Middle East: Situation for civilians getting worse by the day – OHCHR

11 October 2024

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Ravina Shamdasani

(Excerpt related to the question of Palestine)

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It is important that we also keep the spotlight on the frightful human suffering continuing in Gaza. Over the last week, the Israeli military has intensified operations in North Gaza, further severing the area from the rest of the Gaza Strip and risking afresh the lives of civilians in the area. Intense strikes, shelling, quadcopter shootings and ground incursions have occurred over the past few days, hitting residential buildings and groups of people, causing numerous casualties and – once again – mass displacement of Palestinians in the area.

Attacks on hospitals also continue. One strike on Al-Yaman Al-Saeed Hospital, serving as an IDP shelter, in Jabalya Camp, killed 17 Palestinians including children and women. On 9 October, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation within 24 hours of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya – the largest operating hospital in North Gaza – impacting hundreds of injured, other patients, and medical workers as well as residents that rely on the hospital.

Meanwhile, in other parts of Gaza, a strike on Rufaydah School sheltering IDPs in west of Deir Al-Balah on 10 October, reportedly killed 28 Palestinians, including children and women, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. We have recorded at least 14 schools struck this October alone – at a rate of more than one school a day.

While the Israeli military continues to order Palestinians in North Gaza to leave, many are trapped and cannot safely move. Our Office has received reports that those most vulnerable, including people with disabilities and their families, are especially struggling to evacuate.

The High Commissioner says now — more than ever — political courage, leadership and compassion are needed. The killing, destruction, as well as bellicose posturing by those in positions of power, must end. There is no alternative to resolution of this conflict than the negotiating table. Widening conflict and progressive escalation put the lives and wellbeing of potentially millions of people across the region at risk.