OHCHR calls for Gaza ceasefire as humanitarian catastrophe worsens
Published on 30/11/2024
The Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jeremy Laurence, has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza following his latest visit to the Palestinian territories.
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.