The heads of United Nations agencies are demanding an “end to the appalling human suffering and humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.
It comes almost one year since the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas began.
“We cannot do our jobs in the face of overwhelming need and ongoing violence,” the top UN officials said in a statement, issued as world leaders gathered in New York for the annual UN General Assembly (UNGA).
“We urge world leaders, once again, to wield their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the rulings of the International Court of Justice – through diplomatic pressure and cooperation in ending impunity.
“Let us be clear: The protection of civilians is a bedrock principle for the global community and in all countries’ interest. Allowing the abhorrent, downward spiral caused by this war in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to continue will have unimaginable, global consequences.
“These atrocities must end.”
The statement comes from 17 UN and humanitarian chiefs, including head of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain and Janti Soeripto, chief executive of Save the Children US.
IDF: 800 Hezbollah targets hit since this morning
The Israel Defence Forces says it has struck approximately 800 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon since this morning.
It said the strikes were carried out “based on precise intelligence” and that buildings sheltering Hezbollah rockets, missiles, launchers and UAVs were among the targets.
“The IDF is striking to remove threats to Israeli civilians and degrade Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure and capabilities,” it said in a message shared on the IDF’s Telegram channel.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, at least 274 people have been killed and 1,024 people have been injured in the strikes.
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