\u201cThat day left deep scars on individuals, families, and the collective memory of the State of Israel and the world,\u201d said Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, who is based in Jerusalem.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, we mourn for the over 1,200 people, including many women and children, who were murdered in cold blood. Even a year later, the brutality is impossible to comprehend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Release all hostages<\/strong><\/h2>\nMr. Wennesland added that more than 250 people were also abducted from Israel and taken into Gaza, and hostages continue to be held in abhorrent and unimaginable conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who were kidnapped. I carry their anguish with me every day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The envoy reiterated his appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups. In the interim, they must be treated humanely and allowed visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).<\/p>\n
\n\n<\/div>\nTor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Commit to peace<\/strong><\/h2>\nAdding that the war \u201ccontinues to shatter lives and inflict profound human suffering for Israelis, Palestinians, and now the people of Lebanon\u201d, he called for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the safety and security of all civilians.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cViolence begets violence, and in these moments of grief, we must reaffirm our commitment to peace,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In New York, the President of the UN General Assembly lamented that the Middle East \u201chas been witnessing death, destruction and displacement for too long.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dialogue and diplomacy<\/strong><\/h2>\nPhil\u00e9mon Yang emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the hostages, and \u201ca return to dialogue with a view to finding diplomatic solutions to the conflicts in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that no sustainable peace will be achieved military, and only a two-State solution based on the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions, can guarantee lasting peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the rest of the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cI call for all parties – Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah – to abide by\u202ftheir obligations under\u202finternational law, including international humanitarian law. I also urgently call for the protection of civilians and the unimpeded access to the much-needed humanitarian assistance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Remembering survivors of sexual violence<\/strong><\/h2>\nMeanwhile, the Secretary-General\u2019s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, expressed heartfelt solidarity with the victims of the 7 October attacks, their families, and affected communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday we stand united in remembrance of those who lost their lives and in unwavering support of the survivors who bear the scars of that fateful day, in particular the victims of sexual violence, a heinous crime that has devastating physical and psychological impacts,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ms. Patten recalled her mission to Israel earlier this year which concluded that conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, was committed during the attacks in multiple areas across the Gaza periphery, and subsequently against hostages during captivity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Furthermore, there are reasonable grounds to believe such violence against hostages may still be ongoing.<\/p>\n
Call for justice<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe UN expert voiced continued concern over the plight of hostages still in captivity and reiterated her call for their immediate, safe and unconditional release. She also urged political leaders and those with influence over the warring parties to step up efforts towards ensuring their release.<\/p>\n
\u201cA year since these heinous attacks, victims, survivors, and their families deserve justice. It is of vital importance to ensure fully-fledged independent investigations into all allegations of sexual violence during or in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks. My mandate stands resolute in its offer of support to the Israeli authorities, in the pursuit of justice and accountability\u201d, she said.<\/p>\n
Death, devastation, destruction<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, noted that the attacks were the deadliest in Israel\u2019s history \u201c- a horrific event that foreshadowed the devastation brought on by the Israeli response.\u201d<\/p>\n
The staggering toll includes the more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals killed, and nearly 5,500 injured, while more than 41,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, and 96,900 injured, according to the local Ministry of Health. Thousands more are believed to be trapped under the rubble.<\/p>\n
Nearly everyone in Gaza has been displaced, many multiple times over, and there is nowhere safe to go. Civilians also face extreme deprivation, with limited or no access to healthcare, food, electricity or humanitarian aid, and children have missed an entire year of education.<\/p>\n
At the same time, schools sheltering displaced families have been repeatedly shelled, healthcare workers and hospitals have been systematically attacked, and aid convoys have been continually blocked and even shot at, OCHA said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, the use of lethal force by Israeli forces, along with rampant settler violence and home demolitions, have led to a sharp increase in fatalities, widespread destruction and forced displacement.<\/p>\n
Commitment to deliver<\/strong><\/h2>\nOver the past year, Israel has blocked humanitarian access both into and within Gaza, crippling aid operations.\u00a0 More than 300 aid workers have also been killed, the vast majority from the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA. This is more than in any other single crisis, OCHA said, making Gaza the most dangerous place in the world for aid workers.<\/p>\n
Yet despite the immense risks, humanitarians continue to deliver aid when and where they can. They have also vaccinated more than 560,000 young children against polio during the first phase of an emergency vaccination campaign.<\/p>\n
OCHA said that although this represents an example of what can be achieved when aid workers can reach people in need, such examples are few.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been 12 months of unrelenting tragedy \u2013 this must end,\u201d said Joyce Msuya, UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.<\/p>\n
\u201cMember States must wield their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and human rights and compliance with the rulings of the International Court of Justice. They must also work to end impunity. An immediate ceasefire and durable peace are long overdue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/global.unitednations.entermediadb.net\/assets\/mediadb\/services\/module\/asset\/downloads\/preset\/Collections\/Embargoed\/11-04-2024-UNOCHA-Gaza-16.jpg\/image1170x530cropped.jpg\" "\\"A")
\n<\/div>\nA shredded UN flag flies over a destroyed school building in Khan Younis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Time for courage: UNRWA chief<\/h2>\n
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the Middle East is \u201csinking deeper into conflict, killing and sheer horrors\u201d a year on from the \u201chorrendous massacre\u201d.<\/p>\n
This has been 12 months of unspeakable suffering for the hostages, while the brutal war in Gaza has transformed the enclave into \u201can unrecognizable sea of rubble, and a graveyard for tens of thousands of people, among them far too many children.\u201d<\/p>\n
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the war in which more than 220 UNRWA team members have been killed, the highest death toll in UN history.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is\u00a0time for courage: a deal that would finally bring a ceasefire and respite to people in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel and the wider region,\u201d he wrote in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.<\/p>\n
Continuing, he said it is time to both put the guns down after decades of killing and immense pain, and to release all hostages safely to their families.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is time to bring a standard flow of basic humanitarian supplies including to the hungry and sick in Gaza. There are no winners in wars. The only way out is through a diplomatic and peaceful solution. It\u2019s time to heal the wounds. It\u2019s time to choose peace!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Commit to peace<\/strong><\/h2>\nAdding that the war \u201ccontinues to shatter lives and inflict profound human suffering for Israelis, Palestinians, and now the people of Lebanon\u201d, he called for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the safety and security of all civilians.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cViolence begets violence, and in these moments of grief, we must reaffirm our commitment to peace,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In New York, the President of the UN General Assembly lamented that the Middle East \u201chas been witnessing death, destruction and displacement for too long.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dialogue and diplomacy<\/strong><\/h2>\nPhil\u00e9mon Yang emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the hostages, and \u201ca return to dialogue with a view to finding diplomatic solutions to the conflicts in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that no sustainable peace will be achieved military, and only a two-State solution based on the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions, can guarantee lasting peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the rest of the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cI call for all parties – Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah – to abide by\u202ftheir obligations under\u202finternational law, including international humanitarian law. I also urgently call for the protection of civilians and the unimpeded access to the much-needed humanitarian assistance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Remembering survivors of sexual violence<\/strong><\/h2>\nMeanwhile, the Secretary-General\u2019s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, expressed heartfelt solidarity with the victims of the 7 October attacks, their families, and affected communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday we stand united in remembrance of those who lost their lives and in unwavering support of the survivors who bear the scars of that fateful day, in particular the victims of sexual violence, a heinous crime that has devastating physical and psychological impacts,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ms. Patten recalled her mission to Israel earlier this year which concluded that conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, was committed during the attacks in multiple areas across the Gaza periphery, and subsequently against hostages during captivity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Furthermore, there are reasonable grounds to believe such violence against hostages may still be ongoing.<\/p>\n
Call for justice<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe UN expert voiced continued concern over the plight of hostages still in captivity and reiterated her call for their immediate, safe and unconditional release. She also urged political leaders and those with influence over the warring parties to step up efforts towards ensuring their release.<\/p>\n
\u201cA year since these heinous attacks, victims, survivors, and their families deserve justice. It is of vital importance to ensure fully-fledged independent investigations into all allegations of sexual violence during or in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks. My mandate stands resolute in its offer of support to the Israeli authorities, in the pursuit of justice and accountability\u201d, she said.<\/p>\n
