On Thursday and Saturday, videos of two emaciated Israeli hostages, Rom Braslavsk and Evyatar David, shared by Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas, caused global outrage. UN leaders, including Secretary-General António Guterres, condemned the act. Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq stated Guterres was “shocked by this violation of human dignity.” UN rights chief Volker Türk labelled the treatment appalling and, along with Tom Fletcher, called for the hostages’ immediate release. Türk stressed the urgency of ending violence and allowing aid, noting denying food access could be a war crime.
On Sunday, the Israeli military reportedly struck the Palestinian Red Crescent Society headquarters in Khan Younis, killing one and injuring three. The UN rights office expressed outrage over this attack on marked facilities protected under international law.
Amidst these events, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the delivery of 24 trucks of medical supplies to Gaza. However, aid deliveries face challenges, with cargo often taken by desperate individuals before reaching destinations. UN spokesperson Haq reported ongoing difficulties with aid missions, indicating little change despite tactical pauses.
A worsening food crisis persists, with the WFP reporting famine-like conditions for over half a million people in Gaza. UNRWA shared an audio message from an employee describing severe food shortages. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini criticized the blockage of UNRWA aid deliveries, attributing the near-famine to efforts to dismantle the humanitarian system through the GHF, allegedly backed by Israel and the US. These disruptions have hindered the UNRWA’s ability to provide essential assistance.
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