The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed deep alarm over the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, where essential lifelines are failing, according to his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, on 2023-10-16. Dozens of Palestinians were killed the previous day while seeking food aid. Mr. Dujarric strongly condemned the violence targeting civilians attempting to obtain food, stating that civilians "must be protected and respected, and they must never be targeted." He emphasized Israel's obligation to facilitate UN and other humanitarian aid delivery. The UN reported damage to two of its guesthouses in Deir Al-Balah following a new evacuation order that worsened displacement and hampered aid distribution. More than a dozen people, including children, reportedly died of hunger in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza health agencies. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that roughly 88% of Gaza is under displacement orders or within displacement zones. The new UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, also called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the lifting of access restrictions to Gaza. He stressed the need for humanitarian organizations to utilize traditional aid delivery systems, currently hampered by violence.

Impact Statement: The escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands urgent international intervention to prevent further suffering and loss of life. The UN's call for a ceasefire and unrestricted aid access is critical to addressing the immediate needs of the population.