Death, devastation, destruction<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, noted that the attacks were the deadliest in Israel\u2019s history \u201c- a horrific event that foreshadowed the devastation brought on by the Israeli response.\u201d<\/p>\n
The staggering toll includes the more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals killed, and nearly 5,500 injured, while more than 41,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, and 96,900 injured, according to the local Ministry of Health. Thousands more are believed to be trapped under the rubble.<\/p>\n
Nearly everyone in Gaza has been displaced, many multiple times over, and there is nowhere safe to go. Civilians also face extreme deprivation, with limited or no access to healthcare, food, electricity or humanitarian aid, and children have missed an entire year of education.<\/p>\n
At the same time, schools sheltering displaced families have been repeatedly shelled, healthcare workers and hospitals have been systematically attacked, and aid convoys have been continually blocked and even shot at, OCHA said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, the use of lethal force by Israeli forces, along with rampant settler violence and home demolitions, have led to a sharp increase in fatalities, widespread destruction and forced displacement.<\/p>\n
Commitment to deliver<\/strong><\/h2>\nOver the past year, Israel has blocked humanitarian access both into and within Gaza, crippling aid operations.\u00a0 More than 300 aid workers have also been killed, the vast majority from the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA. This is more than in any other single crisis, OCHA said, making Gaza the most dangerous place in the world for aid workers.<\/p>\n
Yet despite the immense risks, humanitarians continue to deliver aid when and where they can. They have also vaccinated more than 560,000 young children against polio during the first phase of an emergency vaccination campaign.<\/p>\n
OCHA said that although this represents an example of what can be achieved when aid workers can reach people in need, such examples are few.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been 12 months of unrelenting tragedy \u2013 this must end,\u201d said Joyce Msuya, UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.<\/p>\n
\u201cMember States must wield their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and human rights and compliance with the rulings of the International Court of Justice. They must also work to end impunity. An immediate ceasefire and durable peace are long overdue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\n<\/div>\nA shredded UN flag flies over a destroyed school building in Khan Younis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Time for courage: UNRWA chief<\/h2>\n
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the Middle East is \u201csinking deeper into conflict, killing and sheer horrors\u201d a year on from the \u201chorrendous massacre\u201d.<\/p>\n
This has been 12 months of unspeakable suffering for the hostages, while the brutal war in Gaza has transformed the enclave into \u201can unrecognizable sea of rubble, and a graveyard for tens of thousands of people, among them far too many children.\u201d<\/p>\n
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the war in which more than 220 UNRWA team members have been killed, the highest death toll in UN history.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is\u00a0time for courage: a deal that would finally bring a ceasefire and respite to people in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel and the wider region,\u201d he wrote in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.<\/p>\n
Continuing, he said it is time to both put the guns down after decades of killing and immense pain, and to release all hostages safely to their families.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is time to bring a standard flow of basic humanitarian supplies including to the hungry and sick in Gaza. There are no winners in wars. The only way out is through a diplomatic and peaceful solution. It\u2019s time to heal the wounds. It\u2019s time to choose peace!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Phil\u00e9mon Yang emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the hostages, and \u201ca return to dialogue with a view to finding diplomatic solutions to the conflicts in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that no sustainable peace will be achieved military, and only a two-State solution based on the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions, can guarantee lasting peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the rest of the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cI call for all parties – Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah – to abide by\u202ftheir obligations under\u202finternational law, including international humanitarian law. I also urgently call for the protection of civilians and the unimpeded access to the much-needed humanitarian assistance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Remembering survivors of sexual violence<\/strong><\/h2>\nMeanwhile, the Secretary-General\u2019s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, expressed heartfelt solidarity with the victims of the 7 October attacks, their families, and affected communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday we stand united in remembrance of those who lost their lives and in unwavering support of the survivors who bear the scars of that fateful day, in particular the victims of sexual violence, a heinous crime that has devastating physical and psychological impacts,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ms. Patten recalled her mission to Israel earlier this year which concluded that conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, was committed during the attacks in multiple areas across the Gaza periphery, and subsequently against hostages during captivity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Furthermore, there are reasonable grounds to believe such violence against hostages may still be ongoing.<\/p>\n
Call for justice<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe UN expert voiced continued concern over the plight of hostages still in captivity and reiterated her call for their immediate, safe and unconditional release. She also urged political leaders and those with influence over the warring parties to step up efforts towards ensuring their release.<\/p>\n
