​NEW YORK, New York - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced profound concern over the escalating human toll in Gaza, as the death toll reached 50,695 as of Sunday. Earlier this week, he condemned the reported killing of over a thousand individuals, including women and children, since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed on March 18.​

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighted that large-scale Israeli shelling and ground operations have led to widespread destruction and the displacement of more than 100,000 Palestinians from Rafah in the past two days alone, many of whom have been displaced multiple times.​

Attack on Medical Personnel

Guterres expressed shock over the Israeli army's attack on a medical and emergency convoy two weeks ago, resulting in the deaths of 15 medical personnel and humanitarian workers in Gaza. Dujarric emphasized that all parties must protect medical, humanitarian, and emergency workers at all times, as mandated by international humanitarian law, and underscored the necessity of ending the denial of life-saving assistance.​

Humanitarian Worker Casualties

Since October 2023, at least 408 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, including 280 UN humanitarian personnel. Guterres honored all humanitarian workers killed in the conflict and demanded a full, thorough, and independent investigation into these incidents.​

Ceasefire and Hostage Release

Reiterating his condemnation of the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, Guterres stressed that there is no justification for such terror attacks or the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. He renewed his urgent call for the immediate resumption of the ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza.​

Concerns Over Territorial Changes

Addressing Israel's plans to take control of more land in Gaza, Dujarric reminded that Security Council resolution 2735 (2024) rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including actions that reduce its territory. Guterres expressed increasing concern over inflammatory rhetoric advocating for the Israeli military to capture extensive territory to be added to Israel's security areas.​

UNRWA Building Shelled

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA), reported that Israeli forces shelled one of its buildings in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. The building, previously a health center, had been badly damaged earlier in the war. Lazzarini noted that in Gaza, "even ruins have become a target." Initial reports indicate that the facility was sheltering more than 700 people when it was bombed, resulting in the deaths of several individuals, including children.​

Attacks on UN Premises

Since the war began, more than 300 UN buildings have been destroyed or damaged, despite their coordinates being regularly shared with the parties to the conflict. Over 700 people have been killed while seeking UN protection. Lazzarini added that too many UNRWA premises have reportedly been used for military and combat purposes by Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas, or by Israeli forces. He called for independent investigations into these attacks and serious violations, stating that in Gaza, "all lines have been crossed over and over again."​

Gaza: A 'Death Trap'

Jonathan Whittall, acting director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, described the situation in Gaza as a "war without limits," an "endless loop of blood, pain, death," and a "death trap." He highlighted the forced displacement orders affecting 64 percent of the Gaza Strip and the severe humanitarian crisis, with aid supplies blocked from entering for a month. Whittall emphasized that the crisis requires political action beginning with accountability, as aid cannot compensate for political failures.​

International Response

The international community has expressed outrage over the attacks on humanitarian workers. A UN team discovered a mass grave in Rafah containing the bodies of 14 Palestinian emergency workers killed by Israeli forces on March 23. The victims, still wearing medical uniforms, were buried alongside their destroyed ambulances. Israel initially claimed the forces fired on suspicious, uncoordinated vehicles and that several militants were among the dead but is now reassessing those claims after evidence showed the medical teams had their emergency lights on. The incident has spurred an investigation by Israel's military, which is reviewing operational procedures and potential misidentification of targets. ​

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with significant civilian casualties, widespread displacement, and critical infrastructure under attack. The UN says it continues to call for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the provision of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Photo credit: UNOCHA