The UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza

New York, 24 April 2024

Madam President, Excellencies, Members of the Security Council,

It has been almost seven months since the 7 October terror attack perpetrated by Hamas against Israel – a country which continues to be impacted by the deep trauma of the attack and the uncertainty about the fate of the hostages.

New York, 18 April 2024 

[as delivered]

Mr. President, Excellencies,

The Middle East is on a precipice.

Recent days have seen a perilous escalation – in words and deeds. 

One miscalculation, one miscommunication, one mistake, could lead to the unthinkable – a full-scale regional conflict that would be devastating for all involved – and for the rest of the world.

This moment of maximum peril must be a time for maximum restraint.

Statement by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

(Geneva, 13 February 2024) The scenario we have long dreaded is unraveling at alarming speed.

More than half of Gaza’s population – well over 1 million people – are crammed in Rafah, staring death in the face: They have little to eat, hardly any access to medical care, nowhere to sleep, nowhere safe to go.

They, like the entire population of Gaza, are the victims of an assault that is unparalleled in its intensity, brutality and scope.

Ms. Edem Wosornu, Director, Operations and Advocacy Division, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, on Behalf of Mr. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Security Council,

Thank you for this opportunity to brief you on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has only grown more urgent amid ongoing Israeli ground operations in and around Rafah since 6 May.

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the death of a United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) staff member and injury to another DSS staffer when their UN vehicle was struck as they traveled to the European Hospital in Rafah this morning.

The Secretary-General condemns all attacks on UN personnel and calls for a full investigation. He sends his condolences to the family of the fallen staff member.

The Secretary-General is appalled by the escalation of military activity in and around Rafah by the Israeli Defense Forces.

These developments are further impeding humanitarian access and worsening an already dire situation. At the same time, Hamas goes on firing rockets indiscriminately. Civilians must be respected and protected at all times, in Rafah and elsewhere in Gaza. For people in Gaza, nowhere is safe now.

Statement by Thomas White, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, based in Gaza

Gaza, 25 January 2024 - Persistent attacks on civilian sites in Khan Younis are utterly unacceptable and must stop immediately. People are being killed and injured. As fighting intensifies around hospitals and shelters hosting the displaced, people are trapped inside and lifesaving operations are impeded.

Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, director of OCHA Coordination Division, on behalf of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Martin griffiths

Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict – Resolution 2417 (2018)

Update on food security risks in Gaza

27 February 2024

Thank you, Madam President.

Madam President,

Excellencies,

The latest analysis from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) partnership released today warns that the situation in Gaza is catastrophic, with northern Gaza facing imminent famine and the rest of the Strip at risk as well.