The situation in Gaza has reached a critical stage, according to a UN official who described the humanitarian conditions as "unbearable". Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Khaled Khiari, addressed the UN Security Council on Monday, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the Palestinian people due to ongoing military operations and severe restrictions on aid.

Khiari reported a shocking increase in casualties with over 1,000 Palestinians killed since mid-June 2025, many during attempts to access humanitarian aid. Since October 7, 2023, the death toll has risen to over 56,500 according to Gaza health authorities. The Assistant Secretary-General recounted several distressing incidents, including one on June 17, where an IDF tank attack at a food distribution point in Khan Younis killed 50 and injured 200 civilians. He pressed for immediate, independent investigations into these incidents to hold those responsible accountable.

The crisis is exacerbated by a comprehensive blockade imposed by Israel, lasting over a month and preventing the entry of food, water, electricity, fuel, and medicines into Gaza. This blockade is critically endangering lives, with the UN warning it could amount to collective punishment and starvation, both considered as methods of war. The World Food Programme has indicated a severe depletion of food stocks, with 91% of the population now facing crisis-level food insecurity. Additionally, acute malnutrition among children has seen a significant rise.

Another pressing issue is the shortage of fuel, essential for powering life-saving operations in hospitals and other critical services. Since March 2, the UNRWA has not received any fuel, putting countless lives at risk. The health system is teetering on the brink of collapse, overwhelmed by the rising number of casualties and a severe shortage of essential medicines.

Moreover, violence has not been confined to Gaza alone; escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank have also been reported. Israeli raids and actions by settlers have led to more fatalities and displacements, contributing to the overall instability in the region.

In conclusion, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire, labeling the scale of the humanitarian crisis as "horrific". He joined Khiari in advocating for a political resolution, emphasizing that there is no military solution to the crisis and reaffirming the need for a two-state solution to ensure peace and stability in the region.

As the international community watches closely, the urgency for a ceasefire and political dialogue has never been more critical to prevent further loss of life and suffering in Gaza.