Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli occupation forces bombing the Gaza Strip
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Ceasefire in Gaza takes effect
The Kremlin: Negotiations toward a settlement in Ukraine are currently at a complete standstill
Abu Mujahid: The steadfastness of the Palestinian people and the Resistance thwarted the displacement plan and allowed us to secure the best possible terms in an agreement to halt the genocidal war
Abu Mujahid: We salute whosoever made sacrifices in support of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the martyred Sayyed Nasrallah and Sayyed Safieddine, as well as the people of Yemen and Iran
Abu Mujahid, head of the media office of the Popular Resistance Committees, to Al Mayadeen: The people of Gaza have sacrificed and given their most precious offerings for the Al-Aqsa Flood
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Gaza: Israeli artillery shelling targeted Khan Younis and the al-Bureij and al-Maghazi refugee camps
Captives may be released as early as Saturday and by Monday at the latest: Source briefed on the details of the agreement.
Netanyahu set to convene security cabinet at 1500 (1200GMT) and government at 1600 (1300GMT) to approve the deal: Source briefed on the details of the agreement
Within the first 24 hours, the Israeli military will complete the first phase of partial withdrawal: Source briefed on the details of the agreement

'Essence of our common humanity is at stake': UN official warns

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 17 Sep 2024 04:25
4 Min Read

The UN called on the global community to act urgently to prevent further disaster in Gaza, stressing that "the essence of our common humanity is at stake."

Listen
  • x
  • Sigrid Kaag, leader of the centrist D66 party that finished second in elections last month, right, gestures during a debate in parliament in The Hague, Netherlands, early on April 2, 2021. (AP)
    Sigrid Kaag, leader of the centrist D66 party that finished second in elections last month, right, gestures during a debate in parliament in The Hague, Netherlands, early on April 2, 2021. (AP)

On Monday, the United Nations called on the global community to take immediate action to prevent further catastrophe in Gaza, emphasizing that "the essence of our common humanity is at stake," Anadolu Agency reported.

During a session of the UN Security Council, Sigrid Kaag, the senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, described the situation as a grave and sobering reality. She underscored the international community's significant responsibility in addressing the ongoing war.

Kaag pointed out the severe impact on Gaza's infrastructure and its people, noting that "the already fragile health infrastructure has been further devastated." She highlighted the critical issue of over 625,000 children who are still out of school, stating that their futures are overshadowed by "trauma, loss, and deprivation."

She reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire, the unconditional release of captives, and unrestricted humanitarian access, emphasizing that immediate political resolve is essential to address these pressing concerns. "Time is slipping away as a man-made humanitarian crisis has turned Gaza into the abyss," she said, noting that the lack of effective protection for civilians is "unconscionable."

Stressing the need to ensure "unimpeded and safe access" for aid workers to reach those in need, Kaag said, "The polio campaign shows that, even in the direst circumstances, with sufficient political will, and real-time political commitment, humanitarian action is possible."

She noted the "vital role" of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), describing it as a "critical, trusted partner in the social fabric of Gaza and as the backbone of the humanitarian operations."

Kaag asserted that without a stronger political commitment, current efforts are inadequate. "Existing systems alone cannot replace the political will necessary to reach civilians and address their needs. Systems alone do not save lives or restore dignity to those who have lost everything," she said.

The UN remains resolute in its commitment to stay and deliver support for the people of Gaza.

Related News

‘They are wasting away’: Gaza’s children face mass starvation

2 years of genocide in Gaza: Death, hunger, and destruction persist

UNRWA’s vital role in Gaza’s humanitarian operations

With winter approaching, Kaag urged member states to assist the more than 14,000 patients needing treatment outside Gaza. She also reiterated the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to address the situation effectively.

"Humanitarian assistance is only a temporary pathway to alleviate suffering. A comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East can only be realized through a two-state solution," she said.

Without political action, Kaag warned that "the cycle of suffering will continue" in Gaza.

Jorge Moreira da Silva, the head of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), highlighted the worsening conditions in Gaza, stating, "We cannot overstate the difficulties of delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza at this time. The design and implementation of the response mechanisms are critically important. We remain steadfast in our commitment to take action."

He detailed the mechanism set up to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, noting that 20 million tons of aid have been dispatched through this system, although Israeli authorities have obstructed some of it.

Da Silva also underscored the crucial role of UNRWA in distributing aid, reaffirming UNOPS' commitment to remain in Gaza, alongside other UN agencies, to continue their support efforts.

"Along with the rest of the UN family, UNOPS is determined to stay and deliver for the people of Gaza, both to respond to the immediate humanitarian needs and to support the immense recovery and reconstruction efforts that are so desperately needed," he said.

Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, "Israel" has continued its severe offensive on Gaza since last October. According to local health authorities, the war has resulted in over 41,000 deaths, predominantly among women and children, and has left more than 95,000 injured.

The ongoing Israeli military campaign has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, compounded by a blockade that has led to critical shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. Additionally, "Israel" is facing allegations of genocide for its actions in Gaza, with such claims being examined at the International Court of Justice.

  • UNRWA
  • Humanitarian aid
  • United Nations
  • Sigrid Kaag
War on Gaza

War on Gaza

Most Read

Tucker Carlson speaks at a memorial for Charlie Kirk, Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (AP)

Tucker Carlson: Israeli officers gave orders on Iran inside Pentagon

  • Politics
  • 2 Oct 2025
A Hamas fighter in combat fatigues stands before the ceremony for the handover of Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP)

Hamas responds to Trump plan, backs Gaza withdrawal, exchange

  • Politics
  • 3 Oct 2025
Mossad’s secret role in Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder revealed

Mossad’s secret role in Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder exposed

  • Politics
  • 5 Oct 2025
The Palestinian resistance and the people of Gaza showed that after combating Israeli aggression for two years, they remain victorious in the face of oppression (Mahdi Rteil/Al Mayadeen English)

Al-Aqsa Flood two years on, a tale of victory

  • Politics
  • 6 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
An Israeli armored vehicle moves on a street of a local market during a military raid in the West Bank refugee camp of Balata, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Israeli settlers kill Palestinian youth near Ramallah amid raids

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran interested in resuming nuclear talks: Lavrov

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during a news conference at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington, April 25, 2025 (AP)
Politics

IMF head flags US budget, Europe defense spending challenges

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at UN headquarters (AP)
Politics

Meloni faces ICC complaint over Gaza genocide complicity with Israelis

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS