The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with widespread displacement and destruction, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland warned on Monday.

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East, Wennesland sounded the alarm on the dire conditions in Gaza, particularly in the north, describing the situation as marked by a "disturbing disregard for international humanitarian law."

"As this Council has been briefed repeatedly, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as winter begins, is catastrophic, particularly developments in the north of Gaza with a large-scale and near-total displacement of the population and widespread destruction and clearing of land, amidst what looks like a disturbing disregard for international humanitarian law," Wennesland said.

“How much more misery can ordinary people on both sides be expected to endure? What greater burden can we place on humanitarians to deliver?”
– Tor Wennesland, @UNSCO_MEPP, 18 Nov 24 pic.twitter.com/uN9rytSgG2

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) November 18, 2024

Wennesland also addressed the challenges faced by humanitarian agencies operating in Gaza, citing a "challenging and dangerous operational environment" and access restrictions that hinder their work. He stressed the urgent need for unrestricted access to ensure aid can reach the people who desperately need it.

Wennesland also reiterated the importance of a political solution, calling for renewed dialogue and efforts to address the underlying causes of the violence. Without a sustainable political framework, the humanitarian situation is unlikely to improve, he said.

Israeli aggression in Gaza claims over 44,000 lives

The Israeli occupation's war on Gaza continues into its 409th day, with over 44,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, killed and around 104,000 injured since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. In the past 24 hours alone, four massacres claimed 76 lives and injured 158, as many victims remain trapped under rubble.

Heavy bombardment targeted Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, including a market and residential areas, while Gaza City and Nuseirat also endured relentless airstrikes. In the south, Israeli strikes killed four displaced Palestinians, including two children, in Khan Younis, while demolishing a residential block in Rafah.

The humanitarian crisis deepens as thousands of victims remain unreachable due to continued strikes, blocking rescue efforts by ambulance and aid crews.

Read more: IOF bomb tent in Khan Younis, Gaza, killing 4, including children

Gaza Civil Defense suffers heavy losses 

Gaza Civil Defense on Saturday has reported significant losses due to ongoing Israeli attacks, with 85 personnel killed, 301 injured, and 20 detained.

The group revealed that 17 Civil Defense centers have been damaged, 14 destroyed, and three partially impacted. Emergency vehicles have also been severely affected, with 56 units—including fire trucks, ambulances, and rescue vehicles—destroyed or damaged.

Direct attacks on Civil Defense centers and teams have further crippled operations, with critical equipment worth $1.3 million destroyed. Following the incapacitation of northern Gaza's Civil Defense system on October 23, emergency services remain suspended in the area for 27 days, leaving thousands without aid.

The group has issued an urgent plea for intervention as the humanitarian crisis deepens.