UN Official: Slow-Motion Massacre and Starvation in Gaza, Lives Being Erased

Jonathan Whittall, who leads the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, has issued a stark warning regarding the situation in Gaza, describing it as a “slow-motion massacre.”

He stressed that civilians are being killed on a daily basis simply for attempting to obtain food, highlighting a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

At a press briefing conducted from Gaza on Sunday, Whittall highlighted the severe crisis, stating, “As global focus shifts, individuals in Gaza face fatal consequences simply for striving to survive. The basic act of seeking food has tragically become a life-threatening risk.”

Reports indicate that over 400 Palestinians have lost their lives in attempts to access food since the blockade was partially eased more than a month ago.

He reported that during his recent visits to Nasser Hospital, he observed that overcrowding and a significant shortage of resources were placing immense pressure on the medical staff.

Whittall reported that Israeli forces discharged their weapons on crowds assembled near joint American-Israeli aid distribution sites, frequently situated in militarized zones.

“Reports indicate that numerous victims perished in locations inaccessible to ambulances,” he stated, with several missing persons presumed deceased but yet to be confirmed.

In a recent incident, an Israeli tank reportedly fired upon civilians gathered in anticipation of aid deliveries, resulting in the deaths of approximately 60 individuals and injuring hundreds, as reported by Whittall.

He further reported that injuries have been caused by armed groups active near Israeli military installations, affirming that those seeking aid have been consistently targeted.

Health and Water Infrastructure on the Brink of Collapse

Whittall characterized Gaza’s healthcare system as teetering on the brink of complete collapse.

Reports indicate that the limited number of hospitals still functioning at partial capacity are facing overwhelming pressures, grappling with scarce resources, and often falling victim to airstrikes and evacuation orders.

Hospitals are facing a severe shortage of fuel, prompting strict rationing measures. The warning has been issued that if the blockade persists, it could result in a significant increase in preventable fatalities.

The water crisis presents an alarming situation, as wells have depleted their fuel reserves or are situated in regions that are difficult to access. Additionally, damaged pipelines are contributing to the depletion of the already scarce water resources, he stated.

Children are reportedly waiting for hours in line for water trucks that frequently fail to reach their destination.

**Famine and Malnutrition Escalating**

Reports indicate a troubling surge in famine and malnutrition levels globally. The situation is raising alarms among international organizations and aid agencies, which are calling for immediate intervention to address the growing humanitarian crisis.

Whittall highlighted an alarming trend of increasing famine indicators in Gaza, citing UNICEF data which reveals that over 110 children are being hospitalized daily for severe malnutrition treatment since the beginning of the year.

The limited food supplies reaching the Strip are frequently taken by desperate crowds looting aid trucks or intercepted by criminal gangs.

**Hunger Used as a Tool of War Leading to Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza**

Whittall stated that hunger is being employed as a weapon, describing the situation in Gaza as one of forced displacement and a deliberate slow killing of individuals struggling for survival.

In a firm statement, he emphasized that the situation is completely avoidable, yet there appears to be a calculated effort to eliminate Palestinian presence in Gaza.

Israel, in its role as the occupying power, is bound by explicit legal responsibilities under international law.

He remarked that the situation on the ground indicates a total failure in meeting those obligations, urging for comprehensive accountability for the ongoing crimes.

**Appeal for Ceasefire and Global Diplomatic Intervention**

In his concluding statements, Whittall called on the global community to enact concrete political and economic measures against Israel to halt the crisis.

He emphasized the importance of establishing a lasting ceasefire in accordance with the directives issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

A statement from the Gaza region today highlighted that ongoing efforts have fallen short, as expressed with certainty.

The dismantling of Palestinian life is unfolding systematically in full view of the global community.

Since October 7, 2023, bolstered by robust US support, Israel has been accused of committing acts in Gaza that have resulted in the deaths and injuries of over 187,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. Additionally, more than 11,000 people remain unaccounted for, and hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes.