Situation of civilians in Gaza, Lebanon getting worse: OHCHR spox

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Oct 2024 09:34
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The spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights laments the relentless Israeli assaults on civilians in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

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Palestinians carry their belongings as they flee areas north of Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip on October 12, 2024. (AFP)

The situation for civilians in both Gaza and Lebanon is worsening with each passing day, warned Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

During a press conference, Shamdasani emphasized that Beirut, Lebanon’s densely populated capital, is increasingly being targeted by Israeli airstrikes, which have so far resulted in the killing of numerous civilians, including women and children, and the fleeing of a million people from their homes.

Since September 23, the Israeli military has been waging a widespread aggression on Lebanon, especially against civilian infrastructure in its South and East, as well as Beirut's Southern Suburb, killing more than 1,200 people and injuring tens of thousands more.

She also highlighted the "continuing horrific humanitarian suffering in Gaza," pointing out that Israeli occupation forces have intensified their operations in northern Gaza, further isolating the area from the rest of the Palestinian enclave and placing civilian lives at even greater risk.

Shamdasani pointed to recent days of heavy raids, shelling, gunship fire, and ground incursions targeting residential buildings and groups of residents, resulting in numerous injuries and widespread displacement.

The UN rights official also drew attention to the continued Israeli assaults on hospitals in the Gaza Strip.

The spokesperson added that the Israeli military continues to order Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate, though many remain trapped and unable to leave safely.

This comes as Northern Gaza is experiencing continuous Israeli bombardment and attacks, coinciding with a comprehensive siege and demolition operations aimed at displacing residents.

The area is witnessing a violent Israeli assault targeting infrastructure, roads, and what remains of citizens' homes, in addition to isolating areas from one another.

Commenting on the situation in northern Gaza, Ambassador Majed Bamya, Palestine's Deputy Permanent Observer to the UN, underscored that "what is happening in northern Gaza now is a genocide within the genocide."

What is happening in northern Gaza now is a genocide within the genocide
— Ambassador Majed Bamya 🇵🇸 (@majedbamya) October 13, 2024

In total, the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has resulted in 42,175 Palestinian martyrs and 98,336 injuries since October 7, 2023, according to the latest figures by the Health Ministry in Gaza.