\u201cA year since these heinous attacks, victims, survivors, and their families deserve justice. It is of vital importance to ensure fully-fledged independent investigations into all allegations of sexual violence during or in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks. My mandate stands resolute in its offer of support to the Israeli authorities, in the pursuit of justice and accountability\u201d, she said.<\/p>\n
Death, devastation, destruction<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, noted that the attacks were the deadliest in Israel\u2019s history \u201c- a horrific event that foreshadowed the devastation brought on by the Israeli response.\u201d<\/p>\n
The staggering toll includes the more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals killed, and nearly 5,500 injured, while more than 41,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, and 96,900 injured, according to the local Ministry of Health. Thousands more are believed to be trapped under the rubble.<\/p>\n
Nearly everyone in Gaza has been displaced, many multiple times over, and there is nowhere safe to go. Civilians also face extreme deprivation, with limited or no access to healthcare, food, electricity or humanitarian aid, and children have missed an entire year of education.<\/p>\n
At the same time, schools sheltering displaced families have been repeatedly shelled, healthcare workers and hospitals have been systematically attacked, and aid convoys have been continually blocked and even shot at, OCHA said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, the use of lethal force by Israeli forces, along with rampant settler violence and home demolitions, have led to a sharp increase in fatalities, widespread destruction and forced displacement.<\/p>\n
Commitment to deliver<\/strong><\/h2>\nOver the past year, Israel has blocked humanitarian access both into and within Gaza, crippling aid operations.\u00a0 More than 300 aid workers have also been killed, the vast majority from the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA. This is more than in any other single crisis, OCHA said, making Gaza the most dangerous place in the world for aid workers.<\/p>\n
Yet despite the immense risks, humanitarians continue to deliver aid when and where they can. They have also vaccinated more than 560,000 young children against polio during the first phase of an emergency vaccination campaign.<\/p>\n
OCHA said that although this represents an example of what can be achieved when aid workers can reach people in need, such examples are few.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been 12 months of unrelenting tragedy \u2013 this must end,\u201d said Joyce Msuya, UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.<\/p>\n
\u201cMember States must wield their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and human rights and compliance with the rulings of the International Court of Justice. They must also work to end impunity. An immediate ceasefire and durable peace are long overdue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\n<\/div>\nA shredded UN flag flies over a destroyed school building in Khan Younis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Time for courage: UNRWA chief<\/h2>\n
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the Middle East is \u201csinking deeper into conflict, killing and sheer horrors\u201d a year on from the \u201chorrendous massacre\u201d.<\/p>\n
This has been 12 months of unspeakable suffering for the hostages, while the brutal war in Gaza has transformed the enclave into \u201can unrecognizable sea of rubble, and a graveyard for tens of thousands of people, among them far too many children.\u201d<\/p>\n
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the war in which more than 220 UNRWA team members have been killed, the highest death toll in UN history.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is\u00a0time for courage: a deal that would finally bring a ceasefire and respite to people in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel and the wider region,\u201d he wrote in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.<\/p>\n
Continuing, he said it is time to both put the guns down after decades of killing and immense pain, and to release all hostages safely to their families.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is time to bring a standard flow of basic humanitarian supplies including to the hungry and sick in Gaza. There are no winners in wars. The only way out is through a diplomatic and peaceful solution. It\u2019s time to heal the wounds. It\u2019s time to choose peace!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The UN expert voiced continued concern over the plight of hostages still in captivity and reiterated her call for their immediate, safe and unconditional release. She also urged political leaders and those with influence over the warring parties to step up efforts towards ensuring their release.<\/p>\n
\u201cA year since these heinous attacks, victims, survivors, and their families deserve justice. It is of vital importance to ensure fully-fledged independent investigations into all allegations of sexual violence during or in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks. My mandate stands resolute in its offer of support to the Israeli authorities, in the pursuit of justice and accountability\u201d, she said.<\/p>\n
Death, devastation, destruction<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, noted that the attacks were the deadliest in Israel\u2019s history \u201c- a horrific event that foreshadowed the devastation brought on by the Israeli response.\u201d<\/p>\n
The staggering toll includes the more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals killed, and nearly 5,500 injured, while more than 41,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, and 96,900 injured, according to the local Ministry of Health. Thousands more are believed to be trapped under the rubble.<\/p>\n
Nearly everyone in Gaza has been displaced, many multiple times over, and there is nowhere safe to go. Civilians also face extreme deprivation, with limited or no access to healthcare, food, electricity or humanitarian aid, and children have missed an entire year of education.<\/p>\n
