The conflict in Gaza is at another critical juncture - Statement by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

(New York, 7 May 2024) The conflict in Gaza is at another critical juncture.

Israel’s latest evacuation orders and their ground operations will bring more death and displacement. In just a matter of days, tens of thousands of people have been forcibly displaced yet again.

The closing of the Rafah crossing severs access to fuel and shuts off the movement of aid and staff to and from Gaza.

Civilians must be protected and have their basic needs met, whether they move or stay. Those who evacuate must have enough time to do so, as well as a safe route and a safe place to go.

Our teams are still in Rafah where well over 1 million people, including 600,000 children, remain. We are also extending our presence northwards to assist the families who have moved there.

We remain committed to providing aid to people, regardless of where they are. The decisions that are made today and their consequences in human suffering will be remembered by the generation that follows us. Let us be ready for their reproaches.

Media contact:

In New York: Eri Kaneko, kaneko@un.org, +1 917 208 8910
In Geneva: Jens Laerke, laerke@un.org, +41 79 472 9750
OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int