Palestinians are “facing a precipice” in Gaza, the top UN refugee official there tells the Security Council on Thursday in a strongly-worded appeal for action.
With more than 220,000 Palestinians already sheltering in UN facilities — four times the number from the last ground campaign in Gaza in 2008-2009 — Philippe Krahenbuhl says he has reached a breaking point.
“I believe the population is facing a precipice and appeal to the international community to take the steps necessary to address this extreme situation,” the head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA tells the 15-member Council.
Palestinians at an UNRWA school after fleeing their homes following an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on July 18, 2014. (photo credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
“We have exceeded the tolerable limit that we can accommodate,” Krahenbuhl says, adding that he is “alarmed” by the latest Israeli instructions to civilians to evacuate two areas in Gaza.
“It is past time for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as called for by the Council,” he said.
“The illegal blockade of Gaza must be lifted.”
Krahenbuhl speaks to the Council by audiolink from Gaza after Israel vows to press on with its military campaign to destroy a network of tunnels used by Hamas to attack Israel.
— AFP
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