive in Cairo on Saturday to hold talks with Egyptian officials. It follows US President Joe Biden’s recent remarks where he stated his administration would re-launch mediation efforts with Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye to end the hostilities in Gaza. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Biden announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which would end 13-months of cross border exchanges of fire between Israel and Lebanon, contingent on conditions. The deal, according to Biden, was designed to be permanent. 

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he’s open to a ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages. The Israeli premier says a pause in fighting is something he’s always open to, but an end to the war will not happen until all of Israel’s military objectives are met, namely, the destruction of Hamas. 

On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out attacks on Israel which claimed the lives of 1,200 people. Israeli officials say the war in Gaza will continue until Hamas is no longer capable of orchestrating such attacks.  

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says more than 44,300 people were killed since Israel launched its offensive, but their tallies feature no distinction between civilian and combatants. The UN says nearly 70% of Gaza deaths they’ve been able to verify were women and children.