NEW YORK: Heads of several UN and international agencies renewed their demands to end the horrific human suffering and humanitarian catastrophe in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

In a statement on Monday evening, the heads of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) urgently called for a sustainable, immediate and unconditional ceasefire as the only way to end the suffering of civilians and save lives.

They noted that more than 41,000 Palestinians were killed in Gaza – the majority of them civilians and sometimes entire families – while more than 95,000 people were injured, a quarter of whom will need lifelong rehabilitation and specialized care.

They added that more than two million Palestinians lack the basic necessities for survival, while the threat of famine looms over Gaza.

They urged world leaders to use their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the rulings of the International Court of Justice through diplomatic pressure and cooperation to
end impunity.

Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA