The heads of all major UN agencies issued a rare joint statement Sunday expressing outrage at the civilian death toll in Gaza and calling for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the war.
"For almost a month, the world has been watching the unfolding situation in shock and horror at the spiraling numbers of lives lost and torn apart," the UN chiefs said.
The heads of 18 organizations including UNICEF, the World Food Program, and the World Health Organization described the horrific toll on both sides since October 7, which left about 1,400 people dead, mainly civilians.
Israel has retaliated with relentless air and artillery strikes that have killed at least 9,770 people, also mostly civilians, says the health ministry in Gaza.
In Gaza, the UN statement said, "An entire population is besieged and under attack, denied access to the essentials for survival, bombed in their homes, shelters, hospitals, and places of worship.
The UN leaders said more food, water, medicine, and fuel must be allowed into Gaza to help its besieged population as Israel attacks with the stated goal of destroying Hamas. "We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. It's been 30 days. Enough is enough. This must stop now," the statement said.
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