"UN agency urges immediate ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict to save millions of lives"

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, stating that it is a matter of life and death for millions. The agency warned against further fighting in Gaza and condemned the collective punishment of Palestinians. The UN officials provided briefings on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with over a million people displaced and thousands killed or injured, including a high number of children. The Security Council remains divided on the conflict, with calls for the release of hostages and the protection of civilians. The US emphasized the need to address the humanitarian crisis, affirm Israel's right to defend itself, and urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law. Israel rejected the focus on Palestinian civilians and refused to support a ceasefire, while Hamas' surprise attacks on Israel were denounced.