UN members warn Gaza crisis deepens despite ceasefire; US blames Hamas

Some UN Security Council members warned Thursday that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis continues to worsen despite a ceasefire agreement, with Pakistan, China, the UK, and Russia urging Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian access, while the US blamed Hamas for prolonging civilian suffering.

At the Council session on Palestine, Pakistan’s envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said conditions remain severe despite Security Council Resolution 2803.

“Despite the endorsement of the comprehensive plan and subsequent adoption of Security Council Resolution 2803, ceasefire violations continue, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains acute,” Asim said, according to Anadolu Ajansi.

He said civilians face “immense hardship marked by killings, deprivation, displacement, and an uncertain future”, noting that over 90 percent of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and only half of the hospitals remain partly functional.

Ahmad said the issue is “the arbitrary denial and delay of humanitarian access”, calling it a violation of international law, and described the blockade as “collective punishment” affecting two million Palestinians.

China’s envoy Fu Cong said conditions remain dire despite easing regional tensions, adding: “Instead, death and suffering remain the daily reality in Gaza.”

He said Israeli operations have killed nearly 1,000 people since the ceasefire and warned of plans to control up to 70 percent of Gaza.

He urged Israel to lift restrictions and fully open crossings for aid, including food, medicine, fuel, and shelter.

UK, Russia, US on Gaza response

UK Charge d’Affaires James Kariuki also said the situation remains dire, citing reports of over 1,000 Palestinian deaths since October due to ceasefire violations.

He called for the removal of “unjustifiable restrictions” and condemned West Bank violence, saying the UK was “horrified” by footage of Israeli forces killing a seven-month-old baby in Hebron.

Russia’s deputy permanent representative for political affairs, Anna Evstigneeva, called Gaza a “deteriorating humanitarian catastrophe” and warned that Israeli plans to control parts of Gaza could undermine peace efforts, saying urgent action was needed to avoid “irrevocable consequences.”

She stressed humanitarian aid “must not be made contingent on political demands” and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution.

US envoy Tammy Bruce said Washington remains committed to peace and reconstruction efforts, saying, “Our focus will move to the redevelopment phase for the benefit of the people in Gaza”, while arguing the root cause is political rather than logistical.

- Bernama

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