Human Lives Human Rights: The United Nations (UN) has expressed deep concern over the continuation of Israeli operations in the southern Gaza Strip. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized on Friday that “no place in Gaza is safe.”
Dujarric voiced the UN’s apprehension about the southward expansion of operations by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the potential impact on civilians. He reiterated the UN’s stance that there is currently no safe haven in Gaza.
When questioned by Anadolu about the potential evacuation of civilians, Dujarric reiterated the grim reality that no location in Gaza can be considered safe at this time. He underscored the UN’s call for Israel to prioritize civilian protection.
In a concerning development last month, Israel instructed Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip to relocate to the southern part. This directive, which involved the rapid displacement of a million people, was issued despite warnings of a potential humanitarian catastrophe. Hopes among Gazans that the southern region would remain “safe” have been dashed as Israel has since launched attacks there as well.
Since the onset of Israeli bombardment on October 7, the death toll has risen alarmingly. Over 12,000 Palestinians, including 8,300 women and children, have lost their lives, and another 30,000 have been injured, as per the latest data.
The relentless Israeli air and ground assaults have resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure. Thousands of structures, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have been damaged or destroyed in the besieged region.
Compounding the crisis, an Israeli blockade has severed Gaza’s access to essential supplies such as fuel, electricity, and water, and has drastically reduced aid deliveries.
Meanwhile, the Israeli death toll stands at approximately 1,200, according to official figures.
