New Massacre in Southern Gaza: UNRWA Accuses Israel of War Crimes
In a tragic escalation of violence, Israeli forces have reportedly committed a new massacre in the Al-Mawasi area of southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least eight Palestinians, including children. This incident, which occurred on December 22, 2024, has drawn severe condemnation from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which accused Israel of violating the rules of war. Eyewitness accounts and video footage depict flames engulfing tents housing displaced individuals as they struggle to extinguish the fires caused by drone strikes.
Medical sources indicate that the recent Israeli raids have resulted in the deaths of approximately 50 Palestinians within just 24 hours. The situation remains dire, with ongoing bombardments reported in northern Gaza, particularly in Jabalia camp and Beit Lahia, where residential areas are being destroyed. Al-Aqsa TV has reported that Israeli drones are targeting civilian homes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Ongoing Attacks
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, particularly for those trapped in Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia. Medical staff and patients are facing severe shortages of essential supplies, with reports of individuals at risk of starving to death. The hospital has become overcrowded, with many seeking refuge in its internal corridors due to the relentless Israeli fire. Communication with medical personnel has been disrupted, and the director of field hospitals has described the conditions as
said Marwan Al-Hamas, the director of field hospitals at the Gaza Health Ministry.
The World Health Organization has called for an immediate cessation of attacks on health facilities, highlighting the challenges faced in delivering medical aid due to the ongoing violence. WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris stated that the organization has been unable to provide necessary assistance because of the intense bombardment.
UNRWA Calls for Accountability and Ceasefire
Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, has condemned the ongoing violence, asserting that Israel is violating all established rules of war in Gaza. He emphasized that attacks on schools and hospitals have become commonplace, urging the international community not to become desensitized to these violations. Lazzarini also called for an immediate ceasefire, stating that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with over 153,000 Palestinians reportedly killed or wounded since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023.
Despite international outcry and two arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes, the violence continues unabated, leading to widespread devastation and suffering among the Palestinian population.
