GENEVA — United Nations human rights experts have issued a stark warning regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza, describing the impact on civilians, especially those with disabilities, as "apocalyptic." The offensive, which began earlier this week, has intensified hardships for the already vulnerable populations within the besieged enclave.

The experts highlighted the dire situation for those with disabilities, outlining that many are "totally exhausted and traumatized." The challenges of mobility are severe, with some individuals having to crawl through debris or being dragged on mattresses to move to safer areas. Additionally, there are significant obstacles in accessing timely and accurate information.

Compounding the crisis, essential supplies including medical equipment and assistive devices are critically low. Israel's classification of these items as "dual-use" has led to restrictions on their entry into Gaza. Local organizations dedicated to assisting those with disabilities are reportedly overwhelmed, struggling to address the escalating needs amid continuous conflict.

The unfolding violence in Gaza was described by the experts as "a campaign of disablement – of people, resources, and infrastructure – to annihilate Palestinian life in Gaza." They noted that such actions have not only intensified the immediate humanitarian crisis but have also led to an increase in the number of people with disabilities, further exacerbating the challenges for protection and assistance.

In a recent report, a UN-sponsored independent inquiry accused Israel of committing genocide in its military operations in the Gaza Strip, marking a severe international condemnation of Israel's tactics and strategy in the region.

The United Nations has repeatedly expressed grave concerns about the broader implications of the offensive. Miroslav Jenca, the Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas at the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, has called for the unconditional release of all hostages and for ensuring unimpeded access for humanitarian aid into Gaza.

As the international community watches closely, the calls for immediate and sustained humanitarian intervention have intensified, aiming to mitigate the severe impact of the conflict on Gaza's most vulnerable groups, particularly people with disabilities. The situation remains critical, with global leaders urged to step in and support efforts to bring relief and stability to the region.