At the same time, schools sheltering displaced families have been repeatedly shelled, healthcare workers and hospitals have been systematically attacked, and aid convoys have been continually blocked and even shot at, OCHA said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, the use of lethal force by Israeli forces, along with rampant settler violence and home demolitions, have led to a sharp increase in fatalities, widespread destruction and forced displacement.<\/p>\n
Commitment to deliver<\/strong><\/h2>\nOver the past year, Israel has blocked humanitarian access both into and within Gaza, crippling aid operations.\u00a0 More than 300 aid workers have also been killed, the vast majority from the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA. This is more than in any other single crisis, OCHA said, making Gaza the most dangerous place in the world for aid workers.<\/p>\n
Yet despite the immense risks, humanitarians continue to deliver aid when and where they can. They have also vaccinated more than 560,000 young children against polio during the first phase of an emergency vaccination campaign.<\/p>\n
OCHA said that although this represents an example of what can be achieved when aid workers can reach people in need, such examples are few.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been 12 months of unrelenting tragedy \u2013 this must end,\u201d said Joyce Msuya, UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.<\/p>\n
\u201cMember States must wield their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and human rights and compliance with the rulings of the International Court of Justice. They must also work to end impunity. An immediate ceasefire and durable peace are long overdue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\n<\/div>\nA shredded UN flag flies over a destroyed school building in Khan Younis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Time for courage: UNRWA chief<\/h2>\n
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the Middle East is \u201csinking deeper into conflict, killing and sheer horrors\u201d a year on from the \u201chorrendous massacre\u201d.<\/p>\n
This has been 12 months of unspeakable suffering for the hostages, while the brutal war in Gaza has transformed the enclave into \u201can unrecognizable sea of rubble, and a graveyard for tens of thousands of people, among them far too many children.\u201d<\/p>\n
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the war in which more than 220 UNRWA team members have been killed, the highest death toll in UN history.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is\u00a0time for courage: a deal that would finally bring a ceasefire and respite to people in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel and the wider region,\u201d he wrote in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.<\/p>\n
Continuing, he said it is time to both put the guns down after decades of killing and immense pain, and to release all hostages safely to their families.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is time to bring a standard flow of basic humanitarian supplies including to the hungry and sick in Gaza. There are no winners in wars. The only way out is through a diplomatic and peaceful solution. It\u2019s time to heal the wounds. It\u2019s time to choose peace!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Over the past year, Israel has blocked humanitarian access both into and within Gaza, crippling aid operations.\u00a0 More than 300 aid workers have also been killed, the vast majority from the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA. This is more than in any other single crisis, OCHA said, making Gaza the most dangerous place in the world for aid workers.<\/p>\n
Yet despite the immense risks, humanitarians continue to deliver aid when and where they can. They have also vaccinated more than 560,000 young children against polio during the first phase of an emergency vaccination campaign.<\/p>\n
OCHA said that although this represents an example of what can be achieved when aid workers can reach people in need, such examples are few.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been 12 months of unrelenting tragedy \u2013 this must end,\u201d said Joyce Msuya, UN Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.<\/p>\n
\u201cMember States must wield their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and human rights and compliance with the rulings of the International Court of Justice. They must also work to end impunity. An immediate ceasefire and durable peace are long overdue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\nA shredded UN flag flies over a destroyed school building in Khan Younis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Time for courage: UNRWA chief<\/h2>\n
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the Middle East is \u201csinking deeper into conflict, killing and sheer horrors\u201d a year on from the \u201chorrendous massacre\u201d.<\/p>\n
This has been 12 months of unspeakable suffering for the hostages, while the brutal war in Gaza has transformed the enclave into \u201can unrecognizable sea of rubble, and a graveyard for tens of thousands of people, among them far too many children.\u201d<\/p>\n
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the war in which more than 220 UNRWA team members have been killed, the highest death toll in UN history.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is\u00a0time for courage: a deal that would finally bring a ceasefire and respite to people in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel and the wider region,\u201d he wrote in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.<\/p>\n
Continuing, he said it is time to both put the guns down after decades of killing and immense pain, and to release all hostages safely to their families.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is time to bring a standard flow of basic humanitarian supplies including to the hungry and sick in Gaza. There are no winners in wars. The only way out is through a diplomatic and peaceful solution. It\u2019s time to heal the wounds. It\u2019s time to choose peace!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n