UN Official Urges Ceasefire As Israel Intensifies Gaza Strikes
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees has condemned escalating violence in Gaza, as Israeli airstrikes continue to target schools, hospitals, and refugee camps, killing scores of civilians.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reported a significant escalation in Israel's military operations in Gaza over the past 24 hours.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Lazzarini called for an immediate ceasefire, stressing, “The world must not become numb.”
He said that Israel is violating established rules of engagement, stating, “All wars have rules. All of those rules have been broken.”
“A ceasefire is long overdue—a respite for civilians wherever they are including across Gaza & the immediate release of hostages. Enough time was wasted,” he added.
Israeli airstrikes on Sunday targeted tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in the al-Mawasi refugee camp near Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, killing at least seven people and injuring others.
Another airstrike in central Gaza hit a school northwest of the Nuseirat refugee camp, causing multiple fatalities.
The Israeli military's artillery strikes across Gaza resulted in further casualties, though the exact number remains unclear.
Amos Harel, a military affairs analyst for the Israeli daily Haaretz, described the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza as a “ghost town” following relentless Israeli airstrikes.
Seventy percent of the camp’s buildings have reportedly been destroyed, further highlighting the scale of destruction amid the ongoing conflict.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli genocidal war have killed 45,227 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and injured 107,573 others. Thousands remain missing under the rubble.
In addition to the airstrikes, Israel has enforced a "complete siege" on Gaza, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water for the over two million residents of the blockaded enclave.