Full Disaster Looms in Gaza, UN Warns

The United Nations has given what it calls a “grave warning” about the worsening situation in northern Gaza. UN officials said “food, clean water and fuel are now critically low” and warned that a “full humanitarian disaster” could happen if nothing changes soon. Israeli military operations have become heavier with more airstrikes and a larger ground push around Gaza City. These moves have forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee south, but roads are damaged and travel is “not safe,” according to a local aid worker. Local health authorities reported that more than fifty Palestinians were killed in one day of fighting.

A Palestinian child assisting in the escort of a firearm, NBC News.

World reaction is starting to build. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and China have made formal condemnations of the Israeli actions. Major humanitarian organizations and religious leaders are also calling for “restraint” and for “immediate access for aid convoys.” In Europe, senior officials are debating suspending parts of the European Union trade agreement with Israel. One EU diplomat said the move “reflects the seriousness of the situation” and could include ending benefits linked to public contracts and intellectual property. It is still unclear if these steps will slow the crisis or make political tensions worse, but pressure is growing on all sides for some kind of intervention.