"PALESTINE"

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. UNIFEED

Israeli bombardments from air, land, and sea across Gaza have significantly intensified since 4 December 2023 afternoon, alongside intense fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups, in particular in the eastern parts of Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, and areas east of Khan Younis. Aldo, due to increased military operations in the West Bank, more than 64 children have been reported killed since 7 October. UNICEF

The World Food Programme (WFP) warned of looming famine in Gaza, as almost all Gazans surveyed are frequently without food. WFP

UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council that he invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter because we are “at a breaking point,” warning that there is a high risk of the total collapse of the humanitarian support system in Gaza, which would have devastating consequences. UNIFEED

Flanked by Islamic Group (OIC) representatives, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said it was expected that a draft resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza “will be put in blue today and action will take place on it when the Security Council meets tomorrow.” UNIFEED

Children and their families who are currently sheltering in schools and hospitals in the Gaza Strip are suffering from the lack of warm clothes and blankets to survive the winter that has arrived. UNICEF

“The Gaza Strip is once again the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. After seven days of respite from horrific violence, fighting has resumed. More children will surely die as a result,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. UNICEF

WHO is gravely concerned about the resumption of hostilities, including heavy bombardment in Gaza, and reiterates its appeal to Israel to take every possible measure to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as per the laws of war. WHO

United Nations Secretary-General regretted the resumption of hostilities in Gaza and Israel, and “he urges all concerned parties to swiftly find a way to resume the pause in the fighting and facilitate the release of more hostages,” a UN spokesperson said. UNIFEED

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.