[MIDDLE EAST] UN experts issued a stark warning on Wednesday, calling for urgent action to prevent the “annihilation” of Palestinians in Gaza, as rescue teams reported that Israeli airstrikes have killed dozens across the territory.
The UN's appeal comes amid intensifying violence in Gaza, where recent airstrikes have targeted densely populated areas, including refugee camps and medical facilities. Local health officials report that the death toll has now surpassed 38,000 since the conflict erupted, with many more people trapped under rubble and beyond the reach of rescue teams. The humanitarian crisis has been further exacerbated by severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies, leaving survivors in desperate conditions.
The Israeli military’s plans for an expanded offensive have sparked international condemnation, particularly after UN agencies warned of an impending humanitarian disaster in a region already devastated by 19 months of conflict.
The proposed military operation, which includes a ground incursion into Rafah—a city sheltering over 1.4 million displaced Palestinians—has triggered widespread concern among global leaders. The U.S., the European Union, and Arab nations have called for restraint, fearing further mass displacement and escalating civilian casualties. Israeli officials, however, argue that the operation is essential to dismantle Hamas’ remaining infrastructure, despite increasing calls for a ceasefire.
In a joint statement, more than 20 independent UN experts warned that the world faces a “stark decision” between remaining passive in the face of "slaughter" or stepping up efforts to negotiate a just resolution.
The experts underscored the legal and moral responsibilities of third-party nations to intervene under international law, including through sanctions or arms embargoes. They also referenced recent rulings by the International Court of Justice, which identified a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza and directed Israel to prevent actions that could fall under the Genocide Convention. However, the geopolitical rift between major powers has hindered coordinated enforcement of these directives.
Diplomatic initiatives led by Egypt and Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire have reached an impasse. Hamas is calling for a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, while Israel insists on securing the release of hostages first. The deadlock has left civilians trapped in the line of fire, with no immediate relief in sight. Aid agencies are sounding alarms that, without a ceasefire and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, famine and disease could claim even more lives in the weeks ahead.
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