In a forceful statement issued today, the heads of 15 United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations collectively demanded an end to the violence in Gaza. With mounting alarm, they called on the State of Israel to halt its offensive and ensure the safety of both civilians and the humanitarian workers attempting to deliver essential aid.

The leaders expressed grave concern over the “apocalyptic” conditions engulfing North Gaza, where the siege has choked off critical supplies, leaving hundreds dead and thousands more displaced. The signatories, representing organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and the World Food Programme, urged all parties to prioritize human rights and adhere to international humanitarian law, which they noted must be respected by all combatants, regardless of reciprocal action.

The humanitarian impact of the ongoing hostilities has reached a catastrophic level, with civilians in Gaza bearing the brunt of continuous bombardment and blockades. Hospitals and clinics are barely functional as they struggle to keep up with mounting casualties. Recent reports indicate that health facilities have been attacked, destroying critical medical equipment and killing patients.

In some cases, even the sanctity of hospitals has been violated as fighting has reportedly broken out inside their premises, and health workers have been detained. This relentless assault has also extended to schools, which have served as temporary shelters for thousands of displaced families. Many of these schools have been bombed or forcibly evacuated, forcing families into increasingly desperate conditions.

Access to humanitarian aid remains severely restricted, and with each passing day, the shortage of essential supplies grows more critical. The statement underscores how rescue operations are routinely obstructed, with rescue teams facing deliberate attacks while attempting to retrieve those trapped under the rubble. These restrictions have had widespread repercussions, such as delaying critical health initiatives, including a polio vaccination campaign, which puts children at extreme risk. Women and girls, already vulnerable in conflict zones, face mounting challenges as the need for sexual and reproductive health services goes unmet due to communication breakdowns with those delivering aid.

The escalating violence has also triggered legislative action in Israel that could further jeopardize humanitarian efforts. Recently, the Israeli Parliament adopted legislation threatening to revoke the privileges and immunities of UNRWA, the UN agency dedicated to supporting Palestinian refugees. UN leaders warned that if enforced, this decision would severely compromise relief operations, undermining Gaza’s already precarious humanitarian response and defying international obligations.

The statement delivers a searing critique of what the humanitarian leaders describe as a “blatant disregard for basic humanity.” They emphasized that international humanitarian law is non-negotiable and must be upheld by all involved. The leaders issued a clear demand for an end to the assault on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza. They called for unrestricted humanitarian access, including the entry of vital goods into Gaza, and urged that medical facilities remain protected zones, shielded from violence. Additionally, they demanded the release of unlawfully detained Palestinians and compliance with the International Court of Justice's provisional orders. The leaders also called on Hamas and other armed groups to release hostages unconditionally, stressing that both sides must adhere to their obligations under international law.

Amid the rising violence, the statement implores the international community to take immediate steps toward a ceasefire, stressing the need for an unconditional end to hostilities. The leaders urged Member States to leverage their influence to prevent further violations of international law, including suspending arms transfers that could exacerbate civilian suffering. They reiterated that no alternative exists to the work of UNRWA, and that abandoning its mission would be a grave injustice.

The signatories included Joyce Msuya, Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator, Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amy E. Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration, and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, among others. Together, these humanitarian leaders issued a unified call for peace, urging the international community to intervene and prevent an even deeper tragedy from unfolding.