New York, The United Nations has strongly condemned the recent escalation of Israeli military operations in Gaza City, which reportedly left scores of civilians dead or injured over the weekend. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the situation as having an “appalling impact” on people already suffering from starvation and displacement.

According to the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), 10 of its buildings including seven schools and two clinics used as shelters were struck in just four days. Nearly 70,000 people have fled south in recent days, adding to the 150,000 movements recorded over the past month.

The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with one-third of Gaza’s malnutrition treatment centers now closed due to forced evacuations. The Ministry of Health reports 425 deaths from starvation, including many children.

Despite efforts by UN partners to distribute over 558,000 meals daily, access to health services remains severely limited. Only a few ambulances are operational in areas like Deir Al-Balah, and 77% of Gaza’s road network has been damaged.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that only 4 of 17 humanitarian missions coordinated with Israeli authorities were allowed to proceed. Others were denied, blocked, or canceled including missions to deliver water tanks and food supplies.

The UN continues to call for unimpeded humanitarian access and urges all parties to respect international law and protect civilians and aid workers.