New York: Europe and the Arabs
United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said that civilians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory have suffered a week of pain and destruction, and he expressed fears that the worst is yet to come.
Griffiths said, in a press statement: “In Israel, families are still suffering from the horror left by last Saturday’s attack. More than a thousand people were killed and many others were injured. More than 100 people remain in captivity.”
Regarding Gaza, Griffiths added: “Families are being bombed as they make their way south along congested and damaged roads, following an evacuation order that left hundreds of thousands searching for safety, but with nowhere to turn. Nearly 2,000 people were killed and many more injured.”
Griffiths, who also holds the position of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, pointed out that there is no electricity, water or fuel in Gaza, while food supplies have reached alarmingly low levels.
He said: "Hospitals filled with patients are running out of medicine. Morgues are completely full. Homes, schools, shelters, health centers and places of worship are being subjected to intense bombardment. Entire residential neighborhoods have been wiped off the face of the earth. Aid workers have been killed."
He pointed to the escalating violence in the West Bank, with a significant increase in the number of casualties and injuries among civilians, and the severe restrictions that families face on their movement. He said that the risk of the conflict spilling over into Lebanon is a major concern.
He expressed extreme alarm and rejection of the actions taken by the parties and their rhetoric over the past few days. He said: "Even wars have rules, and these rules must be maintained, at all times, by all parties."
He stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including humanitarian workers and assets, and allow civilians to leave to safer areas. “Whether they leave or stay, due care must be taken in order not to put their lives in danger.”
He also stressed the need to allow unimpeded access to supplies, basic services and humanitarian aid, to treat those captured humanely, and to release all hostages.
He stressed the need for all countries to use their influence to ensure respect for the rules of war and avoid any further escalation. He concluded his statement by saying, "The past week was a test for humanity. Humanity is failing this test."