UN senior humanitarian coordinator for Gaza describes the Strip as 'hell on earth'

Sigrid Kaag, Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, addressed the press following her briefing to the UN Security Council on Monday (16 Sept). She described the Gaza Strip as “hell on earth” and emphasised the urgent need for aid to reach Gaza’s residents to ensure they can live with dignity. Kaag was questioned about her future role and the prospects for a ceasefire but expressed uncertainty. She clarified, “I did not speak about ceasefire or prospects of a ceasefire,” and noted that, without being part of the negotiations, she could not predict the likelihood of a ceasefire. Describing the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, Kaag observed that “every day that passes, life in Gaza is unlivable.” She highlighted severe impacts such as children being out of school and people living in tents, contrasting these conditions with those before 7 October. During the briefing, Kaag addressed the ongoing challenges in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, countering claims by the Israeli ambassador that enough aid and food were reaching the region. Kaag pointed out that while trucks may be arriving at Gaza’s border crossings, distributing supplies to the people remains a major issue due to ongoing fighting and logistical obstacles. “If we can't retrieve it due to lawlessness or evacuation orders, it doesn't really matter if it's at the border,” she said, emphasising that aid must be distributed within Gaza to be effective. Kaag also dismissed the notion that counting the number of trucks is a measure of success. “It's not about trucks. It's about what people need in its totality as fellow human beings,” she said. She stressed that current aid levels are far from adequate to meet people’s daily needs and allow them to live with dignity. Regarding her cooperation with the Israeli government, Kaag described the interactions as constructive. She reported receiving necessary facilitation, including meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his war cabinet. Kaag’s statements highlight the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ongoing challenges in providing effective aid and resolving the conflict.

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) released a report on Monday (16 Sept), detailing the severe impact of continued Israeli bombardments on civilian life in Gaza. The report highlighted critical shortages in medical supplies, with public health facilities in southern Gaza facing over a 70% shortage of vital health items. Restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities are exacerbating the crisis, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. In addition, the report noted that the scarcity of basic hygiene products is worsening the humanitarian situation. Community kitchens are struggling to clean cooking utensils, and shelters remain unclean, impacting personal hygiene and disease prevention efforts. Access constraints and ongoing hostilities are severely hindering the delivery of life-saving aid, with aid convoys facing attacks and delays. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that since the ongoing assault on 7 October, at least 41,118 Palestinians have been killed, including nearly 16,500 children. Additionally, over 95,125 people have been injured.