Paris, 10 November 2023 (TDI): UN relief official Martin Griffiths attended the Paris humanitarian conference on Gaza, urging for a substantial cessation of hostilities. He emphasized the critical need for enhanced protection of displaced civilians in the conflict-ridden region.
In the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), emphasized the heartbreaking situation of children in the region.
As a result of mass displacement, shelters are severely overcrowded, and entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, exacerbated by Israel’s extensive air and ground offensive in response to the deadly attacks by Hamas on October 7.
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In a video message to the conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his condemnation of Hamas’ “abhorrent acts of terror” against Israel and renewed the call for the unconditional release of all hostages.
Guterres emphasized support for civilians in Gaza facing an ongoing humanitarian crisis, stating that concrete action is urgently needed.
While some aid has started to reach Gaza, he described it as a mere “drop in the ocean,” urging the international community to intensify assistance and protection.
Guterres appealed for assistance, expressing the possibility of offering civilians in Gaza a glimpse of hope a symbol of solidarity, and a clear message that the world recognizes their struggles and is committed to taking meaningful action.
Lazzarini urged donors to increase their assistance to Gazans, emphasizing that UNRWA represents the final beacon of hope for civilians in the enclave.
Despite the risks, the agency’s staff persist in distributing essential provisions and aiding those in shelters and hospitals. Lazzarini warned that the UN agency, having borne a heavy toll with 99 staff members killed in Gaza during this conflict, is facing the inability to pay its workers’ salaries by year-end.
Addressing the wider region, Griffiths emphasized the imperative of acknowledging the signs of potential escalation, referencing recent outbreaks of violence in Lebanon and Yemen.
