The UN Security Council on Wednesday convened an open debate on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which continues to be marked by immense suffering - compounded now by a complete breakdown of law and order - and a humanitarian system on the brink of collapse.
Addressing ambassadors on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Chef-de-Cabinet Courtenay Rattray warned that on top of the dire situation in the war-ravaged enclave, the spectre of further regional spillover is increasing by the day.
End collective punishment
Reiterating his strong condemnation of the brutal attacks by Hamas and other armed groups on 7 October last year, Mr. Rattray stressed that nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
He noted that in recent weeks, Israeli military operations and fighting has intensified across Gaza, while rockets continue to be launched by Palestinian armed groups from the enclave towards Israeli towns and cities.
"Rafah is in ruins - and the Rafah crossing remains closed, further hampering humanitarian operations. Almost two million people have been displaced - nearly the entire population of Gaza - and many of them multiple times," he said.
"Nowhere in Gaza is safe," he stressed.
More to come…
