U.S. Calls on Israel to Address “Catastrophic Conditions” in Gaza, Urges Immediate Action to Ease Suffering

United Nations, October 9, 2024 – The United States, a close ally of Israel, has urged the Israeli government to urgently address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the besieged Gaza Strip. During a U.N. Security Council meeting on Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, voiced strong concerns over the worsening crisis facing Palestinian civilians.

Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that the Israeli blockade, which has severely limited the flow of aid into Gaza, has led to what she described as “catastrophic conditions” for the population. She criticized the ongoing restrictions, which are exacerbating the humanitarian situation and “intensifying the suffering” of the civilian population in Gaza.

“Basic necessities, including food, water, and medical supplies, are in critically short supply. The international community has made clear that while Israel has the right to defend itself, it also has the obligation to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need,” Thomas-Greenfield said.

The U.S. envoy called for an immediate increase in aid deliveries to Gaza and urged Israel to take steps to alleviate the crisis. She noted that many of Gaza’s hospitals are overwhelmed and undersupplied, leaving them unable to adequately care for the growing number of injured and sick civilians.

The Security Council meeting comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Palestinian factions, with escalating violence further complicating efforts to provide relief. Thomas-Greenfield’s comments are a rare public rebuke from the U.S., which typically stands firmly behind Israel in international forums.

International humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), have repeatedly warned about the dire situation in Gaza, where the blockade, combined with periodic escalations in violence, has plunged the densely populated territory into a severe humanitarian crisis. The ongoing Israeli restrictions on fuel, medical supplies, and construction materials have left Gaza’s infrastructure on the brink of collapse.

The U.S. ambassador reiterated her country’s call for all parties to exercise restraint and to prioritize civilian lives. “The cycle of violence and retribution must stop, and the path to a peaceful and lasting resolution requires immediate relief for the Palestinian people.”

The U.S. has joined the international community in pushing for the creation of humanitarian corridors to ensure safe passage for aid and civilians caught in the crossfire. The Security Council is expected to continue discussions on the situation in Gaza and possible steps to address the escalating crisis.

As the humanitarian disaster in Gaza deepens, pressure mounts on both Israel and its allies to take immediate action to prevent further loss of life and devastation in the besieged enclave.