- AHLC & Socioeconomic reports
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General condemns the death of at least 18 people, including children, women, and six UNRWA staff, in Israeli airstrikes that hit a school serving as a shelter in Nuseirat on 11 September. This incident raises the number of UNRWA staff killed in this conflict to 220. The IDF stated that they had targeted a command-and-control centre in the compound. This incident must be independently and thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability.
The continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is unconscionable. Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on must be protected and the essential needs of civilians met. The Secretary-General calls upon all parties to refrain from using schools, shelters, or the areas around them for military purposes. All parties to the conflict have the obligation to comply with international humanitarian law at all times.
The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This horrific violence must stop.
[END]
- Statements by the UN Special Coordinator
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the Situation in the Gaza Strip
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the Situation in the Gaza Strip
Jerusalem, 10 September 2024
"I strongly condemn today’s deadly airstrikes by Israel on a densely populated area in an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone in Khan Younis where displaced people were sheltering.
While the IDF said it struck Hamas militants who were operating in a command-and-control center embedded inside the Humanitarian zone, I underline that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be upheld at all times. I also emphasize that civilians must never be used as human shields.
Yet again, such actions only underscore that nowhere is safe in Gaza.
I reiterate my call for all sides to immediately reach an agreement that will bring about the release of all hostages and a ceasefire. The killing of civilians must stop, and this horrific war must end.
Ultimately, only a political path that outlines tangible, irreversible steps towards ending the occupation and establishing a two-state solution can put a durable end to the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis. The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards that goal."
[ENDS]
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
10 September 2024, New York
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General strongly condemns today's Israeli air strikes in a densely populated Israeli-designated zone in Khan Younis and the killing of civilians, including women and children.
The use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas is unconscionable.
Displaced Palestinians had moved to this area in Khan Younis in search for shelter and safety after being repeatedly instructed to do so by the Israeli authorities - but there is no safe place in Gaza.
Today’s attack comes as humanitarian workers yesterday faced one of the most horrific assaults on their ability to deliver life-saving vaccines. Twelve UN staff members, whose movement was fully coordinated with Israeli forces and whose details were shared in advance, were stopped at a checkpoint on their way to northern Gaza to support the polio vaccination campaign. Israeli forces fired live shots and the UN convoy was compacted by a military tank and a bulldozer with our staff inside. The convoy was held at this checkpoint for seven and a half hours and ultimately unable to fulfill its humanitarian mission. The Secretary-General strongly condemns this incident.
The Secretary-General once again recalls that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be complied with at all times by all parties to the conflict. He also calls for the protection of civilians, including aid workers, as well as the facilitation of humanitarian access.
The Secretary-General reiterates once again his calls to reach an immediate deal on a ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
- Statements by the UN Special Coordinator
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the Situation in the Gaza Strip
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the situation in the Gaza Strip
Jerusalem, 2 September 2024
“Today, I returned to Gaza and witnessed firsthand the catastrophic impact of the hostilities. The scale of destruction is immense, the humanitarian needs are colossal and soaring, and civilians continue to bear the brunt of this conflict. I unequivocally condemn the horrifying civilian death toll in Gaza.
During my visit, I met with the heads of UN agencies and our dedicated staff working tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions. Their commitment and bravery in providing critical support to those in need is truly commendable.
I also had the opportunity to visit a Polio vaccination center. Its reemergence represents yet another threat to the children in the Gaza Strip. I welcome the humanitarian pauses to allow for the vaccination campaigns to take place.
Every day that passes puts more lives in danger. On this note, I condemn the tragic killing of six hostages in Gaza by Palestinian armed groups. I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and urge all sides to reach an agreement that will bring about an immediate release of all hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire.
I continue to be engaged with all stakeholders towards these objectives. A deal is crucial to saving lives, reducing regional tensions and enabling the UN, in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, to accelerate efforts to address the pressing needs of Gaza’s population.
The ongoing conflict has destroyed the lives of countless families. It must stop.”
[ENDS]
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the occupied West Bank
28 August 2024, New York
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the occupied West Bank
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the latest developments in the occupied West Bank, including Israel's launch today of large-scale military operations in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas governorates, involving the use of airstrikes, which resulted in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. He strongly condemns the loss of lives, including of children.
The Secretary-General calls for an immediate cessation of these operations.
He calls on Israel to comply with its relevant obligations under international humanitarian law and to take measures to protect civilians and ensure their safety. He urges security forces to exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when it is strictly unavoidable to protect life.
All those injured must have access to medical care, and humanitarian workers must be able to reach everyone in need.
These dangerous developments are fueling an already explosive situation in the occupied West Bank and further undermining the Palestinian Authority.
The Secretary-General is also deeply concerned by the recent dangerous and provocative acts and statements by an Israeli Minister at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem. He stresses the importance of maintaining the status quo at the Sites.
Ultimately, only an end to the occupation and a return to a meaningful political process that will establish a two-state solution will bring an end to the violence. The United Nations will continue to work with all parties towards this end, to seek a de-escalation of the current situation and promote stability in the region.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Note to Correspondents: Attack on School in Gaza
Note to Correspondents: Attack on School in Gaza
The Secretary-General condemns the continued loss of life in Gaza, including women and children, as we witness yet another devastating strike by Israel on the Al-Taba’een school in Gaza City, sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinian families, with scores of fatalities, amidst continued horror, displacement, and suffering in Gaza.
The Secretary-General is dismayed to see that the provisions of UN Security Council resolution 2735 (2024) remain unimplemented. He welcomes the mediation efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar leaders, and urges both sides to rejoin negotiations and conclude the ceasefire and hostages release deal.
The Secretary-General reiterates his urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. He also again underscores the need to ensure the protection of civilians and for unimpeded and safe humanitarian access into and across Gaza. The Secretary-General underlines that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be upheld at all times.
[END]