Doha - UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths expressed serious concerns for the people of Gaza on Monday. Reports indicated intense fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza City, Jabalia in the north, and Khan Younis in the south, with continued Israeli bombardment of the enclave.

Addressing the launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview in Doha, Griffiths stated that the situation was deteriorating, emphasizing the utmost importance of securing "moments of peace." According to the latest update from the UN relief coordination office (OCHA), tens of thousands of people in urgent need of essentials such as food, water, shelter, health, and protection had gathered at aid distribution centers in Rafah in the south.

OCHA's update highlighted the dire situation, including a lack of sanitation leading to widespread open-air defecation and escalating fears of disease spread. Gazan health authorities reported approximately 18,000 deaths since the conflict began, with 70% identified as women and children, and over 49,000 injuries.

Griffiths acknowledged Qatar for its "creative diplomacy" in attempting to bring moments of peace, emphasizing the heightened importance due to the intensification of military operations in the south of Gaza and threats to neighboring countries.

Despite efforts, the hostilities triggered by Hamas' attacks in Israel showed no signs of resolution. The resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza has displaced 1.9 million people, severely hindered aid operations, and allowed only a minimum of fuel and relief items to enter.

OCHA emphasized the compromised UN aid operations, with significant impairment in receiving aid due to a shortage of trucks, telecommunications blackouts, and aid workers being hindered by fighting. Although there was an increase in fuel and cooking gas deliveries from Egypt, it remained the bare minimum needed to prevent the collapse of critical services.

Multiple health facilities and personnel were attacked in Gaza over the weekend, leading to casualties and disruptions. The humanitarian access to the north of the Strip, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are sheltering, remained severely constrained.

In Khan Younis, an ambulance came under fire, and the area around the European Hospital was bombarded, depriving injured individuals of access to treatment. OCHA reported attacks on detainees in the north, with hundreds reportedly detained, stripped, beaten, and subjected to harsh conditions.

WHO's Executive Board adopted a resolution on aid access to Gaza and respect for international humanitarian law. Griffiths reiterated that without peace, there is no health.