In a staggering report, Francesca Albanese, the UN’s top expert on Palestinian rights, has revealed the dire situation in Gaza City amid the ongoing Israeli military operations. She claims that Israel is systematically making the area unliveable as it continues its assault.
The Devastation of Gaza City
Albanese stated, “Israel is bombing using unconventional weapons… it is trying to forcibly evacuate Palestinians.” This tactic has raised alarm regarding the safety of Israeli hostages as well, with the international community expressing concern.
- More than 64,000 people have died in the nearly two-year conflict, according to local authorities.
- The humanitarian conditions in designated safe zones are reportedly dire, with food shortages causing further despair.
Civilians in Crisis
The UN Children’s agency has also chimed in, describing it as “inhumane” to ask hundreds of thousands of children to flee Gaza City. Tess Ingram, a UNICEF spokesperson, highlighted the grave circumstances faced by families as they attempt to escape the fighting.
As of mid-September 2024, over 140,000 residents have fled south, but conditions in those camps are overcrowded and inadequate. Ingram noted large numbers of people were “walking into the unknown — no clear destination or plan — with little hope of finding solace.” Some families, unable to find safety, are even returning towards danger.
Allegations of Genocide
Allegations of genocide have also emerged, with rights groups, including Amnesty International, echoing Albanese’s claims. “The ongoing assault to take the last remnant of Gaza will not only devastate the Palestinians but endanger also the remaining Israeli hostages,” she added.
Israel has defended its actions, asserting that the military offensive is a necessary step to combat the Hamas threat following an earlier attack that resulted in widespread casualties.
International Response
While UN officials have refrained from labeling the actions as genocide, they argue that the international courts should be responsible for such determinations. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about humanitarian assistance and the rights of civilians caught in conflict.