UN calls for permanent ceasefire as Gaza endures three‑year humanitarian crisis

The coordinated strike on 7 October resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, many of whom were civilians targeted in homes, public venues and a music festival. In addition, 251 individuals—including women, children and older adults—were abducted and transported to Gaza, where they faced severe abuse, including torture and sexual violence, and some were killed either by captors or during subsequent hostilities. The magnitude of the attack has left deep physical and emotional scars among survivors and families, shaping the discourse on accountability and the need for lasting peace.

Since the escalation, UN agencies report that Israeli military operations have killed more than 70,000 people in Gaza, including roughly 20,000 children, and wounded over 100,000 others. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have been displaced, and much of the territory lies in ruins. Gaza now records the world’s highest proportion of child amputees, reflecting the intensity of the violence. Almost daily deadly attacks persist, while Israeli authorities continue restrictions on humanitarian cargo, limiting the flow of essential supplies and medical aid to a population already facing intolerable conditions today.

The ceasefire brokered in October 2025 provided limited respite but has not delivered security, sufficient humanitarian assistance, or a clear pathway to recovery. The United Nations urges all parties to fully implement the commitments outlined in Security Council resolution 2803 and to move toward a permanent cessation of hostilities. UN officials stress that without an enduring ceasefire and the removal of aid restrictions, the civilian population will continue to endure severe hardship. They call for large‑scale humanitarian deliveries and a renewed determination to build a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live with their rights, dignity and aspirations fulfilled.