As the Gaza-Israel war enters its third year, the United Nations has renewed its urgent call for an immediate ceasefire. It also seeks the release of all hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid. The war began with Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel in October 2023. It continues to devastate both sides. Civilians are paying the highest price.
UN relief chief Tom Fletcher described the ongoing suffering as “indescribable.” He marked the anniversary of what he called the “abhorrent” attacks. “I renew my call for the unconditional, immediate release of all hostages – and until then, they must be treated humanely,” he said. Fletcher emphasized that civilians, whether Israeli or Palestinian, must be protected at all costs.
Two Years of Destruction and Displacement
According to Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Gaza’s residents have endured “two long years of destruction and displacement. They have also faced bombardment, fear, death and hunger.” In a statement posted on X, he repeated calls for the release of hostages and detainees. He also called for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access through UNRWA.
Lazzarini also urged accountability for atrocities committed since the October 2023 attacks, insisting that justice is essential for lasting peace. “There is no other way out of this abyss and mayhem,” he said.
Heavy Human Toll Since the War Began
More than 1,250 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed in the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and over 250 others were taken hostage. Since then, local health authorities in Gaza report that more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed.
UN officials warn that children have borne the brunt of the conflict. Ricardo Pires, spokesperson for UNICEF, said in Geneva that Israel’s “disproportionate response” has left Gaza’s children suffering physically and psychologically. “One child has been killed or maimed every 17 minutes,” he said. He also said that
many children have been traumatized, orphaned, or displaced multiple times.
“They have been exposed to disease and violence on an unprecedented scale,” Pires continued. “Children are sharing oxygen masks to stay alive.” He added that one in five babies in Gaza is now born prematurely, often to mothers weakened by hunger and stress.
A Glimmer of Hope in US-Led Peace Talks
Despite the grim situation, Pires welcomed renewed diplomatic efforts. He praised the US-driven peace plan currently under discussion in Egypt as “a glimpse of hope for civilians and children in Gaza.”
His remarks were echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who described the peace initiative as an opportunity that “must be seized” to end the conflict. “After two years of trauma, we must choose hope – now,” Guterres said, calling on both sides to commit to peace and accountability.
Gaza’s Health System Near Collapse
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Gaza’s health system is on the brink of collapse. Only 14 of the territory’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional, and none are operating in northern Gaza. Of the 176 primary health-care centers that existed before the war, just 62 are still partly operational.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier reported that at least 400 people have died from malnutrition since January 2025, including 101 children. He added that over 10,000 children have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition in the past two months, with 2,400 at immediate risk of starvation.
“Famine that was once confined to Gaza City is now spreading south as people flee renewed fighting,” Lindmeier said. He warned that the true death toll is likely higher because many families trapped in overcrowded shelters cannot reach medical facilities.
Aid Deliveries Still Severely Restricted
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that since October 2023, more than 8,000 aid missions into Gaza have required Israeli approval. Nearly half were denied, delayed, or impeded.
“Any aid that gets in is positive,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke, “but there hasn’t been a single day where supplies met the levels required.” He added that humanitarian operations remain unpredictable, with fuel, medical equipment, and food convoys facing constant restrictions.
UN agencies continue to push for full humanitarian access, warning that without it, famine, disease, and civilian casualties will rise dramatically.
The Human Cost of Stalemate
After two years of relentless conflict, the Gaza-Israel war shows little sign of resolution. The UN and aid agencies warn that without a ceasefire, the humanitarian situation will deteriorate even further.
Tens of thousands remain displaced, hospitals are overwhelmed, and food insecurity is spreading rapidly. As calls for peace grow louder, the international community faces mounting pressure to act decisively.
For now, Gaza’s future hangs in the balance — between hope offered by diplomacy and despair driven by ongoing violence.
