UN Warns Gaza Lifelines Collapse Amid Israel Operations, Displacing 2.1 Million

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that the last lifelines keeping people alive are collapsing amid escalating violence and military operations. Approximately 87.7 percent of Gaza is under displacement orders or within Israeli-militarized zones, forcing over 2 million people into a fragmented area with minimal access to essential services. Guterres condemned the violence affecting civilians, including attacks on those seeking food, and called for immediate protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel. Despite informing Israeli forces of UN locations, two UN guesthouses were struck, highlighting the risks faced by aid workers. The UN emphasizes Israel's obligation to facilitate humanitarian relief and has expressed readiness to scale up aid operations if conditions allow. Guterres also urged an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.